PSIA / AASI - Eastern Division

We always start the event with introductions and safe use of equipment. Often there are World Cup teams training at the ramps, and though we can enjoy watching them, they only augment the experience rather than distract from it. A stretching session is then led by Mickey, the human pretzel, and followed by splitting up the groups. Those that have jumped before will go directly to the ramps and the others will go to the World Cup trampolines before they put on their equipment

On the three tramps available we work with jumping and tumbling to gain air awareness and timing. Many will start out a bit awkward but quickly garner the balance to try some tricks The tricks range from straight old-school airs, to grabs and spins, to cork10’s (1 guy) and the like. The favorite game is “stick it”; where we take three jumps on the tramp and do a trick to land on our feet on the foam mats.

Though there are three jumps at the pool, we only use the single jump which has a freeride or aerial option through the hydraulic raising or lowering of the end of the ramp. The pros use the other two ramps… which send them into the sky like a rocket.

We coach the ATML model for jumping and always spend time with the Approach part first. It gives everyone a chance to find their center on their equipment, while also feeling the surface and speed of the ramp.

Everyone slides up the lip from a short distance up the ramp to get the feeling of perpendicularity as they approach the lip of the jump. Then, we send them up higher for their first straight air. Everyone learns how important it is to glide on a flat board and that terminal velocity is your friend at the ramp. The Approach part of the jump is what mostly indicates how one will land, so being balanced and centered is key.

The Take-off part of the model sets the jump amplitude. The biggest coaching factor here is that most snowboard tricks are done off an edged board, so clean takeoffs are often muddled by starting the trick too early. This can be scary due to the abrupt stopping from too much carving. But, riders quickly adjust to rock the air.

Everyone, alpine or snowboarder, learns to employ patience through the Take-off and find the result to be a cleaner trick. The trick, of course, is the Maneuver part of the model which is then followed by the Landing. Everyone hopes to land centered and cleanly on their feet for a soft touchdown. Looking up and spotting are the key to accomplishing this.

If you are inspired to have a great time while wearing a bathing suit on your board/s come to the ramps. It will be an interesting experience at least, but more likely a ramp to send you into a new understanding of yourself and the possibilities that lie ahead.