How to Make a Backyard Snowboard Jump
If thoughts of hitting kickers in a seamlessly manicured snowboard park keeps you up at night, consider crafting your own snowboard jump. With an ample amount of snow and a some valuable scraps from a construction project, you can create a snowboard jump in one afternoon. Making a jump in your backyard will keep the thrill of endless winter fun alive and save your wallet from expensive lift tickets. Once it's completed, daily maintenance with a snow rake is all it takes to restore your hit after a hard session of riding. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Snow
- Sloping backyard
- 2 sawhorses
- Wood screws
- Snow shovel
- Old picnic table
- Half-sheet of 1/2-inch plywood
- Old cooler or large Rubbermaid bin
- Snow rake
Instructions
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1
Locate the best area in your yard for the jump.
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2
Construct the drop-in ramp. Place a half-sheet of plywood on top of two sawhorses, securing it on either end with the wood screws. Lean an old picnic table lengthwise against the plywood platform so that it forms a ramp onto the yard.
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3
Shovel several inches of snow onto your platform and ramp. Pack it down and rake it to create a uniform surface.
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4
Decide on the jump location. Make sure there is enough of a run-in to gain ample speed.
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5
Build the jump by burying an old cooler or a large Rubbermaid bin in the snow. This provides structure for the lip of your hit.
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6
Pile the snow in front and on top of your buried cooler or bin. Pack it down and allow it to set overnight.
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7
Shape your jump by carving the transition, or takeoff ramp, out of the set snow. Make sure the transition is gradual enough for good jump execution.
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8
Ride your creation a few times, noting any areas that need more work. Fine-tune it by adding or removing snow.
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Tips & Warnings
When selecting the placement for your backyard jump, make sure it has an ample slope and a good snow pack and is free from obstacles, such as trees.
If your snow surface is sticky and is slowing you down, use a garden hose to gently sprinkle some water onto the drop-in ramp and slope. Rake it and let it set overnight.
Be realistic about the types of tricks you can perform on your backyard jump. Small kickers don't allow enough air-time for technical spins or flips. Trying advanced maneuvers could result in injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
