About this activity
Snowboard halfpipe is both a competitive sport and a recreational activity, in which participants perform tricks while riding a snowboard down a long, semi-circular structure made of snow and ice. A snowboard resembles a wide flat ski, though unlike skiing, a snowboarder stands perpendicular to the length of the board, with both feet secured into the board using special boots. Riders gather momentum and then ride up and off the edge of the halfpipe, gaining enough "air" to perform various tricks while traversing the length of the halfpipe.
Origins & history
Snowboarding is inspired by combined influences from surfing, skateboarding and sledding. The idea of the snowboard emerged from the 1960s surfing culture in the United States. By the 1980s, snowboarding had gained widespread popularity both recreationally and professionally, and was well established in Canada by the early 1990s. It debuted as an X-Games sport in 1997, and a Winter Olympic sport in 1998.
When it happens
Typically, the outdoor snowboarding season runs from late November until early April. Indoor facilities allow for year-round recreational use and off-season training for experts.
Who takes part
Males and females of diverse ages and ethnocultural backgrounds. Due to the high cost of equipment and mountain access, snowboarding is more likely to be practiced by people from middle or upper class backgrounds.
