The Thrills & Spills of Extreme Snowboarding


by Toby Russell - Date: 2007-01-06 - Word Count: 470 Share This!

For the More Advanced

Extreme snowboarding is a type of free ride snowboarding that is conducted over rough terrain. It frequently encounters obstacles such as ravines, cliffs, rock gaps, deep snow and many other types of obstacles one would find in a mountain environment. Extreme snowboarding is often tackled by riders with some advanced experience after they have already mastered such beginner opportunities as marked trails and gentle slopes. Backcountry snowboarding is often conducted in the wild and frequently has no patrols, lifts or other modern conveniences. This type of environment is often well suited for the aerial stunts and rides that many advanced riders like to perform. The extreme terrain of this type of snowboarding can also certainly add an element of thrill and risk.

In most cases extreme snowboarding is conducted on a vertical slope that exceeds 45 degrees. Because of the mountainous terrain the rider will need to contend with deep snow, trees, chutes, cliffs and many other environmental obstacles. Some of the best and most well known extreme snowboarding locations include Suisse, featuring a 1600 m drop as well as the Pas de Chevre in Aiguille des Grands Montets at Chamonix France; which sports a 1500 m vertical drop. Experience is vital

If you are considering extreme snowboarding be aware that it is usually best to get some experience first. It is also important to make sure you are in good physical as well as mental shape. You should also be very familiar with avalanche safety and rescue standards due to the chance of this in many mountainous terrains. Riders who are proficient at extreme snowboarding often have excellent technical ability, speed and finesse.

THE Competition Places

Riders who are up for a competitive edge may wish to check out the extreme snowboarding competition held in Valdez, Alaska. Here, riders compete for the World Extreme Snowboarding Championship title. Riders can do either freestyle or downhill. Riding downhill features a 4000 foot vertical run with gullies, wind lips and rollers. The competition also includes one inspection run and two times runs. With freestyle riding there is a 3000 foot vertical run that features small cliffs, cornices, wind lips, rolls, natural half pipes, an inspection run and two judged runs.

There is also an Extreme Skiing and Snowboarding Competition held in New Zealand. This competition is mainly geared for riders who are attracted to the double black diamond terrain, both challenging and risky. This competition is widely considered to be one of the toughest in New Zealand.

Extreme snowboarding judges primarily look for five factors. These include line, control, fluidity, style and aggressiveness. Riders who are participating in extreme snowboarding competitions are required to wear specialty equipment such as helmets, avalanche transceivers and climbing harnesses. It is also advisable for competitors to have sufficient knowledge to be able to accurately judge mountain and avalanche conditions.


Related Tags: snowboarding, skiing, board, extreme sports, wakeboarding, snowboarding gear

Toby Russell & his website http://www.knitting4beginners.com aims to offer simple advice and help for those starting out in the hobby of knitting.

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