Backside 180’s : Snowboard Lesson

Backside 180’s - Straight Jump
with San i Ali babic
It might be a basic trick, but the backside 180 is one of the absolute classic moves, and a favourite of pretty much every pro rider. Why? Because it is one long, slow, blindside rotation that feels amazing, and, when done properly, looks amazing too.
The key to this move is letting your body feel the rotation, and staying smooth off the takeoff.

• A pproach the kicker slightly faster than you would a straight air.


• Keep your shoulders parallel to the board, and ride straight up the kicker, flat on the base with just a little pressure on the toe edge to keep you stable.


• As you take off, slowly turn your head and shoulders backside, and do a small ollie.


• Once you have taken off, you should be turning slowly, leaning slightly forwards, and looking down at the ground. Bring your legs up into your body and grab Indy.


• If your balance feels right, at 90° push your front leg out in front of you for the tweak.


• Keep looking down and between your legs for the landing.


• Release the grab as late as you can, and get ready for touchdown.


• Land, turn your head to face down the hill, and ride away switch.

Tip:
This is a ‘feeling’ trick, so practice it lots on small bumps before taking it to the big jumps.