how to do a 360 snowboard

3 min read 30-01-2025

The 360 snowboard—a full rotation in the air—is a classic trick that looks impressive and feels amazing to land. It's a milestone for many snowboarders, marking a significant step up in their progression. This guide will break down how to learn this trick, step-by-step, focusing on safety and gradual improvement. This isn't a quick fix; consistent practice and patience are key.

Getting Started: Prerequisites for a 360

Before attempting a 360, ensure you've mastered these fundamental skills:

Comfortable Riding Switch: You need equal comfort riding both regular and switch (opposite) stances. A 360 often involves landing switch.
Solid Ollie: A powerful, controlled ollie is crucial for generating the height and rotation. Practice popping consistently high and straight.
Basic Spins: Start with smaller spins, like 180s, to get a feel for rotating on your board. This helps build muscle memory and confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Landing Your First 360

1. Finding the Right Spot

Choose a wide-open area with a gentle slope and soft landings. Avoid icy patches or obstacles. A slightly mellow slope allows for more practice attempts without gaining excessive speed.

2. Setting Up the 360

Approach the jump with speed appropriate to your comfort level. Don't go too fast initially; controlled speed is better than uncontrolled speed and a potential crash.

3. The Ollie and Pop

Perform a powerful ollie, aiming for a clean pop straight up. Don't lean too far forward or backward. Keeping your weight centered is vital for consistent rotation.

4. Initiating the Rotation

As you leave the ground, initiate the rotation using your shoulders and core. Think about turning your upper body first, letting your board follow. Don't try to force the rotation with your legs alone.

5. Maintaining Balance and Rotation

During the rotation, keep your eyes focused on a point in front of you, preferably towards your landing spot. Maintaining a centered posture throughout the rotation is crucial. Try not to tense up and let your body relax.

6. Landing the 360

As you complete the rotation, prepare to land. Bend your knees to absorb the impact. Aim to land with your weight centered, rolling out of the landing smoothly. Beginners should aim for a clean landing and not stress about style.

7. Practicing Consistency

Learning a 360 takes time and repetition. Start slow, focusing on mastering each stage. As you improve, try practicing different approaches and variations.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Not Enough Pop: Practice your ollie until it is high enough and consistent. A weak ollie means you won't have the time to complete a full rotation before landing.
Leaning Too Far: Stay centered. Leaning too much in any direction will throw off your balance and rotation.
Looking Down: Keep your eyes focused forward throughout the rotation. Looking down will likely cause you to lose balance.
Incorrect Timing: The timing of the pop and rotation must be smooth and coordinated. Practice coordinating the timing until it feels natural.

Tips for Success

Start small: Practice 180s before attempting a full 360.
Warm-up: Stretching before hitting the slopes will greatly improve your balance and coordination, preventing injuries.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering any new snowboarding trick.
Film yourself: Watching yourself perform the trick on video can help you identify areas for improvement.
Be patient: It takes time and dedication to master new tricks. Don't get discouraged if you don't land it right away.

Safety First!

Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Snowboarding has inherent risks. Start with a safe and controlled environment. Don't push yourself too hard, especially when learning a new trick.

Landing your first 360 is a rewarding experience! Remember to be patient, persistent, and prioritize safety. With consistent practice and the right technique, you'll be spinning around the mountain in no time. Enjoy the ride!