How to Aproach a Jump on a Snowboard

Hitting that first jump on a snowboard can be intimidating. You've just gotten past falling several times on every run, and now you're going to take it to the air where the risk for injury is even greater. It's important to approach the jump with confidence and see it through. While how well you do and how good you look will really be up to you, getting the correct approach will give you the best chance for success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step 1

Snowboard down the slope like you ordinarily would. Keep your knees bent, and carve from side to side. You'll want to maintain control, but you also need to keep up speed so that you have enough speed to launch off the jump and stick the landing. The higher the jump and larger the gap, the greater your speed will need to be.

Step 2

Straighten your snowboard out so that you're pointed in the direction you want to jump as you get within 5 feet or so of the jump. You should have the board flat without either edge carving into the snow. You want to hit the jump head on without carving one way or the other. Keep your weight planted on your back foot with your knees bent.

Step 3

Ride up the slope of the jump while continuing to keep the board straight and flat.

Step 4

Spring forward from your back knee to initiate your air at the peak of the jump.

Step 5

Keep your weight centered or slightly back while in mid-air. You don't want all your weight forward or you will likely head plant; too far back and you'll slide out onto your butt. Keep the board pointed straight down the fall line when preparing to land.

Step 6

Touch down with the center of the board maintaining your balanced weight, and keep the board pointed straight down the fall line. Land flat on the base without digging in either edge. Absorb the impact with your knees. Allow the board to hit the snow and get back into snowboarding position, continuing down the hill.

Tips & Warnings

Snowboarding is all about progression. Begin on a small jump, and only progress to larger jumps as you gain comfort and skill. Though it may be frightening, be sure to maintain your confidence. If you panic and try to pull out of a jump at the last minute, you're likely to go off the jump wrong and injure yourself. After one or two tries, you'll realize that it isn't so difficult after all.

Snowboarding is all about progression. Begin on a small jump, and only progress to larger jumps as you gain comfort and skill.

Though it may be frightening, be sure to maintain your confidence. If you panic and try to pull out of a jump at the last minute, you're likely to go off the jump wrong and injure yourself. After one or two tries, you'll realize that it isn't so difficult after all.

Snowboarding is a dangerous sport, and jumping increases the danger. Wear a helmet to protect your head, and always ride within your ability. Always check out a new jump before going off it. Scope out the landing, and mentally prepare for your line.

Snowboarding is a dangerous sport, and jumping increases the danger. Wear a helmet to protect your head, and always ride within your ability.

Always check out a new jump before going off it. Scope out the landing, and mentally prepare for your line.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

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