How to Make a Snowboard Out of a Skate Deck

A lot of snowboarders get their start as skateboarders, and the two sports indeed have many similar moves, especially in tricks and jumps. Skateboard riders sometimes wonder if there's a way to make a snowboard out of a skate deck so they can practice their snowboard moves before getting to the resort. Here's a way of making a "snowboard" training device so you can practice your snowboard tricks at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Skateboard deck
  • Bicycle inner tube
  • 2 x 4 and 4 x 4 lumber
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand what's possible. A modern snowboard is a highly engineered high-tech piece of sports equipment with precise edges and shape. A skateboard deck will never be that. What we're building here is a quick-and-easy device that will enable you to work on your tricks in your back yard all year long.

    • 2

      Start with a skateboard deck long enough to spread your feet at a shoulder-width stance. Remove the trucks and wheels so you have nothing but the deck.

    • 3

      Create a pair of slip-in "bindings" from strips of an old bicycle inner tube. Tie the rubber bands around the skateboard deck just tightly enough that you can slip your feet under the bands and stay snug. Put on some skate or tennis shoes and try on your new "snowboard." You should be able to jump up and down while staying in the board.

    • 4

      Construct a balance beam--or rail-- for practicing tricks you will be able to take to the mountain. The beam should be about six feet long. This can be as simple as a 2x4 or 4x4 laid in the grass. Eventually you're going to want a stable rail about 8 inches high. Take a six-foot section of 4x4 lumber and attach two crossbars, also from 4x4 lumber, a few feet long to sit underneath and provide stability. Begin by laying your rail flat; later, place it on a slant to increase the difficulty.

    • 5

      Practice your skills. Start by practicing ollies and nollies. For snowboard purposes, an ollie is accomplished by rocking your weight over the back of the board and popping into the air. For nollies, rock your weight over the front of the board.

    • 6

      Practice your frontside and backside approaches for your 50-50s. Facing the rail (frontside) with your board parallel, ollie (or nollie) onto the rail so that your board is perfectly aligned (a 50-50). Try the same maneuver while facing away from the rail (backside).

    • 7

      Ramp up the skill set by practicing different tricks as you jump on the rail. Try practicing, with frontside and backside approaches, nose and tail presses, lip slides, 180s on and off, change-ups etc.