bs 360 indy trick tip

a fs 360 indy is one of the smaller spin tricks out there and is pretty basic, but dont be fooled, perfecting this trick can be a doozy to some people. so this is a basic guide of how to perform this trick.
1.visualize doing the trick while looking at the jump, plan how you will approach it. make sure to have watched a couple of videos of this trick so your pumped to land it and have a clear image of what the trick looks like
2. just air over the jump a couple of times to get a feel of where you have to start from so you will definitly make the landing (you dont wanne hit the knuckle trying this). this will be where you will start from to try your 360 indy.
3. Approach the jump with good speed, make sure your knees are bent into a good crouch. as you approach the jump lean on your toes a bit.
4. use your arms and shoulders to prewind before you hit the tranny. when you reach the transition of the jump start a slight heelside carve to help with your rotation.
5. as you reach the lip of the jump huck your arms and shoulders out into a fs spin and look over your shoulder,where your head goes your body follows, this is key in all rotation and off axis tricks.( make sure to tuck your knees up to your chest to get a nice boxy stance in the air)
6. once you have spun about 90 grab an indy. hold your grab until you reach a 270 and look down between your bindings as you let go of your grad and spot your landing.
7. stomp it and go get high 5s from all your buddies because you have just landed a fs 360 indy!

The simple strategy for becoming a snowboard prodigy

I love the time of year when all the new snowboard videos are released and I get to see them first at the premiers in Whistler. It always blows my mind at how far snowboarding has come and the ability these riders today have. I once was curious about how the hell they got so good but after years of trial and error I think I've come up with a pretty good formula for developing this ability You see there are 2 types of riders. The first group of riders are 'naturals', these people perform and learn snowboarding quickly because of past sports, mindset, or a combination of the two. The second group have to work to develop great snowboard ability. The best part is even the naturals have to work and even if you have no ability whatsoever hard work will always pay off!
Whether you are in group one or two your ability is about to skyrocket. Sounds good right? Well I'm about to share with you a strategy you can learn to start programming all the tricks you want to learn this season right into the very core of your being, the trick will be ingrained into your muscle tissues and mind. Before you continue reading remember the following equation
NO WORK = NO IMPROVEMENT
SOME WORK = SOME IMPROVEMENT
LOTS OF WORK = LOTS OF IMPROVEMENT
You choose, all you need is about 20 minutes a day. Stay consistent and you'll blow your mind!
Ok now if you've read this far I'm sure you're ready for the formula, so here it is!
STEP 1 "BODY": You must have the right body and flexibility to perform hard snowboard tricks. You train hard for hockey, football, soccer, basically all sports. Why not for snowboarding?
Here is a circuit I invented to give you all the muscles you need. Perform each exercise for 30 seconds before moving on to the next
a) High Knees: Jump up and down repeatedly bringing your knees as high as you can into your chest.
b) Situps
c) Burpees: Jump in the air, then squat and kick your feet all the way out like a pushup, bring your legs back underneath you, and explode up again.
d) Running on the spot: bring your knees as high as you can with every stride and keep your hands up to your face.
e) Jump 360's: both pretending to go switch and regular jumping into the air spinning a 360 rotation focusing on technique of spin and exploding through your legs. This is kind of a down time, do your spins properly with style.
***** Stretch for 10 minutes full body before and after *******
Step 2 "FOCUS": In order to start learning both easy and difficult tricks you need to first develop the base layer of skills to build off. The way you do this is to mimic the tricks as much as possible whenever you can. For example if you're learning rail tricks set down a broom pretending it's the rail and focus on proper technique jumping into the board slides. If you're learning to spin jump spins at home focusing on technique frontside and backside switch and regular. MIMIC THE MOVES OVER AND OVER on and off the hill. You can butter most tricks on the hill and start on small features. Doing this allows your body to begin programming all the muscles of your body and builds muscle memory needed to go from landing the trick for the first time to doing the trick without even thinking about it. Watching snowboard videos and analyzing their technique is a great way to learn the correct technique.
STEP 3 "MIND": Have you every heard the expression sports is 90% mental and 10% physical? I believe that but for snowboarding it's 95% mental and 5% physical. It's all in your head! When you try your first 360 you deal with fear, when you stare down a handrail your heart starts to race, when you hit the first jump of the day, when you get in the zone, when you feel that you can land any trick you want. Snowboarding without a doubt is all mental. Now with that said how do you develop a strong mental game? The first step is to start visualizing your tricks. If you have never visualized before don't worry it gets easier with practice. You should also visualize your tricks in 2 ways the first is to see yourself perform the trick as if you were a spectator watching yourself. The second is to "feel yourself" do the trick. It is important in all visualizations to imagine yourself doing the trick perfectly each time. Visualize before you go to bed, in the car, on the lift, as much as you can, and most importantly before you try the trick you want to do.
This is merely a quick and simple outline for developing incredible snowboard ability. It is short and simple and extremely powerful. Snowboarding is all about having a good time so make your training fun too and enjoy your progression!
- Matt
Matt Belair is Professional Snowboard Trainer and Creator of http://www.SnowboardAcademy.com and http://www.SnowboardJedi.com
Currently living in Whistler, British Columbia, Matt teaches his unique 3 step snowboard training system and techniques for harnessing the power of the mind for snowboarding.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Belair

Keeping control on a snowboard

After many years of trial and error, I have found the 3 most important things to stay in control when snowboarding (and prevent people from bad-mouthing you) are:
1) Learn your dominant foot
This can be done one of two ways. If you are alone you option a; if you have company use option b
a. Sit down, stand up and take three steps.
b. Stand up and have someone push you (lightly)
Whatever foot you place out first is your dominate foot, this should be placed on the back end of the snowboard. AKA if you used your right foot first you are regular foot; if you used you left foot first, you are goofy foot. Many people begin snowboarding goofy foot (including me) because it feels more safe to have your dominate foot forward. It seems counterintuitive but your back foot is your dominate foot.
2) Keep your posture upright
It is often very easy when you start to lose control to lean low to the ground to stop. You actually gain more control by standing yourself upright and pushing down on the edge to create a 90 degree angle with the slope. Never lean low to the ground, you will lose control and wipe people out and they will get angry. Instead throw your shoulders back like your grandmom taught you and take control of your board.
3) Distribute your weight
At first, it seems right to place most of your weight on the back of the board because this is your dominate foot, but in reality you lose control by snowboarding this way. You should place about 70% of your weight on your front foot. The reason for this is it puts less weight on your dominant foot so you can swing the board around better and control your path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Ridout

Random tips and tricks to make everyday riding more enjoyable

Day at the Park -
1. Ride through the park once or twice and check out the take offs and landings. Know how fast you should be going to approach each feature to be able to completely execute your maneuver. By just doing basic straight airs, this will let you be able to view everything well and help you to know how much speed you will need.
2. Whether you start with frontside or backside spins is up to you. Backside 3's will allow you to see your landing. If you are going to land blindly, say a backside 180, keep your heel edge up so you don't catch it.
3. When jumping, keep your knees bent and stay low. A low center of gravity will make performing tricks easier, also look better. For a flat spin, you want your shoulders to stay level. When you rush your spin, there is a tendency to drop your shoulders which will cause you to go off axis. This may become a bad habit if you don't stay in control.
4. Before landing a spin, find your landing in the air by knowing where you are in your spin. When performing frontside 3's try to land on toe edge slightly. This will keep you from catching your heel edge and knocking yourself out also it helps stop rotation. Before trying 180's or 540's, where you land switch stance, make sure you can ride switch.
Ace Use Their Laces - Tying Your Boots Correctly
1. Keeping your laces tight around your ankles is of utmost importance to support your ankle so it cannot twist or turn. However, by loosening it up on the upper portion of your boot this will give you a softer feeling for more comfort.
2. If your boots are tied too tight around the lower foot, this can cut off circulation and cause your toes to get cold and numb. Remember, you want to stay comfortable for maximum riding pleasure and performance. Leave a little room for wiggling down there.
3. Don't put your boots on too early. You shouldn't have them on any sooner than when you are ready to strap in for your first chair. If you put them on too early, your feet will sweat and then stay cold the rest of the day which is no fun. Cold, wet feet are miserable.
4. Don't be afraid to change the way you tie throughout the day. If you are just goofing around on the trails, buttering and nose pressing etc., keep them a little loose. If you want to shred the trees and powder, tighten them up for maximum response. Tie it, try it, and see how it feels.
Who Said Waxing is Only for Girls? - Waxing Your Board
1. There are a few things you'll need for waxing your board: an iron (don't try to iron clothes with it after you are done), wax (all condition wax is most beneficial), scouring pads, and a plastic scraper.
2. If you have a garage or shed, this is a good place to wax as it can get a little messy. Make sure to leave the doors and windows open for ventilation.
3. Scrape off old wax from your base, and if you have base cleaner hit it with that as well, though not necessary. Set iron temperature in the middle (maybe silk, synthetic fabric setting). If melting the wax creates a lot of smoke, it is too hot. Put wax to the iron and drip it all over the base not to forget the nose and tail.
4. Place iron on the base and smooth out wax drips, keeping iron moving to spread wax evenly. Allow wax to dry for about 30 minutes or more. Once dry, scrape wax until there is a thin layer on the base. Use scouring pad and buff off any excess wax. Repeat scraping and scouring until smooth.
"The Life & Times of Timothy MacAlistaire", Timothy MacAlistaire, 2008http://gapercentral.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_MacAlistaire

How to perform handplants

Doing a handplant to impress your friends can be a awesome trick, however you are going to need some upper body strength to perform this maneuver not too mention some patience. A good place to start practicing is on a quarter pipe due to the fact that they are generally smaller than half pipes thus not hurting as bad when you fall.
Performing a Handplant -
1. If you have a quarter pipe that is seldomly being ridden, it will be a good place to start practicing handplants. With a quarter pipe you can approach it flat based where as with a half pipe you will more than likely find yourself on toe or heel edge.
2. Have an adequate amount of speed coming to the quarter to perform a small backside air. As you come to the lip, begin transferring weight to back foot and pop a little while placing your hand where your board just broke contact with the snow.
3. With your hand planted you want to concentrate on staring down the transition of the pipe not at your board as you will probably fall and look ridiculous.
4. Tuck your knees while inverted so you won't be supporting so much weight with such a great distance from the snow. With your free hand perform a melon grab, which can more easily be acheived.
5. After the grab, let your board come back down in front of you, perpindicular to the lip or the quarter.
6. Once your board has made contact with the ground again, push your body up with the handplanted arm and straighten up to ride away. Don't be discouraged if your first two or even 20 handplants look like messed up cart wheels. This trick requires a little bit of upper body strength not to mention a lot of practice. Don't give up, you will get it soon enough.
"The Life & Times of Timothy MacAlistaire", Timothy MacAlistaire, 2008
http://gapercentral.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_MacAlistaire

Cheap snowboarding gear

What's the deal with cheap snowboarding gear? Is it even worth buying cheap snowboarding gear? These are some questions that you might be asking yourself when shopping for new equipment. Nobody wants to spend a fortune shopping, but snowboarding in general is an expensive sport. You have to have snowboard pants, a jacket, gloves, goggles, snowboard boots, bindings and a snowboard. And if that wasn't already enough you have to buy a lift ticket. Like I said snowboarding is an expensive sport, but there are ways to save some money buy buying cheap snowboarding gear.
First of all lets quickly acknowledge the difference between cheap and expensive snowboarding gear. Materials are the only difference, shapes and styles are often the same, but the expensive gear is made with better materials and better materials are more responsive and last longer.
SO...when and where is it o.k. to buy cheap snowboarding gear?
I can tell you that buying a cheap snowboard is o.k. A cheap snowboard should cost somewhere between $250-$350( sometimes even cheaper depending on certain discounts found at online snowboarding stores). Going cheap on a snowboard doesn't really make such a huge difference unless you are dropping big lines. Cheap snowboards are a lot softer which makes it easier to learn how to make turns if your a beginner, and if your an intermediate rider trying to get better by doing tricks having a softer board will help.
One place you don't want to go cheap is on your bindings. Cheap bindings will break easily, especially if the temperatures get cold. You should spend a minimum of $150 on snowboard bindings( you can find good bindings for cheaper buy shopping at online snowboarding stores because they sell last season's top of the line gear at really discounted prices, just make sure the original retail price was about $150).
If your a beginner you don't want to go too cheap on your snowboard pants because you will be spending a lot of time on your butt and you want pants that have enough water-proofing to keep you dry all day long. Check the pants water-proof ranking. A water proofing of 7,000-10,000mm will be enough, unless your riding in the Northwest where you will need 10,000-20,000mm water proofing due to the high moisture content of the snow.
Buying cheap snowboard boots is kind of hard to call because some people will tell you never get cheap boots, but i say if you are only planning on snowboarding a few times a year then it is o.k. to buy cheap snowboard boots. Cheap boots should cost around $100-$120(sometimes cheaper online).
As for your goggles, jacket, and gloves it is easy to save money because it's not necessary to have the most expensive. Just be aware of the weather conditions you will be riding in because you don't want cold wet hands. If you are riding in the northwest you should consider a gore-tex glove. If you are riding in the northeast consider a mitten-style glove, they are much warmer.
Obviously this article is not for everyone. If you are an experienced rider you already know what you like and how much it's going to cost you, but for the beginner and intermediate rider knowing when and where to save money by buying cheap snowboard gear might be the deciding factor between years of riding verse giving it up due to the high cost.
I don't want anyone to give up snowboarding, it's the greatest sport. It's unfortunate that many people will never really get into it because of the cost. Hopefully, though, the information in this article will help you save some money.
Online snowboarding stores are usually the best place to find high-quality snowboarding gear for cheap. They always sell last season's expensive gear for cheap. Sometimes they even have brand new gear from 2 years ago that is still the same as today, just different logos...BUT for 70% off. They also carry the current seasons gear with better discounts then at local shops.
Here is a link to a snowboarding website that has collected a list of online snowboarding stores that you can shop at and save money. Click here for the online snowboarding store directory
Hope this information has been helpful.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Clemmer

snowboarding and sports psychology- the inner game

Mental preparation and rehearsal has become a major part of all sport in recent years. It's not to be dismissed as some dark art or mystical fad. If anything, for snowboarding and other extreme sports some mental rehearsal is even more important than for activities you might associate this with.
For a beginner to snowboarding a key tip is to prepare yourself mentally for the strange environment you will find yourself in. Many beginners have fear of falling over and either injuring themselves or just looking stupid! By spending some quiet time in mental preparation you will genuinely have a greater confidence which will lead you to balance, move and generally perform better.
At the recent Olympics you will have seen many athletes going through some rituals of preparation before their race or event - be that on the track, in the pool or on horseback. Modern advances in fitness training, nutrition and general wellbeing have levelled the playing field and for serious competitors much of the training now takes place in the mind long before the event.
Former world motor racing champion Damon Hill was a great believer in these techniques and would famously complete his race in his head before even starting the engine of his car! He invested time leading up to an event to mentally rehearse and imagine steering every twist and turn of a track. As a snowboarder you can apply the same technique. As a beginner use mental rehearsal to imagine yourself confidently gliding down the slopes and imagine how good this feels. For more advanced snowboarders this tip can help you to progress to success in complex tricks and moves.
You will literally program your mind to achieve greater balance, speed and style and in the process find increased enjoyment when you get out on the snow for real.
Jon is an experienced snowboarder and helps beginners and advanced boarders alike to achieve greater performance http://www.squidoo.com/snowboarding-tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Mainwaring

Top 5 snowboarding destinations

Snowboarding trips are ever increasing in popularity and it is ten years since strapping a plank of wood to your feet and looking cooler than a skier became an official winter sport. So if you're planning on hitting the slopes this winter, before sorting out the travel insurance and packing your sun screen, here are the top five snowboarding destinations.
5: Tignes. Situated in Eastern France near Val D'Isare, this resort was heavily developed in the 1960s and the buildings certainly reflect that. Tignes is home to the Grande Motte glacier which has receded at a rate of more than 25 metres since 1982 but is still open for skiers and boarders alike for most of the year.
4: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. At the foot of Mont Blanc lies Chamonix. The popular resort is also home to the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world, which rises 1035 metres to 3842 metres up the impressive Aiguille du Midi. The area has been a tourist destination since the 19th century but still draws the crowds because of its diversity of runs including the Vallee Blanche glacier, Les Planards and the off-piste run The Pas du Chevre.
3: Sankt Anton am Arlberg. St Anton is a village in Western Austria on the Rosanna River and was the host of the Alpine World Skiing Championships in 2001. The resort boasts an amazing 260km of pistes and many bars and pubs to relax in between runs. The area has a long history in winter sports, and there have been skiing teachers resident even since before the First World War.
2: Banff. There are three resorts to choose from in Alberta's Banff region, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Mount Norquay. Famous for its Champagne Powder snow, Sunshine Village encompasses three mountains and is about 15 minutes drive from Banff town. A little further - about an hour - is Lake Louise, a more quiet and romantic setting and suitable for all level of riders. Mount Norquay is considered more challenging and has been skied upon since 1926.
1: Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler and Blackcomb used to be two respective resorts but became fully integrated in 2003. This means that the area is now the biggest resort in North America with 8,171 hectares of terrain and more than 200 trails. The 2010 alpine events of the Winter Olympics are due to be held in the area and the area is well developed with 7 hotels and has been ranked No. 1 ski resort in North America by SKIING Magazine for 12 years in a row.
Finally, for all those going snowboarding this winter, remember to take out adequate travel insurance.
Buy cheap travel insurance from Post Office®; single trip and annual multi trip travel health insurance offering you comprehensive cover with a range of additional options.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_John_Martin

Preparing for your snowboarding vacation

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next snowboarding vacation:
Packing
Let's face it, it's not easy to pack a suitcase or duffel with several days or a week's worth of winter clothing. Winter clothing tends to be bulky and therefore takes up much more room than just t-shirts and shorts. You'll want to pack wisely to avoid having to take two suitcases and to avoid leaving something important behind. Make sure to pack clothing that won't get wrinkled easily. Also, instead of packing bulky sweaters, consider some lighter weight options that will keep you as warm as a thick sweater. Long underwear, thermals and layered clothing are better options. Don't forget to pack all the accessories you will need for your snowboard, as well as any safety gear such as helmets, braces and goggles. One way to maximize the space in your duffel bag or suitcase is to roll your clothing instead of laying it all flat out. Rolling will help you pack more densely. Think about whether the resort is a casual resort or whether you will be going to a fancy event or dinner. Can you leave the little black dress or suit and tie behind?
Travel
The two most important considerations when planning your snowboarding vacation are the destination or resort and the date. Do you prefer less crowded slopes? Then you don't want to plan your vacation around popular weekend holidays like President's Day or around the major holidays like Christmas and New Years. The slopes will simply be more crowded around these times. If the only dates you will be available fall around these holidays, make sure to book your hotel and transportation well in advance to avoid higher prices and possible sellouts. If you don't mind crowds and higher prices, than just about anytime is good. However, if you're looking for a deal and less crowded slopes, then consider booking an early to mid week vacation in early December or January. March and April also tend to have good deals and less crowded slopes due to the season beginning to come to an end in most areas.
Destination
Choosing a good destination is another extremely important consideration. Is there a resort near you? There may be a perfectly good resort for snowboarding within just a couple hours drive from your home. This is the case for residents of Southern California, where there are several popular resorts in the inland mountains, such as Big Bear, Snow Summit and Mammoth Mountain. However, if you're nowhere near the snow, you may need to take a plane or a make a long road trip to find good snowboarding.
Check Gear
Don't forget to check all your gear before your head out the door. Each item should be in working order, test it out first to be sure. Put on your boots and bindings to make sure nothing has shrunk or broken. Test out your safety gear as well. You'll want to be able to make any necessary repairs or additional purchases before you leave on your trip.
Apparel
Do you have a set of snowboarding apparel that you like to wear? You'll want to check out everything before you leave, checking for holes, tears and anything that may have changed. Maybe you gained or lost a few pounds since your last trip? Having apparel that fits properly is an important part of safety on the slopes.
Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, offering ski goggles, snowboarding goggles and sunglasses for everyday. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lydia_Quinn

how to maintain your snowboard

If you want to keep you snowboard in great shape during the snow season and beyond, here are 5 great tips to help keep your snowboard ready when you are.
1. After every snowboarding session, make sure to repair any scratches or nicks on your board as soon as you can. This will prevent any further damage of your snowboard and dramatically increase the life of your board. You can find repair kits at your local board shop or online.
2. Whenever possible, sharpen the edges of the snowboard so you can turn on a dime and be ready to handle even the most challenging conditions. You can use a board sharpening tool they sell at board shops or have the job done professionally.
3. Heat your board to clean off your old wax and then resurface your snowboard with a fresh coat of wax regularly. Remember, there are two kinds of waxing - hot and cold. Use the hot wax method when your board is feeling sluggish, while cold waxing can be used before every shred session. Wax makes your snowboard much more effective on the snow and will protect the board from all the friction the snowboard generates from making contact with the snow.
4. Make sure to bring a towel with you every time you snowboard. When you finish you session, make sure to completely whip down your board and bindings to prevent water damage and to extend the life of you board. If you keep your board dry, it will last much longer than if you never wiped it down.
FindingSnowboards.com was created with one goal in mind: help snowboarders find the perfect snowboarding gear. Whether you're looking for snowboards, goggles, or jackets, we'll introduce you to hundreds of products to choose from.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Cho

Snowboarding in utah- Great places to go snowboarding

Utah has thirteen world-class ski resorts that boast the "Greatest Snow on Earth." Ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains receive up to 500 inches of dry, fluffy snow that lends itself to some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the world. The Great Salt Lake is the direct reason for the quality of snow found in Utah. It creates a weather phenomenon known locally as the "dreaded lake effect." Salt water does not freeze so during Utah's winters, cold air settles over the lake. There, the air is warmed by the lake's temperature. As the air warms, it rises over the peaks of the Uintas along the Wasatch Front, where it cools and sends flurries of snow into the canyons. This creates optimal snow conditions for snowboarding in Utah.
Snowboarding in Utah is restricted at Alta Ski Resort, one of only a handful of resorts nationwide that have placed restricitons on snowboarders. Alta's sister resort, Snowbird does allow snowboarders. There are runs that link between the two resorts, so if you are a snowboarder, be sure to follow Snowbird's runs to avoid being banned at Alta's lift lines.
Northern Resorts:
You may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access some of these resorts in January. Make sure to place chains on your tires before heading up Logan Canyon.
Beaver Mountain in Logan - A beginner-friendly resort.
Powder Mountain in Ogden - This resort as the most acres of any resort in America with over 5,500 acres and a half-pipe.
Snowbasin in Ogden - Has a Superpipe for snowboarders.
Wolf Mountain near Stoddard - Far away from Salt Lake City and is less crowded than other Northern Resorts
Central Resorts:
Ski resorts are found in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon and up Parley's Canyon. All of these canyons are extremely dangerous to drive in the winter. Your best bet is to park in one of the parking lots at the bases of these canyons and take the bus to the resorts. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and all of the Park City resorts have on-site lodging.
Brighton in Salt Lake City - This is the best snowboard resort near Salt Lake City. Has a popular half-pipe.
The Canyons in Park City - Six half-pipes for boarders. Upscale and pricey.
Deer Valley in Park City - Prices here are good for locals.
Park City - Intermediate runs for snowboarders.
Snowbird in Salt Lake City - Don't buy the AltaSnowbird One Pass if you're a snowboarder. Alta is forbidden to boarders.
Solitude in Salt Lake City - An average resort with two high-speed lifts.
Southern Resorts
Brian Head is near Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon. If you get a chance, make sure to drive by and take a look at the scenery. You can find lodging for Sundance in Midway or Heber City.
Sundance in Provo - One of the prettiest places to shred.
Brian Head in Cedar City - This is the only resort in Southern Utah.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about snow boarding in Utah, please visit Snowboarding Today Site for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Pan

an mp3 player can be your best friend while snowboarding

Music, who would have thought that just some simple notes for instruments and creative lyrics could help to alter people's mind sets or mood. Music has been in existence since the beginning of time and continually gets better and more definitive for every generation. Singers and songwriters can use it to help tell stories or help to set a certain tone for example in movies. As the audience, we respond differently depending on the genre of music we listen to or the atmosphere being listened in. Using your mp3 player while snowboarding is no different. It can help you relax so you can perform tricks easier or just help you concentrate in the competition you are about to compete in.
If you do not agree with this, just look how many professional athletes carry their portable music devices everywhere they go whether training or on a long flight or bus ride. Next time you walk down the street, notice how many people are listening the their "playlists" whether on their Ipod of from their cell phone. Music is everywhere, so why not use it while snowboarding to help calm you while carving the pipe or shredding the powder in the trees?
Everyone's taste in music is personally their own. I suggest the night before you go riding, load your mp3 player with various genres of music and see what your mind and body respond to the best while on the mountain. Different things help different people, so just because your friends are listening to hard rock doesn't mean that you can't listen to classical for example. This is why music players have ear phones, so they are personal listening experiences. I can almost guarantee that once you try snowboarding with music, you will never leave your player behind again.
However, as with many electronic devices, the batteries are sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Make sure your unit is fully charged before you go out, and try to keep it in the warmest area of your clothing. This will help ensure longer battery life, but also protect the player if you happen to wipe out. Many newer snowboarding jackets have built in pockets specifically designed for mp3 players. These pockets are easily accessible whether you have your gloves on or not, and the majority have head phone cord holders to keep your cord out of the way.
If you are interested in buying a new snowboarding jacket with an mp3 pocket, checkout Gaper Central's snowboarding gear catalog.
For more snowboarding tips and snowboarding tricks, visit my website Gaper Central.
"The Life & Times of Timothy MacAlistaire", Timothy MacAlistaire, 2008
Snowboarding Gear Catalog

snowboarding history and tips

Snowboarding is a newer sport that offers pure enjoyment to its riders. A beginner might be frequently frustrated, but once the basics are learned, snowboarding is a sport that can be enjoyably ridden at any level. It has evolved greatly over its short existence to levels that will remain only a dream to some. Since skiing preceded snowboarding, there are always going to be some social differences, whether serious or joking, over the affect one has on the other.
Snowboarding History
Snowboarding originated, believe it or not, in the 1920s when a man cut a piece of plywood and slid down a hill on it, using horse reins to control the board. The major developments came in the 1960s with "snurfing." Snurfing was invented by a man in Michigan who screwed two skis together for his daughter as a Christmas present. Later in the 1960s and 70s, snowboarding began as an industry and the sport took off. Ideas developed from skateboarding and even sliding down a hill on a cafeteria tray!
In the 1970s, snowboarding changed hugely. From the 1980s through to modern day, snowboarding progressed to become a multi billion dollar technology industry. Ski resorts all over the country and the world have adapted to this sport, with a few struggles along the way. It seems that skiers and snowboarders don't always see eye to eye and conflicts resulted where skiers believing snowboarders were hogging the slopes. Prejudice saw snowboarders as thugs who skateboarded and surfed during the summer and snowboarded during the winter. It wasn't until 1989 that major resorts start allowing snowboarders to ride their lifts.
Snowboarding Tips
A few tips for the beginning snowboarder can help to ensure the most enjoyment possible.
Take a lesson. Even if you're not a beginner, lessons never hurt.
Figure out if you are goofy foot or regular. This involves which foot is the downhill foot when riding. If your right foot is in front, you are goofy footed; if the left, then you're regular footed.
Learn how to fall. This will prove to be important in the first few days of boarding!
Feel your edges. Learn how to fluidly ride toe and heel-side edges. Then connect these two edges to create a fluid S shape.
Practice! Only practicing makes personal perfect styles. Snowboarding is a sport that any age group can enjoy anywhere! Whether it's riding your local sled hill, 12" of fresh powder in Jackson Hole, loving the Midwest ice, or heli-skiing in Alaska, this sport can be enormously gratifying.
Author: Barbie Bowen. Get more snowboarding tips, find out what equipment you need and how to pick what is best for you, learn about avalanche danger, how to avoid them and what to do if you are in one. Go to our site: http://www.picssnowboarding.com.
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choosing a snowboard

When choosing a snowboard you need to know what to look for. Why does one brand work better than another. Why do prices differ from one board shop than another? Should I let price matter? What if I buy and not like the board?
Unless you have money to burn your best bet is to find a shop that will rent you a board with the understanding that if you don't like it you can walk without obligation, but if you do like it then the shop will deduct the rental fee from the retail price.
Do not be in a hurry. Rent a few different boards. Try to get the feel of each one. Make a real effort to resist buying and do not get caught up in the hype. Every board manufacturer will tell you their boards are better. That is human nature at work. Remember, graphics do not make the board better.
The one point you really must understand is this. Nearly every board is made the same way. The core is wood. It's covered on top with fiberglass and the bottom is plastic. That is all there is to it.
Sure, some manufacturers spend more time sanding, painting, designing and applying nice graphics. Some also spend a fortune on advertising material, but when it comes right down to it, one board is about the same as the next.
The most important factor in the equation is how does the board feel to you on the snow.
Choosing a snowboard means all of the above PLUS trying it out on the slopes. Experience the feel for yourself. Do not believe the advertising hype because most of it is a play on words. In the long run, you and you alone will decide what you want and feel.
When you enter a snowboard shop or an on-line shop the first thing you will notice will be the tremendous variety of boards available. Name brands such as Burton, Abbigliamento, DC, Dragon, Gnu, K2, Roxy, Salomon and dozens of others fill the walls. If you question the clerks and ask for their opinion of the different boards you will get the impression that they must spend all of their time testing every board out on the hills. If truth be known, they will probably have one board they use personally. The rest of the information they will pick up from brochures and advertising material.
Choosing a snowboard is a matter of elimination.
By trying a board you will either like it or love it. Compare the stiffness of one against the other.
Do not skimp on the bindings.
You bought a great board but fitted it with a cheap binding. Big mistake. Advances in binding manufacturing have resulted in equipment that will last for years. Nothing will wipe you out like having that cheap binding give out, ruining a day of what should have been perfect boarding. Now it is back to the shop, buying the more expensive binding. Why not do it all once. Buy the best you are able to afford.
Once you have purchased the board and those great bindings get out there and try it out. Be sure to check how the board and bindings are working together, sort of as a team would do. The employees at the shop are usually very helpful. Do not hesitate to return for binding tweaking.
So there it is. Choosing a snowboard need not be a tough task. Be aware of the pitfalls of paying too much for a fancy board. The cheap one will do just as good a job for you. Place the dollars on the bindings and really enjoy your days on the trails.
Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website http://www.whistler-outdoors.com/ is a must visit for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.
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how to perform spins on snowboard

Frontside 180 -
1. Before attempting any spin, just practice popping off the jump and get a feel for the landing. You may want to practice riding switch so after you spin you will land regular ensuring better balance for your landing. 2. After figuring out which direction you want to jump, regular or switch, just do it. Once you pop off, spin your front foot backwards while pulling your back foot forwards. Make sure you have enough rotation and air to be able to completely spin 180 degrees. 3. Land with knees bent and board facing downhill. If your upper body is not all the way rotated that is okay. When your board touches down put a little weight on your heel edge to stop the momentum from spinning. Regain balance and control, then ride away.
*Note: A backside 180 is the exact opposite of mentioned above. Spin front foot forwards while pushing back foot backwards.
Switch Frontside 360 -
1. Before trying a switch three, you will need to have a grasp on frontside 180's. The technique is exactly the same except you spin 360 degrees versus 180. 2. Have plenty of speed when coming to the lip of the jump. When there, start rotation with upper body and pop off your heels. Spin front foot backwards while pulling back foot forwards. Knees to chest, you can possibly perform a grab as well. 3. Remember you will be landing switch, so be comfortable with your spin around 270 degrees and start looking for landing. Now is the time to release the grab if you performed one. 4. Land flat based with both feet and ride away switch stance.
Backside 540 -
1. The prerequisites for backside 5's are being able to successfully execute a backside 360 and backside 180. Again, you want to be comfortable landing switch and keeping your balance. 2. Set up by approaching the lip of the jump as if you were carving on your toe edge slightly. Keep weight on your toes staying low and prepare upper body to initiate the spin. 3. As your board leaves the lip, pop off your toes starting rotation with your shoulders and head. Remember which direction you are spinning (front foot goes forward and back goes backward for backside spins), rotate your board following your head and shoulders. 4. Tuck your knees to your chest and perform a grab (if you want) as soon as possible while looking over your trailing shoulder. 5. Once you've completed one full revolution, glance at your landing zone and make any final decisions in the last 180. 6. After one and a quarter spins (450 degrees), release your grab and lower your legs. Making sure to keep your knees bent a little, land flat based both feet. Once the landing is complete, ride away fakie and scream for joy as you just performed your first backside 540. Be sure to continue practicing until you nail it every time.
"The Life & Times of Timothy MacAlistaire", Timothy MacAlistaire, 2008 http://gapercentral.com
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getting started with snowboarding

If you are thinking about getting started with snow boarding then it really does not have to be as difficult as you are probably imagining. For a start, you can be sure that whatever you are planning to do you can be sure that as soon as you hit the slopes you will almost certainly enjoy yourself. When I was younger I always thought that it would be a really hard thing to get started with, but boy was I wrong. However, what I have to tell you is that I recommend you get lessons first, rather than just hitting the slopes with no idea of what you need to do.
Getting lessons booked does not have to be that difficult. All you need to do is speak with your local snow boarding slope and you can be sure that they will put you in touch with a snow boarding instructor in your area that would be glad to help you out. This may cost anywhere from around $35 an hour, but you can get them even cheaper, if you get group lessons. Group lessons means that more than one person learns at the same time, and it really is a very simple thing to do. I had my first lesson from a friend, however I would always recommend that it is best to get professional lessons from a man or a lady that is a professional snow boarding instructor. You can be sure that they have been teaching snow boarding for some time, and they are not only good at snow boarding, but also have a better idea of how to communicate to a learner.
Many people ask me what they need to buy when they are first starting snow boarding. The answer is that you probably need to buy nothing if you have the right kind of gear in your wardrobe. For those of us that are just getting started it is best to rent out the gear from your local snow boarding slope. A lot of places will do this for free when you pay a rate to actually use the slope. The reason for this is simple; when you are first learning how to snow board you may not enjoy it that much. If you do not enjoy it or decide not to take it any further, think of how much money you will have wasted on a snow board and related stuff. That is why you need to think about ways that you can practise without buying things up front.
It is important that you get the correct clothes for going to the slope. Even if it is your first time! What I recommend is that you simply must wear gloves, and the thicker the clothes the better. You should really be wearing water proof gloves but if it is your first time, then there is no point splashing out money on a fancy pair of gloves that you are never going to need in the future. This is just common sense. What I also recommend is that if you have any water proofs wear them to go on your snow boarding lesson. If you wear them then you will have a great advantage over the competition. The fact is that even if you are wearing clothes that are warm, they will soon become cold once the start getting wet. Despite this you should still wear warm clothes, unless you want to feel cold out their on the slopes. Another thing that is vital is sun glasses. You will find that when you are on the slopes you can find it very challenging to board when you have the sun in your eyes, another issue is that if the sun reflects off the snow then it can blind you if you are not wearing appropriate UV protected sun glasses.
All I have to say is that I am sure that you will enjoy yourself. Go out their and learn to snow board!
To get your snowboarding life off to a flyer see http://wanttolearnhowtosnowboard.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bell

snowboard boots- how to select the perfect pair

Snowboard boots are one of the few necessary pieces of equipment for this particular winter sport. In addition to this, they are the direct interface between the rider and the board. This equipment allows an individual to effectively transfer his or her weight to move, turn and accelerate while snowboarding. The comfort, fit, and particular traits of a boot style will greatly affect the snowboarding experience.
These boots work along with bindings which are used to lock them into place. They are heavily insulated and waterproofed in order to protect the feet of the rider from both the wetness and the chill of the snow. Of course, a rider must make sure he or she is strapped well into the boots to avoid allowing snow to enter them.
Even beyond sizes, there are many different styles of snowboarding footwear available for use. While some boots are very stiff, others are much softer. The stiffest boots are typically made of plastic materials. These are often used by those who race or do a lot of carving on mountains because they offer a lot of ankle support and control.
Most of the boots that are manufactured are soft. They are more or less made in the same styles as their everyday counterparts with materials like leather, synthetics and padding. However, just because the boot is soft, this does not mean that it cannot offer support as well.
Most freestyle snowboarders will use softer varieties simply because they allow for more freedom and flexibility when going down the mountain.
In addition to being a necessary form of board attachment, snowboard boots are designed for convenience in a few other ways. One of the features included with most of these boots is that they are insulated. This means that snowboarders do not need to wear layers of socks that can decrease foot sensitivity. Rather, they can rely on the insulation in the boots and keep their feet free to guide them down the hill.
Although some boots use shoelaces, these are less effective at keeping the boot on snugly. The best way to keep a good, reliable fit is to use a boot that features a lacing reel. In this situation a cable is used as opposed to laces. There is a small wheel located on these styles as well. As the wheel is turned, the tension from the boot increases; they are quickly able to fit well onto the feet of a person as a result. This is a fit that cannot be duplicated by traditional laces. For this reason, most boots now have reels on them.
When trying on these boots, it is important to remember that they need to fit exactly right. Trying to save money by buying a boot on sale that is a little too big or a little too small is unwise. A person cannot effectively control his or her snowboard unless he or she has an exact boot fit.
The size of a boot might also determine the size of a snowboard as well. For example, a person who has a large foot and must wear large boots often needs a snowboard that is a little wider to be able to accommodate his or her feet.
When trying on boots, it is also a good idea to pay attention to how quickly they can be put on and taken off. Dealing with snowboard boots that have insulation which comes out when the foot is taken from the boot can decrease the enjoyment of the sport.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on recreational equipment, parenting, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on snowboard equipment, please visit Snowboards, supplier of information about snowboard boots and other snowboard gear.
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