Outdoor Sports Glossary
The language of snowboarding is full of jargon: regular, goofy, heelside, ollie… This glossary explains in plain words the terms your instructor will use from day one, under the headings stance and basics, technique, equipment and style and park. For pistes, lifts and snow types, see the skiing glossary.
30 terms · 4 sections · Updated:
The words you'll learn the first time you step onto the board.
The sport of sliding down snowy slopes on a single wide board, with both feet fixed sideways on it, one behind the other rather than side by side.
It grew out of surf and skateboard culture. You ride without poles; balance, turning and braking come entirely from shifting your body weight and from the edges of the board.
At Doğadayız:Ski and snowboard course packages
Related terms:Regular and goofy stanceSkiing (alpine discipline)
Describes which foot is in front on a snowboard: with your left foot in front it's a regular stance, with your right foot in front it's goofy. Both are correct; you choose whichever feels natural.
Practical ways to find out: the foot you step forward with to keep your balance when you're gently pushed from behind, or the foot you put forward when sliding on a slippery floor, is usually your front foot.
Field note:Your instructor does this test on day one; if you're not sure, try both stances in your first few slides. Starting with the wrong stance noticeably slows your progress.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Regular or Goofy? Finding Your Front Foot on a SnowboardThe Basic Snowboard Stance: Stance, Balance and Weight DistributionHow Do You Choose and Set Up Snowboard Bindings? Systems, Compatibility, Stance and AnglesBalance and Proprioception Exercises for Skiing and SnowboardingSnowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
Related terms:SwitchStance width and binding angles
The foot in front in the direction of travel is the front foot and the one behind is the back foot; while riding, most of your weight is on the front foot, and the back foot steers like a rudder.
Beginners' most common mistake is to shift their weight onto the back foot out of fear; this makes you lose control of the board. Putting your weight on the front foot takes courage at first, but it is the key to turning.
In the Academy:Heelside: Riding on Your Heel Edge, Speed Control and StoppingRegular or Goofy? Finding Your Front Foot on a SnowboardHow Do You Do Your First J-Turn on a Snowboard?How Do You Learn Linked S-Turns on a Snowboard?The Basic Snowboard Stance: Stance, Balance and Weight DistributionGetting Started with Switch Riding on a Snowboard: Mastering Both DirectionsOne-Footed Skating on a Snowboard: TechniqueThe Garland Technique: Preparing for and Steering into Turns on a SnowboardShort and Long Turns on a Snowboard: Turn Shape and Pressure ControlThe Basics of Powder Skiing and Snowboarding Technique
Related terms:Regular and goofy stanceSkating (one-footing)
The long edge of the board under your heels is called the heel edge (heelside) and the one under your toes the toe edge (toeside); all braking and turning is done with these two edges.
On the heelside you face down the slope, with your hips back as if sitting; on the toeside you have your back to the slope and lean towards the snow with your knees. Beginners usually feel comfortable on the heelside first.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Heelside: Riding on Your Heel Edge, Speed Control and StoppingThe FIS 10 Rules for Conduct on the SlopesHow Do You Choose Snowboard Boots? Flex, Size and Lacing SystemsToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingPreventing Wrist, Shoulder and Head Injuries in SnowboardingHow to Fall and Get Up Safely on a SnowboardHow Do You Do Your First J-Turn on a Snowboard?How Do You Learn Linked S-Turns on a Snowboard?The Basic Snowboard Stance: Stance, Balance and Weight DistributionSnowboard Carving: Edge Angle, Angulation and Dynamic TurnsOne-Footed Skating on a Snowboard: TechniqueThe Garland Technique: Preparing for and Steering into Turns on a SnowboardReducing the Risk of Falls and Collisions in Skiing and SnowboardingShort and Long Turns on a Snowboard: Turn Shape and Pressure Control
Related terms:Side slipFalling leafCatching an edge (edge catch)
The way to fall on a snowboard: rather than putting your hands out, you roll onto your knees and forearms if you fall forwards, or onto your bottom and upper back if you fall backwards.
Falling is part of learning in the first days. Trying to catch yourself with your hands is the most common cause of wrist injuries, which is why wrist guards are recommended.
Field note:When you fall, clench your fists, keep your arms close to your chest and tuck your chin into your chest. In a backward fall, don't let your head hit the snow.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Do Adults Find It Hard to Learn to Ski? Starting to Ski After 30How Do You Manage Fear and Motivation When Learning to Ski?A Guide to Physical Preparation for Skiing and SnowboardingToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingPreventing Wrist, Shoulder and Head Injuries in SnowboardingHow to Fall and Get Up Safely on a SnowboardWhen Should You Wear Back, Wrist and Hip Protectors?
Related terms:Wrist guards and impact shortsCatching an edge (edge catch)
Moving along on flat ground by pushing as on a skateboard, with your back foot out of its binding and your front foot strapped in; used when approaching drag lifts, chairlifts and magic carpets.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?How to Use Chairlifts, Drag Lifts and Gondolas: A Lift GuideHow Do You Do Your First J-Turn on a Snowboard?The Basic Snowboard Stance: Stance, Balance and Weight DistributionOne-Footed Skating on a Snowboard: TechniqueSnowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
Related terms:Riding lifts on a snowboardFront foot and back foot
Snowboarders ride magic carpets, drag lifts and chairlifts with only their front foot strapped in; the back foot rests on the board, on the non-slip stomp pad between the bindings.
When getting off the chairlift, you keep the board flat, slide down the ramp with your back foot on the pad and strap in your back foot once you've stopped.
The steps of your first training days, from sliding to linked turns.
Sliding sideways down the slope in a controlled way with the board across the fall line, by easing and increasing the pressure on the edge; it's the first braking and descending technique you learn in snowboarding.
The harder you press on the edge, the more you slow down, until you stop; ease off the pressure and you slide. You practise on the heelside edge first, then on the toeside.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Heelside: Riding on Your Heel Edge, Speed Control and StoppingToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingThe Garland Technique: Preparing for and Steering into Turns on a SnowboardSnowboarding on Steep Slopes and in Variable Snow ConditionsSnowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
Related terms:Heelside and toeside edgesFalling leaf
An exercise in which, while side slipping, you shift your weight alternately to your front foot and your back foot, zigzagging left and right down the slope like a leaf falling in autumn.
It teaches you to change direction without turning and is the bridge to your first linked turn. It's one of the exercises practised on the first day of Doğadayız basic courses.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Heelside: Riding on Your Heel Edge, Speed Control and StoppingToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingHow Do You Learn Linked S-Turns on a Snowboard?Getting Started with Switch Riding on a Snowboard: Mastering Both DirectionsThe Garland Technique: Preparing for and Steering into Turns on a SnowboardSnowboarding on Steep Slopes and in Variable Snow ConditionsSnowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
Related terms:Side slipLinked turns
Turns made one after another without stopping, from the heelside edge to the toeside edge and back again; they're considered the measure of being able to say you've “learned” to snowboard.
A turn is initiated by putting your weight on the front foot and turning your shoulders and gaze in the direction you want to go; the board changes edge as it passes through the fall line. Someone who has never ridden before usually makes their first linked turns on the second or third day.
Field note:The scariest moment of a turn is when the board points down the fall line; pulling your weight back at exactly that moment is what makes you fall. Look ahead and towards the exit of the turn.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Heelside: Riding on Your Heel Edge, Speed Control and StoppingHow Many Days Should a Ski Holiday Be? The Ideal Length for Your LevelToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingHow Do You Do Your First J-Turn on a Snowboard?How Do You Learn Linked S-Turns on a Snowboard?Getting Started with Switch Riding on a Snowboard: Mastering Both DirectionsSnowboard Carving: Edge Angle, Angulation and Dynamic TurnsThe Garland Technique: Preparing for and Steering into Turns on a SnowboardShort and Long Turns on a Snowboard: Turn Shape and Pressure ControlVideo Analysis for Better Technique: How Do You Review Your Riding Mistakes?Snowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
At Doğadayız:Erciyes Basic Course Package (2 nights)Erciyes Experience Package
Related terms:Falling leafCatching an edge (edge catch)Fall line
When the board's lower, leading edge in the direction of travel digs into the snow and suddenly throws the rider to the ground; it's the cause of beginners' hardest falls.
It usually happens when changing edges or on a flat board, when the downhill edge accidentally touches the snow. The solution is to stay on the uphill edge at all times and be decisive in your turns.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Heelside: Riding on Your Heel Edge, Speed Control and StoppingHow Do You Choose Your First Snowboard? Length, Weight, Width and Riding StyleToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingPreventing Wrist, Shoulder and Head Injuries in SnowboardingHow to Fall and Get Up Safely on a SnowboardHow Do You Do Your First J-Turn on a Snowboard?How Do You Learn Linked S-Turns on a Snowboard?
Related terms:Heelside and toeside edgesFalling technique
A fast turning technique in which the board doesn't skid but carves a clean line into the snow on its edge alone.
The board's sidecut determines the arc of the turn. You need to commit boldly to the edge, bend your knees and keep up the pressure throughout the turn.
In the Academy:How Do You Learn Linked S-Turns on a Snowboard?Snowboard Carving: Edge Angle, Angulation and Dynamic TurnsSnowboarding on Steep Slopes and in Variable Snow ConditionsShort and Long Turns on a Snowboard: Turn Shape and Pressure ControlSnowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
Related terms:Linked turnsCarving
Riding with your back foot in front, the opposite of your natural stance.
Twin-shaped boards make riding switch easier; in freestyle it is essential for landing jumps the other way round.
In the Academy:Ski and Snowboard Culture: Terms, Traditions and Mountain EtiquetteRegular or Goofy? Finding Your Front Foot on a SnowboardGetting Started with Switch Riding on a Snowboard: Mastering Both DirectionsOllies, Nollies and Basic Freestyle Skills on a SnowboardHow Do You Choose and Set Up Snowboard Bindings? Systems, Compatibility, Stance and AnglesSnowboard Skills Checklist: From Beginner to Advanced
Related terms:Regular and goofy stanceTwin and directional
Board, bindings and boots: set up correctly, they double the speed at which you learn.
A board with a wooden core and a base and metal edges underneath, usually chosen at a length that reaches somewhere between your chin and nose when you stand it up next to you.
A short, soft board turns easily and suits beginners and the park; a long, stiff board is more stable at high speed and in powder. When choosing the length, your weight matters more than your height.
In the Academy:How Do You Choose Your First Snowboard? Length, Weight, Width and Riding StyleHow Do You Choose Snowboard Boots? Flex, Size and Lacing SystemsRent or Buy Skis and Snowboards?How Do You Wax Skis and Snowboards?Edge Sharpening, Base Repair and Equipment StorageHow Do You Choose and Set Up Snowboard Bindings? Systems, Compatibility, Stance and Angles
Related terms:Camber and rockerTwin and directionalSnowboard binding
The board's profile seen from the side: camber is the classic profile, arched upwards in the middle, with strong edge grip; rocker touches the ground in the middle, with tips that lift early, and reduces edge catches.
For beginners, rocker boards or rocker–camber mixes (hybrids) are forgiving. Camber boards are more precise and lively on hard pistes and when carving.
A twin board has the same shape and flex at both ends and rides the same in either direction; a directional board is designed to ride in one direction and usually has a longer nose.
The hardware that attaches the snowboard boot to the board, usually with two straps and a calf support at the back (highback); unlike a ski binding, it does not release by itself in a fall.
The straps should hold the boot tightly but not make your foot go numb. Rear-entry models make getting in and out faster.
In the Academy:Regular or Goofy? Finding Your Front Foot on a SnowboardHow Do You Choose Your First Snowboard? Length, Weight, Width and Riding StyleHow Do You Choose Snowboard Boots? Flex, Size and Lacing SystemsEdge Sharpening, Base Repair and Equipment StorageHow Do You Choose and Set Up Snowboard Bindings? Systems, Compatibility, Stance and Angles
Related terms:Stance width and binding anglesSnowboard bootBinding and DIN setting
The distance between the bindings is called stance width; the degree to which the bindings are rotated relative to the board's long axis is called the binding angle.
Stance width is usually around shoulder width. For beginners, a set-up with the front foot turned slightly forward (for example between +12° and +18°) and the back foot straight or angled slightly backwards is common; a ‘duck’ stance with both feet pointing outwards (such as +15°/−15°) is preferred for switch riding and freestyle.
In the Academy:How Do You Start Learning to Snowboard?Regular or Goofy? Finding Your Front Foot on a SnowboardThe Basic Snowboard Stance: Stance, Balance and Weight DistributionGetting Started with Switch Riding on a Snowboard: Mastering Both DirectionsSnowboard Carving: Edge Angle, Angulation and Dynamic TurnsHow Do You Choose and Set Up Snowboard Bindings? Systems, Compatibility, Stance and Angles
Related terms:Snowboard bindingRegular and goofy stance
A boot that is softer than a ski boot and leaves the ankle room to move, with laces or a dial closure system.
The boot should fit snugly with no heel lift; inside, your toes may lightly touch the end. Boot stiffness is chosen according to level and style: soft boots for the park and for learning, stiff boots for speed and carving.
In the Academy:What to Wear Skiing and SnowboardingHow Do You Choose Your First Snowboard? Length, Weight, Width and Riding StyleHow Do You Choose Snowboard Boots? Flex, Size and Lacing SystemsRent or Buy Skis and Snowboards?How to Choose Ski Socks: Foot Comfort and Boot FitHow Do You Choose and Set Up Snowboard Bindings? Systems, Compatibility, Stance and Angles
Related terms:Snowboard bindingSki boot
Extra protective gear that protects the wrists and the hips and tailbone in falls; especially recommended in your first days of snowboarding.
In Doğadayız basic course packages, protective gear is provided free of charge.
In the Academy:What to Wear Skiing and SnowboardingHow to Compare Holiday Packages with Ski Lessons Included: A 10-Point ChecklistDo Adults Find It Hard to Learn to Ski? Starting to Ski After 30At What Age Can Children Start Learning to Ski?Choosing a Ski Helmet: Fit, Certification and ProtectionA Guide to Physical Preparation for Skiing and SnowboardingToeside: Riding on Your Toe Edge, Speed Control and StoppingPreventing Wrist, Shoulder and Head Injuries in SnowboardingHow to Fall and Get Up Safely on a SnowboardWhen Should You Wear Back, Wrist and Hip Protectors?
Related terms:Falling techniqueHelmet and goggles
The world that opens up once your basic turns are solid.
A versatile board and riding style designed to perform well in all conditions, on the piste, in powder and in the park; the first board choice for most snowboarders.
A creative snowboarding style based on jumps, slides and spins, performed in the snowpark or on obstacles in natural terrain.
In the Academy:Regular or Goofy? Finding Your Front Foot on a SnowboardHow Do You Choose Your First Snowboard? Length, Weight, Width and Riding StyleGetting Started with Switch Riding on a Snowboard: Mastering Both DirectionsSnowboard Types: All-Mountain, Freestyle, Freeride and Powder Boards ComparedOllies, Nollies and Basic Freestyle Skills on a SnowboardSki and Snowboard Riding Styles: Piste, All-Mountain, Freeride, Freestyle and RacingSnowboard Freestyle Disciplines: Park, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air
Related terms:SnowparkOllieTwin and directional
A snowboarding style ridden outside groomed pistes, on natural terrain and in powder; it requires advanced skills and knowledge of avalanche safety.
In the Academy:Avalanche Risks When Skiing Off-Piste: The Safety BasicsGudauri Ski Resort Guide: Visa-Free Skiing in GeorgiaSnowboard Types: All-Mountain, Freestyle, Freeride and Powder Boards ComparedHow Do Avalanches Form? Snow Layers, Weak Layers and Slope AngleHow to Read an Avalanche Bulletin: Danger Levels and LimitationsSnowboarding on Steep Slopes and in Variable Snow ConditionsSki and Snowboard Riding Styles: Piste, All-Mountain, Freeride, Freestyle and RacingThe Basics of Powder Skiing and Snowboarding TechniqueThe Training and Safety Skills You Need to Move into Freeride
Related terms:Off-pistePowderTwin and directional
A dedicated area with freestyle features such as jumps (kickers), rails, boxes and half-pipes.
Parks also have a colour system: small features are for beginners, big jumps for advanced riders. The rule is to ride past the features once and check them out before you hit them.
In the Academy:Erciyes Ski Resort: Runs, Lifts and Training AreasThings to Do Besides Skiing on a Winter Holiday: Erciyes, Cappadocia, Sarıkamış and BanskoSki and Snowboard Culture: Terms, Traditions and Mountain EtiquetteSnowboard Types: All-Mountain, Freestyle, Freeride and Powder Boards ComparedOllies, Nollies and Basic Freestyle Skills on a SnowboardWhen Should You Wear Back, Wrist and Hip Protectors?Ski and Snowboard Riding Styles: Piste, All-Mountain, Freeride, Freestyle and RacingSnowboard Freestyle Disciplines: Park, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air
Related terms:Kicker (jump)Rails and boxesHalf-pipe
A jump ramp shaped from snow; it consists of the take-off ramp, the flight distance and the landing slope.
The metal rail and box features in the snowpark; sliding along them on your board is called ‘jibbing’.
A U-shaped snow channel with two high walls; the snowboarder rides from wall to wall, performing tricks in the air. It is an Olympic discipline.
In the Academy:Snowboard Freestyle Disciplines: Park, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air
Related terms:Snowpark
A move for getting airborne from flat ground by using the flex in the tail of the board like a spring; one done off the nose is called a nollie.
You first put your weight on your back foot and flex the tail, then lift your front foot and spring up off your back foot. It's the first move you learn for getting over small obstacles and getting started in freestyle.
Holding one edge of the board with your hand while in the air; depending on where you grab and with which hand, it has names such as indy or melon.
In the Academy:Snowboard Freestyle Disciplines: Park, Halfpipe, Slopestyle and Big Air
Related terms:Kicker (jump)180 and 360 (spins)
Rotating together with the board, in the air or on the snow; the number gives the size of the rotation in degrees.
Ground tricks done by keeping the nose or tail of the board on the snow and rotating around it with the other end are called ‘butters’.
An adult who has never ridden usually moves on from the falling leaf to their first linked turns within 2–3 days with an instructor. For the first steps, see our guide How to Start Snowboarding.
The foot you step forward with when sliding on a slippery floor, or when you're gently pushed from behind, is usually your front foot: if it's your left, you're regular; if it's your right, you're goofy. Your instructor will test this with you on day one.
Not at the start. In Doğadayız basic course packages, snowboard equipment, helmet, goggles and protective gear are included in the package.
Reach your first linked turn at Erciyes, Sarıkamış and Bansko, on programmes that include equipment, ski pass and instruction.
