A Report On Snowboarding Winter Sports Sport Essay Example
A Report On Snowboarding Winter Sports Sport Essay Example

A Report On Snowboarding Winter Sports Sport Essay Example

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  • Pages: 7 (1711 words)
  • Published: October 7, 2017
  • Type: Research Paper
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Snowboarding, a popular winter sport, has rapidly gained popularity. I have selected snowboarding as my research topic due to my interest in its origins, backcountry exploration, and safety concerns. The history of snowboarding lacks clarity with no definitive answer regarding its invention. Based on my investigation, there is a belief that makeshift snowboards resembling boards with ropes were used in the 1920s. However, the first authentic snowboard was called the snurf board.

Despite lacking bindings and being produced for only a short period, the most remarkable aspect was that approximately 500,000 boards were sold in its first year of production. Following the arrival of the snurf board came Burton's initial boards, which introduced professional riders and initiated the commencement of competitions. Since then, both the sport and its equipment have undergone significant advancements as we will discuss later on. O

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ver the years, snowboarding gear has undergone dramatic transformations - from resembling ski boots and surfboards to weak leather boots lacking durability, to our current selection of sturdy and comfortable boots. The boards themselves have also experienced substantial changes; however, I believe that the most notable transformation has occurred in snowboarders' clothing. This includes not just alterations in design but also shifts in popular color choices during specific time periods.

There has been a recent resurgence of bright colors, particularly pink, popular in the 80s. This trend is not limited to fashion but extends to various aspects of life. Alongside this color revival, there has been significant progress in snowboard equipment specifically with bindings.

In the past, bindings consisted of two straps that required ratcheting for security. However, they have now advanced and evolved into a single ratchet

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system. Manufacturers have even introduced step-in bindings which gained temporary popularity.

Despite their initial appeal, step-in bindings lack sufficient back support and encounter issues such as broken laces when removing boots from the board or freezing of snow and ice hindering proper boot locking.

It seems that makers of all brands have mostly stopped adhering and boots apparatus due to various issues. Backcountry, a rapidly growing type of snowboarding, is prominently featured in recent films like "That's It That's All" and "Get Real." The focus is on large air jumps, spanning distances of up to 150 feet and heights of 50 or 80 feet, followed by landing on perfectly sloped hills with plenty of powder. In movies, backcountry is also shown for massive drops and descents on extremely steep mountains. These different forms all fall under backcountry but are approached differently by individuals. Some use snowmobiles to access the backcountry while others choose snowshoes or split snowboards that can be turned into skis for skiing uphill. For most backcountry enthusiasts, the main allure is the fresh powder and the excitement of adventure while spending time with friends throughout the day.

Backcountry snowboarding poses a significant risk of avalanches due to unstable snow and the potential formation of overhangs. Unlike ski resorts, backcountry areas lack regular stabilization blasts, increasing the likelihood of avalanches. Furthermore, diverse mountain conditions contribute to snow instability and easy sliding. While specific tricks from the first competition remain unknown to me, it is evident that differences in tricks and riding styles have emerged since then. The competition may have awarded the individual who maintained balance on their board for the longest duration. Nevertheless, it is

certain that both tricks and riding styles have evolved over time. Let's begin by discussing various types and styles of snowboarding before delving into trick progression.

Snowboarding can be enjoyed in various forms. The most common type involves hitting the slopes at a ski hill and experiencing the thrill of sliding down on a board. However, there are other variations like sandboarding, which entails snowboarding on sand instead of snow. Furthermore, snowboarding also has a competitive side to it. Riders often engage in races along specific paths. These races utilize boards with a different design, featuring bindings that point more towards the front of the board. Additionally, another type of snowboarding race involves about five participants competing on a course filled with jumps and moguls. Their goal is to outperform their rivals and reach the finish line first.

Another variety is the freestyle type found in parks, where riders can perform tricks and maneuvers in half pipes or on various tracks. These different types of riding typically require specific types of boards with varying flex, length, and weight to maximize performance. However, riders sometimes deviate from using the appropriate board for their chosen style of riding. For instance...

I have a preference for a more flexible snowboard instead of choosing a stiffer one as recommended. However, it is important to note that this is just my personal choice. There are several factors to consider when setting up a snowboard. This includes the length of the board specific to the individual and their preferred setup style, whether Goofy or regular. Additionally, the angle of the bindings can be adjusted for comparison purposes. Normally, it is advisable to select a

board length slightly below an individual's nose in relation to their height. Nevertheless, as skill level improves, adjusting the board length based on riding style may become necessary.

When someone is preparing for their first snowboarding experience, they typically do a test to determine which foot should be positioned first. Putting the right foot forward is considered unorthodox, while putting the left foot forward is considered the regular stance. To determine which foot should go forward, they usually just push you backwards and observe which foot you step back with. This indicates which foot is the lead foot and should be positioned in the front. When deciding on the angle of your bindings, it is usually set to the most comfortable position that allows for optimal movement and stability.

The typical positioning for snowboard bindings involves having the dorsum binding facing directly, while the forepart binding is angled about 10 to 20% towards the front of the board. As riders improve, they may choose to adjust these angles. In my case, both bindings are set consecutively, whereas my friends' bindings are set in a duck stance, with the dorsum binding angled towards the tail of the board and the forepart binding angled towards the front.

There are two main reasons behind numerous injuries and fatalities in snowboarding. The first question we need to address is why and how injuries and deaths occur during backcountry snowboarding. The primary cause of snowboarder fatalities in backcountry areas is avalanches.

In addition, we should also explore why and how injuries and deaths happen to snowboarders on slopes and similar terrain. To begin with, let's examine what causes injuries and deaths in backcountry snowboarding.

Avalanches

can be easily triggered by stepping or carving in fresh snow. The cause of avalanches is related to the accumulation and type of snow, as well as temperature variations during this process. If there is a solid slab of snow underneath with powdery snow on top, it creates a slippery surface that causes the upper layer to slide, leading to an avalanche. Additionally, another contributing factor to deaths among snowboarders is the misconception that wearing a helmet is uncool. Personally, I did not wear a helmet until this year; however, it's important to emphasize that wearing one only ensures the safety of your head - something everyone would want.

If there was a significant increase in the number of individuals wearing helmets, it would result in a decrease in the death rate.

Illustration 1

When I was very young, around five years old or even younger, I started skiing. By the time I turned seven, I had already become proficient at snowboarding. Along my journey, numerous people have influenced my snowboarding skills and taught me different techniques.

At approximately 12 years old, I developed a fascination with tricks. Alongside this interest, I also experimented with constructing tracks and even tried my hand at building a small half pipe on our property, measuring 4 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Despite its size, the significance of this endeavor remains vivid in my memories. Subsequently, I acquired knowledge in various tricks such as 180s, 360s, 540s, grabs, rails, and successfully executed a backflip. After mastering these maneuvers individually, I progressed to combining them into more complex sequences like integrating a grab within a backflip 180.

Despite growing up in a small town

surrounded by towering mountains, I haven't had much opportunity to explore the backcountry. I have gone backcountry snowboarding a few times a year at most. However, this year I have been eager to venture out and experience more backcountry rides. Unfortunately, the weather has not been favorable with frequent avalanches. Nonetheless, my opinion remains unchanged based on my previous experiences: backcountry snowboarding is simply the best. The feeling of gliding through soft, deep powder and taking on massive 80 to 140-foot jumps with smooth landings is unmatched. If you're up for a challenge and a great time, I highly recommend backcountry snowboarding with some friends.

References

  1. “beginning of snowboarding.” Snowboard history. 05-22-05. 15/12/09 World Wide Web. Sbhistory.de
  2. “the history of snowboarding- from garages to Olympics.” The history of snowboarding. 09/10/2008. 16/12/09 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thehistoryof.net/history-of-snowboarding.html
  3. “The history of snowboarding.” Bulgaria ski. 16/12/09 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.bulgariaski.com/snowboarding.shtml
  4. “the history of snowboarding.” parts to the history of snowboarding. 15/12/09 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.faqs.org/contrib/jj2/The-history-of-snowboarding.html
  5. “.shorelineoftahoo.com. youtube. 15/12/09
  6. “.youtube. VBS.tv.

Ryan Wilton's history image aggregation on YouTube was uploaded on December 15, 2009. Simultaneously, a Wikipedia article entitled "History of Snowboarding" was published. Additionally, there is another article titled "Backcountry Snowboarding" available at http://pistehors.com/backcountry/wiki/Gear/Backcountry-Snowboarding, which was also released on December 15, 2009. On the same day, the ABC of Snowboarding website featured an article discussing "Off Piste- Backcountry Snowboarding," accessible at http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/offpiste.asp. Furthermore, a cautionary statement highlighting

the potential dangers of venturing into the backcountry and emphasizing its allure but lack of safety was included as well.

The 2008-2009 season. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.snowboarding-master.com/backcountry.html

  • Magazine Snowboard Canada issue for early winter 2009
  • “Totally Rad 80's Snowboard Gear Dude.”12/12/08 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.fuel.tv/FUELTVED/blogs/view/4787
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