How to Spot a Halfpipe

So you can't tell a halfpipe from a tobacco pipe and you think a ramp is used for exiting the highway. If you aren't into extreme sports, then it's really no surprise this isn't common knowledge. No worries. The following steps detail exactly how to spot a halfpipe so you aren't left feeling clueless or out of your element. Chances are, once you see one you'll say "I knew that!"

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider your environment. A halfpipe is used as a ramp in extreme sports, like snowboarding, skateboarding and BMX freestyle. Today there are a lot of skate parks and rec centers that offer halfpipes for community use.
2. Note the general shape of the ramp. Halfpipes consist of two concave ramps that face each other. Imagine yourself looking into the opening of a pipe. Now cut the pipe in half so you have a semi-circle. This gives you a very general idea of the shape (the bottom rim is technically flatter to allow for a transition surface in between the two ramps). At the top of each ramp is a flat area called a deck.
3. Consider the construction materials. Most halfpipes are made of wood, but sometimes you might see one made of sheet metal. Snowboarding halfpipes are made with packed snow.
4. Flip on the television. During the Winter Olympics or the X-games, you can spot halfpipes being used in several competitions.
5. Look for tricks. Skateboarding and snowboarding tricks vary from vert style to aerial stunts, like grabs and spins.
6. Check out photos online. Go to to a Web site, like Skateboarding to see photos of skaters doing tricks on halfpipes.