A Celebration on Ice and Snow, Beijing 2022: Snowboard

Snowboard, which originated in the United States, requires similar conditions to skiing but involves completely different equipment. Snowboard events include parallel giant slalom, snowboard cross, snowboard halfpipe, snowboard slopestyle and snowboard big air. The first snowboard, dubbed “Snurfer”, was inspired by a surfboard. Similar to skateboarding, also derived from surfing, snowboarding has been called “snow surfing”.

Parallel giant slalom competitions require two parallel courses, one red and one blue. Two competitors start at the same time and pass through the gates along a prescribed route. The one with the shortest time wins. In snowboard cross, athletes are divided into groups of four. Each group must navigate different curves and obstacles. The two fastest in each group advance to the next round. Halfpipe competitions take place on a snow packed U-shaped course.

During a competition, competitors drop from one side of the upper pipe end to gather speed before flying high up the opposite wall. While airborne, they perform a series of tricks such as flips and spins before landing back in the pipe. The courses of slopestyle, which can be designed in indefinite ways, often consist of a variety of obstacles, such as jumps, rails and other terrain park features. Athletes choose a course that they prefer and complete a series of jumps, flips, spins, slides and other tricks. The big air site includes four parts: drop-in ramp, kicker, landing ramp and finish area. Athletes take turns hitting one massive trajectory jump, and then perform a series of tricks such as flying and rotations before landing back on the snow.

Key equipment used in snowboarding alongside the boards includes boots, suits, helmets and goggles. Each type of snowboard serves a different purpose. Choosing the most suitable snowboard will help athletes do certain tricks, achieve the best performance and showcase their skills, strength, speed and sense of novelty and adventure.

Copyright: the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022– A Celebration on Ice and Snow, translated by Xing Yutang