You want to know why there’s been a sudden progressing of every single X-Games athlete spinning double flips and double corks everywhere? Trampolines.
Sure, part of it may be that it always takes one person to set the bar before everyone follows, but the trampoline has without a doubt made learning tricks much, much easier for new up and coming athletes. Most snowboarders didn’t learn tricks into a foam pit and into air bags 5-10 years ago. Most riders just learnt it the old fashioned way by hucking yourself off jumps or into powder.
You ever noticed how the podium of nearly every slopestyle competition has been dominated by Red Bull athletes? That’s what happens when you combine naturally talented athletes with amazing trampoline and aerial coaches. It’s no wonder their whole team is spinning double corks everywhere you look.
How does it work exactly?
Many snowboard tricks are essentially aerial manoeuvres with a plank strapped to your foot. What most young up and comers do these days is learn and practice all the aerial movements on trampolines and foam pits first.
If they want to learn a double cork, they’ll learn a double cork on a trampoline first, before attempting it on snow. This gives them the advantage of having a better aerial awareness’ for the trick and having a better idea of how to initiate and rotate the spin.
Why trampolines rock:
- You get used to the feeling of being upside down (aerial awareness)
- You figure out how to alter your body position to affect your rotation
- Low risk
How can I utilize trampolines
Look online for your local trampoline facility. They’re usually located inside gyms and community halls or sometimes in newer trampoline specific facilities. You should book coaching and training as well, which will help you to learn the dynamics of going upside down. It’s also a really great way to practice new grabs.
The first backflip and frontflip I did was on a trampoline, and it’s actually really, really easy to do. I wouldn’t recommend learning upside down spins by yourself, but it quite easy to do if you have someone to support you during your flip to make sure you make it the whole way around.
You don’t want to land on your head, so make sure you have someone who knows what they’re doing helping you out.
Good luck and happy flipping!