How to Do a McTwist on a Snowboard

Mike McGill invented the McTwist in the early 1980s. He used the McTwist in a public competition in 1984 at a skating contest held at the Del-Mar Skatepark. The McTwist mixes together a Backside 540, a mute grab and a front flip during the one trick. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Warm up for the McTwist by practicing the different elements of the trick on an early run. Do a few 540s and front front flips with a mute grab.

Step 2

Use the ride to the top of the half-pipe as an opportunity to go over the trick in your mind and picture yourself performing the various elements needed. Move your muscles slightly to simulate the moves as you picture the trick in your mind.

Step 3

Gain some serious speed before dropping into the half-pipe.

Step 4

Drop into the half-pipe and guide your board to the opposite lip.

Step 5

Crouch down low on your board at the bottom of the halfpipe and pick the spot you launch off of on the approaching lip. Do not take your eyes off the spot you will use.

Step 6

Distribute your weight evenly on both legs at the bottom of the pipe.

Step 7

Extend your legs slowly as you move up the transition and prepare to jump up off the lip. You are creating more momentum for the trick.

Step 8

Lower your head and front shoulder (left for regular, right for goofy) as soon as your front foot clears the lip.

Step 9

Jump up off the lip to do a front flip, crouch down and grab the board with a mute grab.

Step 10

Twist your body around right after starting the front flip to get the 540 twist.

Step 11

Look for and focus on a landing spot as soon as possible.

Step 12

Stick the landing and get in line for another run.

Tips & Warnings

You will need a maximum amount of air to do the McTwist. Gather all of the speed you can muster and still stay in control.

Visualize doing the McTwist in your mind before you strap on the snowboard. You need to know exactly what you are doing at each phase of the trick.

Don't even attempt this trick unless you are an accomplished snowboarder and can land the 540 without a problem.

Make sure you wear a helmet and other pads when learning the McTwist because you will fall hard and often. Try to relax your body to absorbs falls.

How to Do a McTwist on a Snowboard courtesy of eHow.com

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...