Halfpipe - Judging Criteria International Snowboard Federation

The International Snowboard Federation rulebook outlines three criteria for scoring competitors. These are the definitions:

1. Amplitude: The distance between the platform and the closest part of the racer and his equipment to the platform.

2. Execution: The fluent style of the jumps executed from the racer during his run without fault.
3. Variety: The total number of different manoeuvres from the start to the finish of the run. Four different categories of manoeuvres shall be presented in order to achieve the maximum points of variety. Those manoeuvres consist of vertical rotation (i.e. inverted aerials), horizontal rotation (i.e. 180's and 540's), upright jumps (with hand grabs) and lip tricks (including handplants). To push your score even higher, you must complete those manoeuvres both fronside and backside.

Back Country Snowboarding

Back Country Snowboarding is referred to as the Freerider style of Snowboarding. The Back Country Snowboarder enjoys the freedom of riding any terrain in almost any snow conditions. Another way I have heard it explained is that Freeriding is taking off on any old trail and doing what feels good.

It is an amazing feeling to be at the top of a cliff unable to see what is below and trusting your skills to be able to handle the terrain, no matter what! It is facing your fear and doing it anyway. An experienced freerider will walk with their board in search of good off-trail terrain and unmarked powder. Making the most of natural terrain, this rider will find gullies, bumps and rockdrops to ride on, in and over. A key for the Snowboarder and in particular the Freerider, is to stay relaxed. Try a few deep breathes before each run.

When you first start Freeriding it is best to go with someone more experienced than you. I always enjoy it more to share the experience with others. Remember to treat nature with respect in all regards and please take your rubbish back down the mountain with you.

Freeriding gives the Snowboarder the opportunity to reflect on nature. It is an amazing feeling to be on the top of a mountain range with the views, you feel akin to being on top of the world. The freshness, the serenity and the feeling of freedom abound. Then face your fears and go for it!