Introduction to Snowboarding

Snowboarding is often grouped in the same category of sports as skiing, as they both take place on the snow. However, in reality it shares a far greater likeness to surfing and skating, and it was these two sports which lead to its creation. It is one of the newest sports around, being approximately only 40 years old, but this has not affected its popularity. Its reputation and lifestyle has taken off with full force, leading it to become one of the most glamorous sports in existence today.

In 2000 it was the fastest growing sport in America, making it truly a sport of the 21st century, and today snowboarders make up a huge 25% of all winter sports participants. Classified as an extreme sport, the daredevil character of those who participate in it has come from the recent emergence of competitions for the sport. These, like skating, often include using structures on which tricks are performed.

With this board sport, the rider descends down snow-covered mountains on the board, or takes part in numerous tricks and stunts. An expoxy-fibreglass board is attached to the rider’s feet by straps, and they then manipulate gravity in order to ride it down the mountain or slope. Nearly all ski resorts in the world are now open for snowboarding, bar four, making it a sport that can be enjoyed year round.

The main principle of the sport if to get the board to carry you down the slope, whilst you maintain your balance. Unlike as is done with skis, the rider moves their weight from their heals to their toes, as well as from one end of the board to the other, in order to ride it more effectively. The mechanisms enable the rider to move slower or faster, and to help them manipulate their direction. To stop the board, the rider has to push their heels or toes down hard in order to dig the edge of the board into the snow.