The
Complete
Book of
SNOWBOARDING
K. C. Althen
CHARLES E. TUTTLE COMPANY
Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo, Japan
Published by the Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc. of Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo, Japan
Copyright© 1990 by Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc.
All rights reserved
Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 90-70431
International Standard Book No. 0-8048-7035-7
ISBN 978-1-4629-1801-0 (ebook)
First Printing, May 1990
Cover photograph by Gwyn Howat
Designed and produced by Robinson Book Associates
Typeset by Kriff Creative Services
Printed in the United States by Thomson-Shore, Inc.
Foreword
The phenomenal growth of snowboarding is just beginning. What was once just a sport for a few pioneers has become an addictive lifestyle for thousands. All it takes is one ride through a virgin field of powder and you’ll be hooked on the greatest adrenaline rush on earth. Snowboarding represents an ultimate expression of freedom and power.
Snowboarding is drawing skateboarders, skiers, sailboarders, and surfers to the hills to carve on winter’s endless snow-covered waves and is proving itself to be a safe, easy-to-learn sport. In just a few short days you’ll be able to master the basics of the sport and hit the slopes with confidence.
The Complete Book of Snowboarding takes you to the mountains and prepares you like a pro. Whether exploring the hills of your local resort or riding a helicopter to the top of an untamed peak, the adventure of snowboarding makes life more rewarding.
Fran Richards
Trans World SNOWboarding
WARNING
There are risks involved with all sports, including snowboarding. Any person should be cautious when undertaking this activity. This book is not intended to be the only source of information for those wishing to pursue the sport of snowboarding. By the use of this book, the reader hereby releases the author, publisher, and distributor of The Complete Book of Snowboarding from liability for any accidents, injury, death, or loss suffered.
Acknowledgments
This book has been a group effort from all sectors of the snowboarding community. In the earliest stages, Georgia Lomax and John McGinnis showed the need and the possibilities for writing a book such as this.
A large questionnaire survey provided information on experiences common to snowboarders everywhere. I received information from beginners through national champions. This information included tips on equipment, learning to snowboard, and how to do tricks. A separate survey from snowboard manufacturers produced a similar abundance of information.
Many people helped by reviewing various sections of the book. Special thanks must be given to Fran Richards (TransWorld Snowboarding magazine) and Dean Jones III. (Midwestern Snowboard Association) for reviewing the section on learning how to snowboard. Scott Downey (Sims Team) helped sort out much of the original material in the freestyle section. Jeff Van Kleeck (Mount Baker Hardcore), David DeMaio (United States Amateur Snowboard Association), and Dave Redman (Team Extreme) also helped review later versions of the advanced and freestyle sections. The equipment sections were meticulously reviewed by Mike Olson (President, Gnu Snowboards), Peter Saari (Product Development, Gnu Snowboards), Dennis Jensen (Production Manager, Mistral Snowboards), and Chris Sanders (President, Avalanche Snowboards). In addition, Dr. Jasper Shealy (Rochester Institute of Technology) and Dr. Edward Pino (Oregon Health Sciences University) reviewed the safety section.
In spite of the efforts of these experts to keep me on the straight and narrow, any mistakes are my responsibility.
Those involved in evaluating the complete draft include Kevin Kinnear (Editorial Director, TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine), Fran Richards (Marketing Manager, TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine), Frank Penzes (Editor, Snowboarders Edge magazine), Kevin Duncan (President, North American Snowboard Association), Chuck Allen (President, United States Amateur Snowboard Association), and John McGinnis (Burton Team).
Other people and organizations that deserve special note include: Paul Alden (Burton Snowboards), Zeno Beattie (NAS-TAR), Chris Copley (Burton Snowboards), Neil Daffern (Storm Snowboards), Gil de la Roza (formerly with International Snowboard magazine), Kevin Delaney (Sims Team), Debbie Hendrickson (formerly with Sims Snowboards), Ellen Holmes (Burton Snowboards), Eileen Hughes (Fanatic Snowboards), Miki Keller (Sims Snowboards), Dave Kemper (Kemper Snowboards), Laura Knapp (Look Snowboards), Philippe LeMay (SLM Canada, Inc.), Steve Link (Summit Snowboards), Karen Mott (Kemper Snowboards), Colin Sander (Storm Snowboards), Salina Sialega (TransWorld SNOWboarding magazine), Chris Stoddard (United Ski Industries Association), and Brent Turner (K2 Snowboards).
Finally, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that the photographers deserve a round of applause: Glenn Daugherty, Joe Dockery, Andy Geiger, Trevor Graves, Gregg Ledge, Mike Hatchett, Gwyn Howat, Andrea Mellman, Hubert Schriebl, Greg Sheahan, Trent Roden, Brad Steward, Jim Ullrich, Jeff Van Kleeck, and Rod Walker.
K. C. Althen
Contents
| Introduction | |
| 1 | Getting StartedWhy Snowboard?Can I Do It?What Do I Need to Get Started?Lessons |
| 2 | First RunsSetting UpLaunchingEdging (Sideslipping)Golden Rule of SnowboardingFallingTraversingTurningStopping |
| 3 | About Ski AreasKnow Your Trail Marking SymbolsKnow Your MountainSkier’s Responsibility CodeThe Snow FactorSnowboarding at Ski AreasSome Final Safety ItemsSki Lifts and Snowboards |
| 4 | Getting HotCarving and High SpeedsDeep PowderMogulsIceExtra-Steep SlopesAlpine RacingGetting AirTricks |
| 5 | FreestyleSome DefinitionsOn the SlopesOff the JumpsIn the Halfpipe |
| 6 | About EquipmentSnowboard DesignSnowboard ConstructionTuning Your BoardBootsBindingsAccessories |
| AppendixesA—Back Country ConsiderationsB—Snowboarding HistoryC—Who SnowboardsD—SafetyE—Organizations Related to SnowboardingGlossaryIndex |
Introduction
This book has something for anyone who wants to play in the snow. Which of the categories below matches your attitude about snowboarding?
Semi-Interested. If you are just curious about snowboarding, not really sure you want to try it, and think the investment of time and effort might not be worthwhile, the following few pages will give you a balanced overview of the sport.
Warning: Contents are contagious
Eager to Try It. The first chapter, “Getting Started,” gives you all the information you need about equipment, with special emphasis on selecting a rental snowboard. If you have never visited a ski resort or taken lessons before, you will also find some important information on these topics. After that, the chapter, “First Runs,” gives you step-by-step instructions that will teach you how to become a full-fledged snowboarder. Self-taught snowboarders usually have a very difficult time. But if you take it step by step, as outlined in the text, you will find that learning to snowboard can be surprisingly simple.
Dedicated