Alright, true believers—today is the day you finally nail the elusive backside 180. DunDunDUUNN!! It’s one of those tricks that looks sick and seems deceptively simple, but when it’s your turn to actually spin 180 degrees in the air (preferably without face-planting), it’s a whole different story. But no wort, I'm here to guide you through this epic rite of passage. Spoiler alert: It’s one part style, a lot of confidence, and a healthy respect for your gear- helmet, goggles, and maybe even those padded undies (we wont tell).
So buckle up, or rather, you know, strap on your snowboard... and get ready to land your first backside 180.
Step 1: Suit Up Like a Pro
First things first—gear matters, my friend. You’re about to throw yourself into the air If you want to actually land that spin, and live to tell the tale, you need the right gear.
Helmet: The Only Thing Between Your Brain and the Ground
Before you even think about spinning, let's talk helmets. You’ll be doing a 180° spin, and let’s face it, landing that can sometimes end in an epic face-plant. So make sure your ski helmet fits snugly and securely. A helmet with ERT or MIPS technology (Impact Protection System) is non negligible. Sure, it’s not going to make you land the trick, but it’ll definitely help you keep your brain intact when things go sideways—literally.
Pro tip: Pick a helmet that’s stylish and fits well with your goggles. Trust me, looking like a total pro will boost your confidence—and confidence is half the battle in pulling off a backside 180.
Goggles: Because You Can’t Spin if You Can’t See Where You’re Going
You need goggy that’ll let you see where you’re going while you’re in mid-air. Foggy lenses are for noobs (and that’s not you). You want goggles that are anti-fog, UV protected, and fit well with your helmet. Bonus points if they have interchangeable lenses.
And hey, nothing says "I'm about to crush this" like a killer pair of goggles .
Apparel: The Freedom to Move (and Look Lit AF)
Okay, so now that we’ve got the essentials covered, let’s talk apparel. You don’t want is to feel restricted by your jacket or pants.
Baggy not only looks sick it’s your secret weapon (and it hides the butt pads). When you’re executing your first backside 180, do it with style.
Step 2: Get the Right Momentum (and Maybe a Little Courage)
Okay, you’ve got the gear, now it’s time to find your edge. You can’t just land a backside 180 without some speed, a little pop, and—this is key—a good place to practice.
Pick a gentle slope to start. You don’t want to try this trick on a steep kicker just yet. Find a mellow section of the park or a smooth, wide trail where you can practice your pop without worrying about any rocks or trees or your snow brethren. You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of space to land—because things can get ugly when you misjudge your rotation.
Step 3: The Takeoff – Popping Off with Confidence
Here’s the thing: You need to commit to the spin. I know, I know—spinning in the air can feel like you’re hurling yourself into the unknown, but trust me, the more you commit, the smoother it’s going to be. COMMIT!
The Basics of the Backside 180 Takeoff:
Approach with a little speed. Not too much—just enough to give you some lift.
As you reach the takeoff, squat down and prepare to wind up your body. Think of it like a slingshot. Wind your upper body to the heel side (for snowboarders) or inside edge (for skiers).
When you pop, pivot your hips and throw your shoulders in the direction you want to spin. Your head is the key here, so look over your lead shoulder (for a backside spin, that’s your right shoulder if you’re goofy, left if you’re regular).
Don’t overthink it—just jump and spin. You’re a flying snow daredevil now baby! Embrace it.
Step 4: In the Air – You’re like a Bird (Sort Of)
Okay, this is the fun part—you’re in the air, you have a moment… this is where you wonder how the hell you’re actually going to land this, but just remember: keep your eyes on the landing, and don’t panic.
Keep your body compact—arms close to your chest, knees slightly bent, ready for a soft landing.
As you finish the spin, make sure you’re ready to spot your landing. You’ll be landing backwards, so be prepared to quickly rotate your head and eyes to set yourself up for a smooth transition into your ride.
Here’s the magic part: Even if you’re a little off, if you’re mentally prepared to land backwards, your body will follow. You’ve got this!
Step 5: The Landing – Stick It
The landing is where it all comes together. And know—it’s okay to wobble, it’s okay to look like a baby giraffe learning to walk. The important part is that you’re landing on your edge, with your weight centered and knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.
As you ride away (hopefully upright), give yourself a mental high-five. You just landed your first backside 180 like a boss!
Final Thoughts: The Backside 180— You Own It
Whether you nailed your first backside 180 or ate some snow in the process (no judgment here), remember this: The key is progression. You didn’t get there overnight, but with the right gear, the right mindset, and a few (okay, maybe several) attempts, you’ll get it.
Now go out there and spin—just keep that helmet on and stay stylish. You’ve earned it.
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