Air to Fakie
Any trick where the wall is approached riding forwards, no rotation is made, and the snowboarder lands riding
backwards.
Alley oop
A term used to describe any maneuver in the halfpipe where one rotates 180 or more degrees in an uphill direction; that
is, rotating backside on the frontside wall.....or rotating frontside on the backside wall.
Alpine Snowboarding
Similar to "Alpine skiing" this term is simply used to describe riding recreationally.....most often at a ski resort.
Andrecht
A rear handed backside handplant with a front handed grab.
Backside
The backside of the snowboard is the side where the heels rest; and the backside of the snowboarder is the side to
which his/her back faces.
Backside Air
Any air performed on the backside wall of the halfpipe.
Backside Rotation
Rotating clockwise for a regular-footer......and rotating counter-clockwise for a goofy-footer (e.g.. backside 360) note:
When riding switch-stance the exact reverse applies and a regular-footer will rotate counter-clockwise and a
goofy-footer will rotate clockwise.
Backside Turn
A turn where the heel edge faces to the outside of the turn while the snowboard is riding on the toe edge. In other
words, a right turn for a regular-footer and a left turn for a goofy-footer.
Backside wall
When standing at the top of the halfpipe and looking down towards the bottom, the backside wall is the left wall forr
regular-footers and the right wall for goofy-footers. If you ride straight down the center of the halfpipe your backsidee
wall is behind you.
Bevel
The degree of angle to which the edges of a snowboard can be tuned. Snowboards used for racing and carving should
have a greater bevel than say a snowboard used in the halfpipe.
BFM
See Elguerial
Blindside
A term given to any rotation where the snowboarder has oriented themselves "blind" to their takeoff or landing and must
stretch to look over their shoulder. Such a technique usually increases the difficulty. (e.g. A backside alley oop air is
often harder than a frontside alley oop air because it is blindside).
Boned
A term used to explain the emphasis of style in a trick. In other words, if someone "boned out a method" they would
grab hard and create an emphasis of the maneuver such that his/her legs or arms may appear extended or stretched to a
maximum degree. To "Bone" means to straighten one or both legs.
Bonk
The act of hitting an object with the snowboard.(eg. A tail bonk could be hitting the halfpipe lip with the tail of the
snowboard).
Caballerial (Cab)
A trick which begins fakie, spins 360 degrees, and lands riding forward. Named after skateboarding guru, Steve
Caballero. Also see Half-Cab and Gay Twist
Canadian Bacon
The rear hand reaches behind the rear leg to grab the toe edge between the bindings while the rear leg is boned.
Cant
A term used to describe the angle at which either foot is positioned medially or laterally from a vertical axis. In other
words, how much angle beneath your feet from side to side bends your knees together or apart.
Chicken Salad Air
The rear hand reaches between the legs and grabs the heel edge between the bindings while the front leg is boned. Also,
the wrist is rotated inward to complete the grab.
Coping
A reference to the edge of the lip which runs the length of a halfpipe wall.
Crail Air
The rear hand grabs the toe edge in front of the front foot while the rear leg is boned.
Crippler
An inverted aerial where the snowboarder performs a 180 degree flip. In other words, the athlete approaches the wall
riding forward, becomes airborne, rotates 90 degrees, flips over in the air, rotates another 90 degrees, and lands riding
forward.
Crossbone Method Air
A Method Air where the back leg is boned.
Crooked Cop Air
Free riding version of the mosquito air. see Mosquito Air
Disaster
A lip trick where one gets "hung up" on the coping, most often with the board perpendicular to the coping.
Double Grab
Basically, doing two separate tricks while in the air. One goes off of a jump, grabs the board one way, then grabs it in
another way, then lands.
Duckfoot
A term used to describe stance angles with toes pointing outward......like a duck.
Effective Edge
The length of metal edge on the snowboard which touches the ground; it is the effective part which is used to make a
turn. Therefore, it does not include the edge of the tip and tail.
Eggflip
An Eggplant where the athlete chooses to flip over in order to re-enter the pipe instead or rotating 180 degrees. Thus,
this trick is performed forward to fakie......or switchstance (fakie to forward).
Eggplant
A one handed 180 degree invert in which the front hand is planted on the lip of the wall and the rotation is backside.
Elgeurial(BFM)
An invert where the halfpipe wall is approached fakie, the rear hand is planted, a 360 degree backside rotation is made,
and the rider lands going forward.
Eurocarve
A term used to describe a certain mode of riding in which the rider makes large and hard cutting turns; usually getting
way up on the edge and leaning the body parallel to the ground. Certain equipement may also be associated with the
eurocarver....such as hard shell boots, plate bindings, and certain clothing.
Fakie
A term used to describe riding backwards. see also Switchstance
Fall Line
The path of least resistance down any given slope.
Fat/Phat
A term used to describe how cool something is... Like a "Fat Air" might be a really styled out trick as well as being
"large", that is, very high.
Flat Bottom
The area in a halfpipe between the two opposing transitional walls.
Flatground
Term used to describe tricks performed on a flat slope without obstacles. (e.g. nose slide, blunt slide, tail wheelie, etc...)
Freeriding
Snowboarding on all types of terrain for fun...no contests, no halfpipe, no gates, no rules, etc...
Freestyle Snowboarding
The kind of snowboarding which is mostly associated with riding the halfpipe, but which may also be used to describe
any type of snowboarding which includes tricks and maneuvers.
Fresh Fish Air
The backside version of the Stale Fish. see Stale Fish
Front Hand
The hand closest to the nose of the snowboard. In other words, the left hand for regular footers and the right hand for
goofy footers.
Front Foot
The foot mounted closest to the nose. A regular-footer's left foot and a goofy-footer's right foot.
Frontside
The frontside of the snowboard is the side where the toes rest; and the frontside of the snowboarder is the side to which
his/her chest faces.
Frontside Air
Sometimes called the "Frontside Indy" the trick is best described for its' grab. The Indy grab is with the rear hand
between the bindings on the toe edge; in this particular maneuver the front leg is boned. Also..... it can be any air
performed on the frontside wall of the halfpipe.
Frontside Rotation
Rotating counter-clockwise for a regular-footer......and rotating clockwise for a goofy-footer (eg.frontside 360) note:
When riding switch-stance the exact reverse applies and a regular-footer will rotate clockwise and a goofy-footer will
rotate counter-clockwise.
Frontside Turn
A turn where the toe edge faces to the outside of the turn while the snowboard is riding on the heel edge. In other
words, a left turn for a regular-footer and a right turn for a goofy-footer.
Frontside Wall
When standing at the top of the halfpipe and looking down towards the bottom, the frontside wall is the right hand wall
for regular-footers and the left hand wall for goofy-footers. If you were to ride straight down the center of the halfpipe
you would be facing your frontside wall.
Gay Twist
A trick which spins 360 degrees and includes a grab. Also see Caballerial and Half-Cab.
Goofy Footed
Riding on a snowboard with the right foot in the forward position. In other words the right foot is closest to the nose,
furthest from the tail, and in between the left foot and the nose.
Grab
To grab either edge of the snowboard with one or both hands.
Grind
To slide with the board parallel to the coping. Also see 50/50.
Half-Cab
Cannot be performed in the half pipe. It is the freeriding version of the Caballerial in which one rotates 180 degrees from
fakie to forward off of a straight jump. Also see Caballerial and Gay Twist.
Halfpipe
A snow structure built for freestyle snowboarding. It consists of opposing radial transition walls of the same height and
size. Snowboarders utilize the halfpipe to catch air and perform tricks by traveling back and forth from wall to wall while
moving down the fall line.
Handplant (Backside)
A 180 degree handplant in which both hands or the rear hand may be planted on the lip of the wall and the rotation is
backside.
Handplant (Frontside)
A 180 degree handplant in which the front hand is planted on the lip of the wall and the rotation is frontside.
Handplant (Layback)
A 180 degree handplant in which the rear hand is planted on the lip of the wall and the rotation is frontside.
Heel Edge
A snowboard has two different edges. The heel edge is the one at which the heels rest.
Ho Ho
A general term given to any two handed handplant, or a way to say Merry Christmas.
Hucker
One who throws himself/herself wildly through the air and does not land on his/her feet.
Iguana Air
The rear hand grabs the toe edge near the tail.
Indy Air
A true "Indy Air" is performed backside with the rear hand grabbing between the bindings on the toe edge while the rear
leg is boned. The term "Indy" may also be used to simply describe the location of the grab.
Invert
A trick where the head is beneath the board and the snowboarder balances on one or two hands.
Inverted Aerial
A maneuver where the snowboarder becomes airborne and upside down at any given moment.
Inverted 180
see Crippler
Inverted 540
see McTwist
Inverted 720 (720 McTwist)
An inverted aerial where the snowboarder performs a 720 degree rotational flip. In other words, the snowboarder
approaches the wall riding forward, becomes airborne, rotates 720 degrees in a backside direction while performing a
front flip, and lands riding fakie.
J-Tear
An invert where the athlete rotates roughly 540 degrees in a frontside direction while planting one or both hands on the
lip of the wall. Invented by Mike Jacoby.
Japan Air
The front hand grabs the toe edge in front of the front foot(mute), both knees are bent, the rear leg boned, and the board
is pulled to the level of the head.
Jib
Describes a type of riding which most closely resembles street skating. "Jibbers" commonly slide rails, bonk trees, and
perform flatground tricks.
Judo to Frigid Air
Grab the board with your lead hand and kick-out your foot in stylie judo air.Now it get tricky. You have to
thread the needle and pull it through to a frigid-air position.
Kicker
A name for a jump ramp. Kickers usually have the property of throwing you up into the air rather than giving
you distance.
Late
A term used to describe incorporating something into a trick just before its' completion and landing. (eg.. A
Method to Late 180 would mean doing a method air and at the last possible second rotating 180 degrees and
landing fakie).
Leash
A retention device used to attach the snowboard to the front foot so that it doesn't run away.
Lien Air
The front hand grabs the heel edge and the body leans out over the nose. Invented by skateboarder Neil
Blender.
Lien Method Air
A cross between a Method and a Lien.
Lip
The top edge portion of the halfpipe wall.
Lip Trick
Any trick performed on or near the lip of the wall of the halfpipe.
McEgg
An invert where the athlete plants the front hand on the wall, rotates 540 degrees in a backside direction, and
lands riding forward.
McTwist
An inverted aerial where the athlete performs a 540 degree rotational flip. In other words, the athlete
approaches the halfpipe wall riding forward, becomes airborne, rotates 540 degrees in a backside direction
while performing a front flip, and lands riding forward.
Melonchollie Air
The front hand reaches behind the front leg and grabs the heel edge in-between the bindings while the front
leg is boned.
Method Air
The front hand grabs the heel edge, both knees are bent, and the board is pulled to level of the head.
Miller Flip
An invert where the halfpipe wall is approached riding forward, the front hand is planted, a 360 degree
frontside rotation is made, and the rider lands riding fakie.
Misty Flip
The freeriding version of the McTwist. It is a partially inverted 540 degree front flip that is performed off of
a straight jump and which may be performed from forward to fakie or from fakie to forward.
Mosquito Air
The front hand reaches behind the front leg and grabs the heel edge between the bindings. The front knee is
then bent to touch the board .....tuck knee style.
Mute Air
The front hand grabs the toe edge either between the toes or in front of the front foot.
Nollie
Much like an Ollie only you spring off of your nose instead of your tail. See Ollie.
Nollie Frontflip
Springing off of the nose while going off of a jump and leaning forward, allows you to do a frontflip.
Nose
The front tip of the snowboard.
Nose Bonk
To hit an object with the nose of the snowboard.
Nose Grab
The front hand grabs the nose of the snowboard.
Nose Poke
Any maneuver where you bone your front leg and "poke" the nose of the snowboard in a direction away from
your body... ....usually while grabbing. (eg.. Indy nose poke).
Nose Slide
To slide along the ground or an object solely on the nose of the snowboard.
Nose Tap
See Nose Bonk
Nuclear Air
The rear hand reaches across the front of the body and grabs the heel edge in front of the front foot.
Ollie
A method to obtain air without a jump by first lifting the front foot then lifting the rear foot as you spring off
of the tail.
Palmer Air
A kind of method where the grab is near the nose, the board is pulled across the front of the body, and the
nose is pointed downward.
Phillips 66
An invert where the athlete approaches the halfpipe wall riding fakie, plants the rear hand on the lip of the
wall while doing a "front flip" and lands in the transition riding forward.
Pop Tart
Airing from fakie to forward without rotation.
Quarterpipe
A halfpipe with only one wall.
Rail
There are two rails on a snowboard; each comprised of a sidewall and an edge.
Rail Slide
To slide the rails of the snowboard onto almost anything, other than a flat slope. Some good rail sliding
surfaces include: fallen tree branches/logs, the coping of a halfpipe, a picnic table.
Rear Hand
The hand closest to the tail of the snowboard. In other words, the right hand for regular footers and the left
hand for goofy footers.
Rear Foot
The foot mounted closest to the tail. A regular-footers right foot and a goofy-footers left foot.
Regular Footed
Riding on a snowboard with the left foot in the forward position. In other words the left foot is closest to the
nose, furthest from the tail, and in between the right foot and the nose.
Revert
To switch from riding fakie to forward, or from forward to fakie, usually while the snowboard is still touching
the ground.
Rewind
A term used to describe any maneuver where a rotation is initiated, stopped, and its' momentum reversed.
Roast Beef Air
The rear hand reaches between the legs and grabs the heel edge between the bindings while the rear leg is
boned.
Rock and Roll
A lip trick where the athlete rides up a wall, balances on the lip with the board perpendicular to the coping,
and renters the pipe without any rotation.....all in one smooth motion.
Rocket Air
The front hand grabs the toe edge in front of the front foot (mute) and the back leg is boned while the board
points perpendicular to the ground.
Rolling down the windows
A phrase used to describe when someone is caught off balance and they rotate their arms wildly in the air to
try and recover.
Sad Plant
A term used to describe any handplant where the front leg is boned for style.
Seatbelt
The front hand reaches across the body and grabs the tail while the front leg is boned.
Shifty
A grabless trick where the upper torso and lower body are twisted in opposite directions and then returned to
normal. Usually the front leg is boned.
Shovel
The lifted or upward curved sections of a snowboard at the tip and tail.
Sick
(Slang) An expression used to describe something really cool.... clothing, a trick, a run, etc...
Sketching
The act of riding along precariously and near falling.
Slob Air
A frontside air where the front hand grabs mute, the back leg is boned, and the board is kept parallel with the
ground.
Smith Grind
A lip trick where one slides with the coping perpendicular to the snowboard with the front leg boned and the
nose is oriented below the coping and the tail above.
Spaghetti Air
The front hand reaches between the legs and behind the front leg to grab the toe edge in front of the front
foot while the back leg is boned.
Stale Egg
An eggplant with a stalefish grab. see Eggplant and Stalefish
Stalefish Air
A frontside trick where the rear hand grabs the heel edge behind the rear leg and in between the bindings
while the rear leg is boned.
Stalemasky Air
The front hand reaches between the legs and grabs the heel edge between the bindings while the front leg is
boned.
Stalled
When a maneuver is performed such that the point of emphasis in the maneuver is held or "stalled" for an
extended period of time. Usually the best time to take a picture.
Stance
The position of ones feet on the snowboard. Includes stance types, such as regular or goofy, and also stance
specifications, such as widths and angles.
Stiffy Air
Any maneuver in which both legs are boned and a grab is incorporated. (e.g.. Mute Stiffy).
Stinky
Riding with the legs spread open, (knees apart).
Swiss Cheese Air
The rear hand reaches between the legs and grabs the heel edge in front of the front foot while the back leg
is boned.
Switchstance (Switch)
The term for performing a trick while riding backwards. It is important to note that it's a specific term given
to a maneuver which is performed exactly like riding forwards. The only difference is the rider is going
backwards.....as if he were a goofy-footer instead of a regular-footer, or vice-versa, hence the term "switched
stance". Thus, any trick may be performed switchstance. Also, see Fakie
Tail
The rear tip of the snowboard.
Tail Bonk
To hit an object with the tail of the snowboard.
Tail Grab
The rear hand grabs the tail of the snowboard.
Tail Poke
Any maneuver where you bone your rear leg and "poke" the tail of the snowboard in a direction away from
your body.......usually while grabbing.
Tail Slide
To slide along the ground or an object solely on the tail of the snowboard.
Tail Tap
See Tail Bonk
Tail Wheelie
To ride solely on the tail of the snowboard with the nose in the air.
Taipan Air
The front hand reaches behind the front foot and grabs the toe edge between the bindings. The front knee is
then bent to touch the board.....tuck knee style.
Toe Edge
A snowboard has two different edges. The toe edge is the one at which the toes rest.
Transition (Tranny)
The radial curved section of a halfpipe wall between the flat bottom and the vertical. A snowboarder pumps
and rides the transition to gain speed, catch air, and to land.
Traverse
To ride perpendicular to the fall line. A halfpipe rider traverses from wall to wall in the halfpipe.
Tuck knee
A technique where one knee is bent and the ankle bent sideways in order to touch the knee to the snowboard
between the bindings. (eg. Tuck Knee Indy Air).
Tweaked
A term used to explain the emphasis of style in a trick. In other words, if someone "tweaked out a method"
they would grab hard and create an emphasis of the maneuver such that their ankles or other joints may
appear bent or twisted to a maximum degree.
Twin Tip
A type of snowboard designed for freestyle snowboarding. It has an identical tip and a tail so that the board
may be ridden similarly in both directions.
Vertical (Vert)
The vertical top portion of a wall in a halfpipe.......which allows the snowboarder to fly straight up into the air;
and not out of the pipe....or into the pipe.
Wall
The wall of a halfpipe is comprised of a transition and a vertical section.
50/50
To slide with the board parallel to the coping. Also see Grind.
180
The snowboarder rotates 180 degrees in the air and lands riding fakie. In the halfpipe, the rider approaches
the wall riding forward, rotates 180 degrees, and lands riding forward.
360
The snowboarder rotates 360 degrees in the air and lands riding forward. In the halfpipe, the rider
approaches the wall riding forward, rotates 360 degrees, and lands riding fakie. This trick may also be
performed by riding fakie and landing riding forwards; in which case it is called a Caballerial. see Caballerial
540
The snowboarder rotates 540 degrees in the air and lands riding fakie. In the halfpipe, the rider approaches
the wall riding forward, rotates 540 degrees, and lands riding forward.
720
The snowboarder rotates 720 degrees in the air and lands riding forward. In the halfpipe, the rider
approaches the wall riding forward, rotates 720 degrees, and lands riding fakie. Of course, it may also be
performed by riding fakie and landing riding forward.
900
The snowboarder rotates 900 degrees in the air and lands riding fakie. In the halfpipe, the rider approaches the wall riding forward, rotates 900 degrees, and lands riding forward.