Halfpipe - USSA Snowboarding Rules

USSA Snowboarding uses five judging criteria in its halfpipe competitions:

1. Amplitude - This represents the volume of execution, and is measured by the competitor's used energy. It is the degree of power and energy the competitor shows in their ride. This category deals with the height of manoeuvres, the speed of the run and the energy the competitor exhibits in an efficient manner.

2. Difficulty - The difficulty of the manoeuvres as well as the way that different manoeuvres are put together to form the competitor's unique run. Many variables affect the difficulty, including conditions of the pipe, the angle of the pipe and the height the trick is performed at. The manoevres are evaluated as a part of the overall run.

3. Landings - The landings in a run are determined by analysing the competitor's balance, precision, stability and rhythm. Points are deducted from your score for such things as stopping in the halfpipe, falling, dragging hands or flailing arms. Falls that occur are a 25% deduction for each fall. They are only assessed the the landing judge though.

4. Style - Style is increased by emphasising the manoeuvre. This is shown by smooth, powerful riding, by holding the grabs, boning and tweaking. It is decreased by falling, flailing or not enhancing the manoeuvre.

5. Variety - Use a variety of different manoeuvres and the more manoeuvres the better. This includes handplants, riding fakie, aerials, etc. Show a high degree of variety for the judges.

Each competitor is responsible for knowing the rules used by each organisation. So go and get your hands on an entry form, rulebook and competition guide, read them and start competing!

Snowboard

The Parts of a Snowboard

The nose of the snowboard is the front tip of the snowboard. The waist is the narrowest part of the snowboard. The tail is the back tip of the snowboard. The camber is the arch of your snowboard. This provides an energy release which enables the rider to get the best response from the snowboard. You will find that the newer the board is, the better the camber. The edges are the metal edges of the snowboard that allow you to steer your snowboard and control your speed.

The bindings clip you and your boots to the snowboard. The better the boot and binding work together the more control you have over your snowboard. There are options in bindings, the clip-in bindings, the step-in bindings and the plate bindings (for hard boots only).

The leash is a safety strap that attaches to the front binding and secures to your leg when you are riding. It stops your snowboard from running away when you fall. Fields will not allow you to ride the lifts without a leash.

The stomp pad is a resting place for your rear boot when it is out of it’s bindings.