How to Skiboard

Tendai on Flickr

Skiboarding is a new fad using a board shaped like a thick ski. These skiboards are usually 80 to 120 cm long. The bindings on these boards are in-line rather than parallel to one another, freeing the rider to do a number of tricks distinct to skiboarding, including twisting a 360 while on the ground and traveling downhill backward.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step 1

Find a board between 70 and 90 cm in length, or whatever size is recommended to accommodate your weight. You can ask a snow gear salesman for assistance finding the best fit. Consider renting or borrowing if you are unfamiliar with the sport.

Step 2

Use release bindings, if possible. Skiboarding is more dangerous than skiing or snowboarding, and using release bindings will prevent you from being injured by your board when you fall and begin tumbling downhill.

Step 3

Schedule an appointment with a skiboarding instructor to learn proper skiboarding form. This will increase your learning rate and educate you on the risks of skiboarding and how to avoid hazards and injury.

Step 4

Walk to the top of a gentle slope and strap into your skiboard. Put your weight on your front foot to start moving and practice balancing as you ski down the hill.

Step 5

Find a flat or slightly inclined surface to practice balance and tricks. An advantage of skiboarding is that you can switch your orientation from frontward to backward while moving on the ground. Once you are moving, try spinning as far as you can, beginning the momentum with your upper body and using it to pull your legs and hips around.

Tips & Warnings

Shorter skiboards will be tougher to balance on, but they are easier to perform tricks with. Many seasoned skiboarders use boards less than 70 cm long.

Always wear a helmet when skiboarding.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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