Snowboard

Snowboard slowly evolved over two decades, growing out of surfing, and finally took hold in the early 1980s. The first official snowboard competition was held in Colorado in 1981. The International Ski Federation recognized the sport in 1994, making snowboard an officially sanctioned discipline eligible for the Olympic Winter Games. Halfpipe and individual giant slalom were introduced in 1998, the latter turned "parallel" at the Games four years later. In 2006, snowboard cross made its debut.

In the halfpipe, one snowboarder at a time performs a routine of acrobatic jumps, twists and tricks on the inside of a half-cylinder-shaped snow tube or ramp while moving from one side of the halfpipe to the other. The course is 110 metres long and 15 metres wide, enclosed by walls of 3.5 metres. Riders are scored on variety, difficulty, height and execution of manoeuvres, cleanness of landings, and technical merit.

In the parallel giant slalom, two snowboarders race head-to-head down a course, turning through a series of gates. The fastest goes on to the next round. The top finishers compete in a total of nine runs. In the end, the winners of the two semifinals race for the gold medal while the losers compete for the bronze medal.

In snowboard cross, four racers start in a pack down a course, racing against each other over rolling terrain and a series of jumps and ramps. The competition course is made up of different sections with: whoops, waves, banks, spine, kickers, etc., providing a variety of terrains and obstacles. The fastest two racers from each heat move on to the next round.

Athletes

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  • Heyes

    Heyes - 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    70 Lincoln Street
    Ajax Ontario
    L 1 S 6 C 9
    November 11, 2009
    Dear Matthew Morrison,
    I cant wait to see you at the 2010 winter Olympic games. What is it like training
    everyday? I live15 minute away from you isn’t that cool. I live in Pickering. Have you ever
    been to the Oshawa civic center? I Have its really fun. How do you feel before you go into a
    race? I would feel really nervous.
    I want to do snowboarding because it is really fun. I want to go to the Olympics one day
    too. I would probably do the trampoline and snowboarding. I like the winter a lot because
    I get to build snow forts and have snowball fights. Do you get an adrenaline rush before you start
    a race or competition? What is it like competing against all these famous snowboarders?

    Sincerely,
    Your biggest fan Shannice

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  • dvolympicfan

    dvolympicfan - 6 months, 3 weeks ago

    Snowboarding is sick!

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  • kcs

    kcs - 6 months, 3 weeks ago

    Go for gold. You have worked so hard at what you do! I hope you do well. You are a winner already by getting into the olympics.We will be cheering for you. You represent Canada well You are a great sports person! You seam to really enjoy your sport. From
    madison and jessica !!!!!!

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