Grinding a Curved Snowboarding Box

After gaining some experience as a snowboarder, you may not be content with simply heading down a hill. Luckily, resorts provide an alternate venue that poses new challenges for avid snowboarders. A curved snowboard box is an advanced rail that allows you to traverse either up and down like a hill, or horizontally in a curve. While you may see other snowboarders overcome these boxes with ease, grinding a curved box requires a precise technique. If you plan to try this, preparation can save you a lot of frustration and possible injury.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to the terrain park. A terrain park is the designated area at a ski resort that contains various rails and other facilities for practicing tricks. You can usually find signs to point you in the right direction, but if that is not the case, ask a staff member or another boarder.

    • 2

      Be vigilant. Terrain parks can get crowded. The last thing you want is to crash into another snowboarder at the end of the box, or fall on someone nearby. A typical courtesy is to announce your impending approach. You can yell something like "incoming" so that others can clear the way or warn you to wait.

    • 3

      Aim yourself at the box. During your approach, keep your board pointed straight at your target. Also, do not approach it too fast, or you may lose control.

    • 4

      Maintain your stance. Keep your back straight and your knees bent at close to a 90-degree angle. Relax your body as well.

    • 5

      Ride the curve. The biggest mistake you can make here is to assume that you control the curve, when in fact, the curve controls you. Maintain your balance on the board, but do not try to steer it in any direction. Keep your board pointed straight and stay relaxed so that your body can move with the curve. Once you reach the end, continue down the hill so that you do not block other boarders.

    • 6

      Know when to stop. If you are new to curved boxes, chances are you will not master them on the first try. With this in mind, do not force yourself to stay on the box. If you feel you are losing your balance, quickly hop off in the direction you are leaning. The only other option is to fall completely and possibly hurt yourself.