When we wanna get pumped up to go skateboarding something a little harder is the way to go.

What do you like to listen to? Let us know and we will share with other. Click the pop-out layer button to listen while you browse the site.

When out snowboarding we feel that instrumentals or slower music is the way to go while cruising down the trail pulling off some smooth tricks. Although that is our preference is doesn’t mean that everyone prefers the same. So the question is what do you listen to? Leave a post on what you like to listen to and we might just add it to the play list for all to agree or disagree.

Here are some sample tracks to listen to. Check them out you might find something you like.

What do you like to listen to? Let us know and we will share with others. Click the pop-out layer button to listen while you browse also.

The next step after learning to stick the 50/50 like a pro is to move onto the backside boardslide. This involves sliding perpendicular to the rail or box facing downhill. While most amateur boarders are intimidated by the looks of this trick, it’s really quite easy once you nail it.

I recommend practicing on a nice jib box that is at least 12 inches wide. The wide surface area allows for more error in the placement of your board without slipping off the edge. Begin by dropping into the box as if you were going to hit it 50/50. At about the time the nose of your board reaches the box, pull your back leg around as if you were going to slow yourself down, but heres the key, do NOT lean back. Pulling off a successful front side requires you to lean forward slightly to avoid falling on your rear. As with any trick you really have to commit to it if you want to stick it like a pro, so spin that board 90 degrees and make sure to look forward, not down!

This may seem awkward at first but as always, practice makes perfect. To understand how much you have to lean forward try practicing on flat ground with your board strapped on. Your not going to be standing up straight when you hit the box, so give those knees some flex and see how much balance you need to stand like that. If you were actually moving you are going to want to balance just a hair more on your toes because many factor such as wind, momentum, or a slight incline will require it.

Once your on the box it’s time to prepare for that landing. You have two options, pull your board back to land the way you entered or continue your spin and land fakie. First timers will find it more comfortable to land regular. If you find that your body naturally wants to spin and land fakie than go for it, just make sure you can ride out of that landing.

Remember to keep those knees bent and relax a little, you will find it really isn’t hard at all. Perfecting this trick is the first step to some serious jibbing.

Obviously everyone knows how to stay warm by piling on the layers, but we are going to focus on staying warm by actually cutting down the layers, which in turn, will increase your mobility.

With one good pair of snowboarding socks and boots your feet should be fine. Don’t double or triple up the socks to keep those toes warm because if one good pair of thermal socks isn’t working than the problem may lie in your boot. If your hands get cold, hand warmer inserts are always good or a pair of Gore-Tex gloves.

Now for your body, Gore-Tex is awesome because it is very breathable and traps the warmth against your body. The problem most people don’t know is that too much Gore-Tex ruins the effect. Gore-Tex works by creating a heat zone between itself and your body by allowing the moisture to escape while keeping you dry underneath, but if you have two layers of Gore-Tex then that barrier is ruined. The inside layer wont be able to get the moisture away from your body and in turn the wetness will start to chill from the outside temps thus making you colder. So if your jacket or pants already have Gore-Tex in them then don’t worry about another layer, but if they don’t, then a layer against your body and a sweatshirt will be plenty to keep you toasty warm on the coldest mountains. And if you are still a little cold the lodge is at the bottom of the mountain and mommy’s car is out in the lot.

This great information was provided to me by an ex-military soldier and a good friend of mine. These are the same basic principles that the military use in the coldest environments. Hope these tips work great for you and if you want to add more to this or maybe some hot tips of your own please feel free. We always looking for newer and better tips.

The Starfire Skate Park is located in Camden, ME. It is a very nice looking wood park consisting of a half-pipe, spines, rails, kickers, bowls, and a few other obstacles. Please check out their website for rules and guidelines and as always have fun


The Starfire Skate Park

Picture and information provided by The Camden, ME Teen Center website