Westbound Boarder

There’s only a few more weeks (or maybe even months, depending on which hill you call home base) left in this year’s snow season, so we thought we’d squeeze in a few more shredictionary terms while we still can!  Which brings me to dropping.  No, not dropping snow balls, or dropping… droppings?  Dropping in shred language means one thing, and one thing only - “It’s my turn, I’m dropping!”  Translation, its the word you yell when you’re waiting in line to hit a feature and you want to stake your dibs on next hit.  It’s shred-iquitte!  In a perfect world, this would be common sense.  But for now… just call it, will ya?!

We are not talking about bulls and clowns here, we’re taking inverted tricks on your board. You know, front or backside back flip 540s. Did you see that flippin’ chicks backside Rodeo?

A Rodeo is easier said than done. How do you do a rodeo? To complete a front side rodeo you are going to throw your back shoulder towards your front foot or for a back side rodeo throw your front shoulder towards your back foot. This technique will help you initiate your spin.  After the flip is mastered add the 540 degree rotation. Got that? Well then, now you can add the Rodeo to your bag of tricks. Still intimidated? Make it happen on a powder day, or better yet, on a trampoline! And think outside the box  - Rodeos can be done on a skateboard, surfboard or snowboard etc…

I’m sure you’ve been at the mountain and found yourself thinking at one point or another, “holy cow, that 10 year old is showing me up!”  Yes, you probably encountered the mini shred, an awesome, young snowboarder who totally rips.  “Woah, did you see that mini shred hit that 40 foot table?!  She’ll be pro in no time!”

Chris Nowack, Timberline, OR. Front side board slide.

Unlike a 50 50, a board slide is where you ride the rail with your board perpendicular to the rail, instead of parallel.  There are two main types - front side, where your body faces the hill, and back side, where your body faces in the direction of your momentum (away from the hill).  This jib trick is the root of many others.  “Hey, let’s see you board slide that box again; it was rad the last time!”

Perhaps one of the easiest tricks to learn on a rail, the 50 50 really sounds more complex then it actually is to perform.  But what is it?  Basically, a 50 50 is when you ride straight over the rail.  That’s all there is to it!  “Hey, what are you gonna do on the rail this time?” “I think I’m gonna switch 50 50 it; next time, 180 on, backflip off…”

We have all heard them on the slopes, ran into them while waiting for lunch or have been lectured by them for being a snowboarder. Here is what you call ‘em -  Crotchety: Someone who is a cow faced, nasty, grumbler on the hill. Like a stick in the mud or a negative Nancy. “Did you hear that Crotchety man roaring at Lloyd?” Do us all a favor and spare us the Crotchety attitude, esp on the hill.

Now, now, we are not talkin’ about going to the bathroom here. Dropping a Load on the hill is when you kick the snow off your board when you are on the lift. “Dude, you totally just dropped a load on that chick.”

You want a pair of wings on the slopes? Drink a Shred Bull and grow a pair!

Bomb Hole: a rutted out landing off a jump or rail. “Watch out for the Bomb Hole at the end of that kicker.”

Arctic Cougar: An old lady on the prowl and loose on the slopes. “Damn, did you see that Arctic Cougar getting her ski on with Kevin?”

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