How to Catch Air on a Snowboard

Here's the most basic way to get airborne on a snowboard' your first step toward flying the friendly skies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Clothing
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Hats
• Snowboards

1. 
    

   Approach the bump you'll use to catch air. Keep your knees deeply bent and your upper body relaxed.

2. Compress as you reach the bump.

3. Spring up just before you reach the top of the bump.

4. 
    

   Draw your legs up evenly as you leave the ground.

5. Keep your board pointed forward, level and directly underneath you.

6. 
    

   Extend your legs (back foot first if you've caught big air) as you come back down.

7. 
    

   Compress again when you return to earth to absorb the landing.

Tips & Warnings

• Start out small and work your way up. No use in trying the 90 meters your first time at it.
• Make sure you can see the landing area so you don't run into anyone.
• Snowboarding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 When you're in the air, try to keep the board even, because if you're turned or your board is tilted in the air you will most likely bif it.

on 11/22/2005 When first taking a jump, you will probably go fast enough to clear the top. Go too slow, and you'll end up nose diving off the jump. A medium speed will get you started, but the flat landing will be jarring. Once your confidence is up a bit, find out the right speed to land on the downward side of the jump. The landing will be so much smoother and easier on the knees. You'll be able to last longer on the slopes the easier you are on your body.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you relax, and don't freak out in the air. If you do, you could end up with a twisted ankle or worse.

on 11/22/2005 In the air, if you are having trouble with your nose being higher than your tail (and the tail barely clears the ground), try to do a grab. The best grab I know of for leveling out is done with your back hand grabbing your back foot. A friend told me to do it, and it worked pretty well.

on 11/22/2005 Stay as low to the board as you can when you jump. This will help you keep your center of balance while in the air. Just stay relaxed and stay low and you should have no problem at all.