Snowboarding is one of the most thrilling and visually captivating extreme sports. When it comes to big air, riders have the opportunity to showcase their skills, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or someone looking to get into freestyle riding, understanding the best big air tricks is crucial for elevating your game.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best snowboard big air tricks, detailing how each trick works, the skill level required, and how they can add style to your ride. From spins to flips and everything in between, these moves are the ultimate goal for snowboarders looking to master the skies.
1. The Frontside 360
The frontside 360 is one of the most iconic tricks in snowboarding, involving a full 360-degree spin in the frontside direction. The frontside spin means that the rider rotates in the direction of the leading edge of the board.
How It’s Done:
Approach the jump with speed.
As you reach the lip of the jump, initiate the spin by twisting your shoulders in the direction you want to rotate.
Use the momentum from your body’s rotation to launch yourself into the air.
Complete the 360-degree rotation before landing.
Skill Level: Intermediate
The frontside 360 requires good timing and body control but is an achievable trick for riders who have mastered basic spins. It’s one of the most popular big air tricks because of how fluid it looks when done correctly.
2. Backside 720
For those looking to step it up from the standard 360, the backside 720 adds a double rotation. This trick involves spinning two full rotations, and as the name suggests, you spin in the backside direction, rotating away from your lead edge.
How It’s Done:
Approach the jump at an angle to gain a good edge hold.
As you hit the lip of the jump, initiate the backside spin by twisting your body in the opposite direction of your dominant leg.
Keep the rotations tight to ensure you land cleanly after two full spins.
Skill Level: Advanced
The backside 720 is a very advanced trick requiring strong aerial awareness, excellent rotational control, and precise landing technique.
Perfecting it can take a lot of practice, but it’s sure to make an impression in any competition or free ride session.
3. The Double Cork 1080
One of the most complex tricks in snowboarding, the Double Cork 1080 involves not only multiple spins but also flips. It’s a trick that combines a corkscrew motion with two full rotations.
How It’s Done:
Build up speed as you approach the jump.
Initiate the first spin (cork) by using your shoulders and hips, keeping your body compact as you twist through the air.
Perform the second cork in the air, allowing the momentum to spin you through 1080 degrees (three full rotations).
Land with precise control to maintain balance.
Skill Level: Expert
This is a trick that only highly skilled snowboarders can execute.
Mastering the Double Cork 1080 requires perfect timing, strength, and high-level aerial awareness. It’s a jaw-dropping move that has become a signature trick in competitive snowboarding, especially in the X Games.
4. The Method Grab
The Method Grab is a simple yet stylish trick that involves grabbing the snowboard mid-air while performing a graceful, spread-eagle pose. It’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing moves, combining style and control.
How It’s Done:
As you approach the jump, prepare for takeoff by bending your knees.
Upon leaving the lip, bring your knees up and grab the heel edge of your board with your leading hand.
Extend your legs outwards, creating a “method” shape in the air.
Hold the grab for a moment before releasing it to land.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
The Method is often used by more experienced riders, as it combines control with a visually appealing stance. While it doesn’t involve spinning or flipping, its clean execution is a hallmark of style in big air competitions.
5. The Rodeo 540
The Rodeo 540 is a unique trick that combines a backflip with a 540-degree spin. It’s a trick that requires solid aerial awareness and body control, but it adds a signature flair to any snowboarder’s repertoire.
How It’s Done:
Begin with an approach at a slight angle, building speed.
As you reach the lip of the jump, pull your knees towards your chest and initiate the backflip.
As you rotate, use your shoulders and hips to generate the 540-degree spin, landing cleanly after completing the rotation.
Skill Level: Advanced
The Rodeo 540 is not for beginners, as it involves flipping and spinning simultaneously. Riders must practice both aspects of the trick separately before combining them in the air.
6. The Switch Backside 900
The Switch Backside 900 is an advanced trick in which the rider spins three full rotations in the backside direction while riding switch (the opposite of their natural stance). This trick requires a lot of aerial awareness and practice to master.
How It’s Done:
Approach the jump in a switch stance to set up for the backside spin.
Just as you leave the jump, start the backside spin with your shoulders, generating momentum for the 900-degree rotation.
Ensure your rotations are tight and focus on spotting the landing to stick the trick.
Skill Level: Expert
Executing a Switch Backside 900 is a feat that requires significant skill, especially in spinning while riding switch. Mastery of this trick will distinguish you in any big air event.
7. The Cab 540
The Cab 540 is the frontside 540 spin done while riding switch. It’s essentially the reverse of a standard backside spin, and it adds a level of complexity by requiring the rider to be in an unnatural stance (switch).
How It’s Done:
Approach the jump switch (right foot forward for regular riders or left foot forward for goofy riders).
As you hit the lip, initiate the 540-degree spin by rotating your shoulders in the frontside direction.
Maintain a solid body position throughout the rotation and spot your landing for a smooth finish.
Skill Level: Advanced
The Cab 540 is a trick that requires switch riding skills and precise rotation. It’s considered a high-level move for riders who are looking to elevate their big air game with complex spins.
8. The Frontside Double Cork 1080
This is a variation of the Double Cork 1080, but with a frontside rotation. Riders perform two flips in the frontside direction while completing three full rotations. It’s one of the highest-difficulty tricks in snowboarding.
How It’s Done:
As you approach the jump, you’ll need to generate enough speed for the double cork flip.
The first cork is initiated by twisting your body, and as you complete one flip, you initiate the second cork.
Complete three full spins before spotting your landing and preparing for a clean touchdown.
Skill Level: Expert
The Frontside Double Cork 1080 is a signature trick in competitive snowboarding, with elite riders often incorporating it into their runs. Mastery of this trick demands exceptional control, aerial awareness, and body strength.
9. The Backside Triple Cork 1440
The Backside Triple Cork 1440 is one of the most mind-blowing tricks in snowboarding, involving three flips and four full rotations. It’s a move that requires a combination of extreme strength, timing, and skill.
How It’s Done:
With speed, approach the jump, preparing for multiple corks.
After takeoff, initiate the first flip (cork) and begin the 1440-degree spin.
Complete the second and third flips before landing cleanly.
Skill Level: Elite
The Backside Triple Cork 1440 is reserved for the most advanced riders, as the complexity and the sheer physicality required to land this trick make it one of the most difficult in the sport.
10. The Big Air Frontflip
The Frontflip is one of the simplest yet most impressive tricks in snowboarding. While it doesn’t require spins, it’s a thrilling move that involves flipping forwards off a jump, adding a unique element to any run.
How It’s Done:
Approach the lip of the jump with speed.
As you leave the jump, pull your knees toward your chest and initiate a flip by tucking your body.
Spot your landing after completing the flip, and make sure to land smoothly.
Skill Level: Intermediate
The Frontflip is one of the first flips that riders typically learn in big air, and its clean execution can look just as impressive as more complicated tricks.
Conclusion
Mastering snowboard big air tricks takes time, dedication, and a lot of practice. Whether you’re aiming to add spins, flips, grabs, or all of the above to your skill set, these 10 tricks represent the pinnacle of freestyle snowboarding. From the iconic Frontside 360 to the mind-blowing Backside Triple Cork 1440, these tricks will not only elevate your performance but also add significant style to your runs.
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