Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourself for the ultimate adrenaline-fueled spectacle that is Big Air snowboarding!
The air up there is thin and the snow is frozen solid, but that doesn’t stop the boldest snowboarders in the world from launching themselves off massive ramps and defying gravity with epic spins and flips. In this post, we’re going to delve into the captivating world of Big Air snowboarding, from its humble beginnings to its most intense moments at the Olympics. So, strap in, hold onto your hats, and let’s take a ride down the slopes of history with some of the most awe-inspiring snowboarding tricks ever caught on camera.
What is Big Air Snowboarding?
Big Air Snowboarding is a competition where riders launch themselves off of a giant jump ramp and perform aerial tricks in mid-air, with the goal of earning the highest score from a panel of judges. The jump itself can be a staggering 40 meters high or more, making this event one of the most exhilarating in the Olympic Games.
Snowboarders use specially designed boards that are wider and shorter than traditional snowboards, allowing for more control and stability in the air. They also wear protective gear, such as helmets and body armor, to help minimize the risk of injury during high-speed crashes or hard landings.
The key to success in Big Air Snowboarding is to combine technical skill with creativity, performing complex tricks like backside triple cork 1440s or frontside 1080s with unique spins, grabs, and flips. Judges evaluate each run based on criteria like difficulty, execution, amplitude, and overall impression, so a rider’s performance must be both daring and polished to score well.
Big Air Snowboarding is a true test of courage and finesse, requiring split-second decision-making, lightning-fast reflexes, and the ability to push yourself to the limit. It’s no wonder that fans and athletes alike are captivated by this electrifying Olympic event.
History of Big Air Snowboarding in the Olympics
Before big air snowboarding became an Olympic event, it was already a popular competition worldwide. Snowboarders would gather in urban locations, perform stunts off man-made ramps, and hope to impress the judges with their creativity and skill. The event’s popularity caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and they decided to include it in the Winter Olympics starting in 2018.
This was a significant step forward for the sport of snowboarding. It was already gaining popularity with younger audiences, and becoming an Olympic sport gave it an added boost of legitimacy which the sport deserved. But not everyone was pleased with the introduction of big air snowboarding to the Olympic Games. Some feared that the inclusion of such a dangerous and extreme sport could give the wrong impression to younger generations of athletes.
Despite the reservations of some, big air snowboarding debuted at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The event was a massive success, and many of the world’s top snowboarders participated. American snowboarder Jamie Anderson won gold in the women’s big air event, while Canadian snowboarder Sebastien Toutant won gold in the men’s event. Since then, the sport has only grown in popularity and continues to attract new fans and athletes every year.
Best Big Air Snowboarding Tricks of the Olympics
The Big Air Snowboarding competition at the Olympics brings together some of the most talented and fearless snowboarders from around the globe. These athletes go big, soaring through the air as they execute gravity-defying tricks that leave spectators on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the best Big Air Snowboarding Tricks of the Olympics.
First, there’s the Backside Triple Cork 1440, which was successfully landed by Norwegian boarder, Marcus Kleveland. This maneuver is a triple backflip with a 1440-degree spin – an incredibly complex trick that requires immense skill, control, and bravery.
Another impressive trick commonly seen in the Olympics is the Frontside Double Cork 1440, which involves a double backflip and a 1440-degree spin. Japanese phenom, Yuki Kadono, is known for executing this trick with ease, making it look effortless despite its extreme difficulty.
The Switch Backside Triple Cork 1620 is yet another awe-inspiring trick that has been landed by a few standout athletes. This trick involves a triple backflip with a 1620-degree spin, and it requires absolute precision and control. Canadian boarder, Sebastien Toutant, has perfected this trick, flawlessly executing it during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Finally, let’s not forget about the Frontside 1080, one of the most classic tricks in snowboarding. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity, executing a frontside 1080 is still no easy feat. This trick involves spinning three full rotations while in the air and landing gracefully. American snowboarder, Red Gerard, became the youngest male Olympic snowboarding champion in history at the age of 17, thanks in part to his mastery of the Frontside 1080.
These incredible tricks are just a few examples of the amazing feats that can be seen in the Big Air Snowboarding competition at the Olympics. Watching these talented athletes push the limits of what is possible on the snow is truly awe-inspiring.
Tips and Tricks for Big Air Snowboarding
When it comes to big air snowboarding, skill and bravery are key ingredients for success. But there are also a few tips and tricks you can take advantage of to give yourself an edge. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
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Practice, practice, practice: This is an obvious one, but it’s worth emphasizing. Big air snowboarding requires a lot of time and effort to master, so make sure you’re spending plenty of time on the slopes. Try to challenge yourself by attempting new tricks and pushing your limits.
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Focus on your approach: The way you approach the jump can make a big difference in your performance. Make sure you’re getting a good amount of speed before you hit the jump, but don’t go too fast or you might lose control. You should also try to hit the lip of the jump at a slight angle, which can help you gain some extra height.
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Keep your body in the right position: When you’re in the air, it’s important to keep your body positioned correctly so you have the best chance of landing cleanly. Keep your knees bent and your body upright, and try to keep your arms and legs tucked in to minimize wind resistance.
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Stay focused: It’s easy to let your nerves get the best of you when you’re standing at the top of a big air ramp. But it’s important to stay focused and trust in your abilities. Visualize yourself nailing the trick you want to do, and don’t let negative thoughts creep into your mind.
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Be prepared for falls: Let’s face it – big air snowboarding is a high-risk sport, and falls are an inevitable part of the game. Make sure you’re wearing all the necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and pads, and try to fall in a way that minimizes your risk of injury. Practice falling on a soft surface like foam mats to improve your technique.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a big air snowboarding pro. Remember, it takes time and dedication to master this sport, but the rewards are well worth the effort. So get out there and start shredding!