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How to Make a Homemade Snowboard Rail

How to Make a Homemade Snowboard Rail
Snowboarding is a sport with possibilities for casual and hardcore followers. If all you want is to cruise down gentle slopes, there are plenty of opportunity to do so. However, those who get into the snowboard culture often find themselves pursuing the more freestyle elements of the sport. There's no better way to learn some of the sport's basic tricks than to build your own grind rail.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • PVC Pipe (3) Elbow Bends (2) PVC Glue PVC Primer Sand Bags Dirt Concrete Post Diggers Shovel
  • PVC Pipe (3)
  • Elbow Bends (2)
  • PVC Glue
  • PVC Primer
  • Sand Bags
  • Dirt
  • Concrete
  • Post Diggers
  • Shovel
Step 1
Cut the PVC into three pieces. Two of the pieces should be cut to two feet. The final piece will be your rail and can be as long as you would like, eight feet being a minimum length.
Step 2
Join each of the two-foot lengths to each end of the rail. Begin by first rubbing primer on each end of the rail. Then apply the PVC glue and attach the elbow bend to the end of each rail. Make sure the elbow bends both point down in the same direction. Once the elbow bends are attached, add the two shorter lengths with additional PVC primer and glue. Allow to dry overnight.
Step 3
Align your rail on the hillside. The perfect rail location will be steep enough to build up speed. However, you don't need too much momentum for a solid grind. Point the rail facing downhill. Be sure to pick a placement that doesn't mess with other riders.
Step 4
Dig holes where the shorter PVC beams meet the ground. Use the post hole diggers to create a six-inch to one-foot-deep hole on each side.
Step 5
Mix the concrete and fill the holes. Stick in your two rail posts and allow to harden. Once dry you'll have a rail permanently in place.
Step 6
Add a build-up to your ramp using sand bags. Use a shovel to fill the bags with dirt. You'll want a smooth build-up to the rail itself and sloping piles on each side of the rail. The rail should still rise six inches or so over the sand bags, forcing you to practice mounting the rail by jumping.
Step 7
Cover the whole setup in snow. You now have a completed rail ready for a 50-50 or a rainbow slide.

Tips & Warnings

 
Always wear a helmet when grinding rails.

Resources

Article Written By Louie Doverspike

Based in Seattle, Louie Doverspike has been a professional writer since 2004. His work has appeared in various publications, including "AntiqueWeek" magazine, the "Prague Post" and "Seattle Represent!" Doverspike holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hamilton College.

Write for Trails.com

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