Snowboarding

Snowboarding

Snowboarding established itself as a winter sport in the 1970s. The original goal was to be able to practice the movements of surfing and skateboarding in winter too. Snowboarding primarily demands endurance and speed. A good sense of movement and dexterity (ability to balance, react and adapt) are also required. As with alpine skiing, good fitness is an important requirement and requires targeted training.

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• Snowboarding styles
• Techniques in snowboarding
• The right equipment

Snowboarding styles

Snowboarding is practiced in different styles. In alpine snowboarding, the focus is on swinging and skiing at high speeds. Carving is also possible on hard slopes thanks to the extreme use of edges. Jumps and tricks characterize freestyle snowboarding. Halfpipes (semi-tubular routes), quaterpipes (steep walls) and ramps (jumps) are prepared and natural terrain formations are used. In backcountry riding, as with ski tours, the ascent is done on your own, for example with snowshoes or split boards and climbing skins. Then you ski down in deep snow in unsecured terrain. This type of game requires alpine experience and appropriate endurance. When freeriding alpine and freestyle snowboarding is combined during one descent.

Techniques in snowboarding

The movements in snowboarding are based - similar to skiing - on sliding, edging, turning and keeping your balance. The binding angle allows a more or less inclined position on the board. You have to find out which standing position is most comfortable through a few experiments. A binding angle of 45 degrees at the front and 40 degrees at the back is often recommended for beginners. In alpine snowboarding the binding angle is steeper (feet more in the direction of travel), in freestyle snowboarding it is flatter (up to 0 degrees). In the "goofy" position, the right foot is in front in the direction of travel, in the "regular" position the left foot is in front.

The right equipment

Snowboard: Different snowboard models are available depending on ability and area of application. The main types are:

• All-round boards are designed for all types of snow and snowboard styles and are easy to turn due to the low tension. The symmetrical construction is medium to strong waisted, the nose (tip) has a large blade radius.
• Alpine boards have a high preload, a small tip radius and a long edge; they are characterized by extremely smooth running and directional stability.
• Freestyle boards are easy to turn. A wide binding stand allows more freedom of movement and control when reversing and jumping.

Snowboards are strapped to the foot with a lanyard (also suitable for carrying) or secured with a board stopper.

Shoes, bindings: Hard boots with a plate binding are suitable for beginners due to the direct power transmission and are used for alpine snowboarding. Soft boots and soft bindings are ideal for freestyle snowboarding.

Clothing: Jackets and trousers made of breathable and waterproof material are particularly suitable. Pants with reinforcements in the knee and seat area offer special protection. Gloves with wrist protection are important.

Snow goggles or sunglasses protect the eyes and ensure good vision.

Helmet and back protector help prevent injuries in the event of a fall.