Westbound Boarder

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.

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?”

We’re not talking candy here. This is when one’s face meets the powder. You can give your friend whose whining a Powder Patty, or give yourself one by falling flat on your face. “Quit your pee-moaning or I’ll give you another Powder Patty.”