How to Make a Snowboarding Kicker
Snowboard kickers, or ramps, are a staple of sport. Getting huge air off a kicker to pull exhilarating tricks is a major aspect of what makes snowboarding such a thrilling sport. The most important aspect of building a good kicker is selecting an ideal location. Building the jump itself isn't rocket science by an means, but finding the right spot for it can be tricky. Fortunately most slopes have ample room to explore in search of the perfect place to build a legendary kicker.
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Instructions
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Scout the mountain for an area suitable for a kicker, near the top or middle half of the mountain. Look for three primary criteria: a steep slope which will help you gain plenty of speed without having to hike far up the mountain to repeat the jump; a run out into a short flat, or flatter, section to give yourself a chance to check your speed and balance before hitting the jump; and a continuation of the downhill slope after the short flat section to help make the landing smooth and soft.
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Thoroughly examine the landing area for hidden debris beneath the snow such as tree stumps or boulders. Check the snow depth at the landing area by probing it with a collapsible snow shovel. To prevent injury, find another landing area if it has exposed debris and less than a few feet of snow.
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Make a large pile of snow at the edge of the flat section with a collapsible snow shovel. Pack the top, back and sides of the snow down as you pile it up to make a sturdy ramp with your snowboard. Make the pile as high as you want the jump, remembering that you will get considerable air just by virtue of the speed gained during the approach.
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Smooth the top of the kicker out with the edge of your snowboard to create a gradual takeoff with no sudden transitions. Reinforce the sides of the kicker with extra packed snow to prevent it from collapsing under weight.
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Test the ramp by taking a few jumps. Readjust the angle, add more snow to make it larger, or take snow off to make it smaller if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
You can stick two boards vertically in the snow and pile snow over top of the to build a more solid kicker, but dragging the boards up the mountain might will make your trip less comfortable.
Sprinkle a little sea salt over the kicker to help it compact a little more, making it more longer lasting.
Never set up a ramp in an avalanche zone; always check the avalanche report for the mountain range you're playing in before going out for a ride.
Always wear a helmet while riding, especially if you plan on hitting a jump. A bad landing could result in serious injury if your head isn't protected.
References
Resources
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