The adrenaline rush of barreling down a snowy slope on a snowboard, catching air, and soaring into the sky is a feeling that cannot be replicated.
And it’s a feeling that women are now dominating in the world of big air snowboarding. From a grassroots evolution of a male-dominated sport to the rise of big air competitions and the explosive talent of female snowboarders, this post explores how women’s snowboarding is taking the sport to new heights. Get ready to be inspired by the top female big air snowboarders to watch and pick up some tips and tricks for nailing those epic big air tricks. Hold on tight, we’re in for a wild ride.
The Evolution of Women’s Snowboarding
Women’s snowboarding has come a long way since its early days. While once a small niche in the sport, female snowboarders have made significant strides in establishing themselves, their styles, and their contribution to the sport as a whole.
Back in the day, women’s snowboarding was spotted as a feminine take on the men’s sport. Women would often imitate men’s styles and gear, trying to match or surpass their male counterparts. But as the sport grew and evolved, women began to develop their style and identity, which helped to take their snowboarding to new heights.
One of the big issues that women’s snowboarding faced, and still does to some extent today, was the lack of recognition compared to the men’s side of the sport. With the structure of events, prize money and media coverage often giving greater weight to men’s performances, it was an uphill struggle to achieve equal recognition.
However, times are changing. In recent years, more big-name events have come to include women’s events, including big air competitions, where female snowboarders can compete and display their talents alongside their male peers. This increased exposure of women’s snowboarding has done wonders in raising awareness of the sport and the technical achievements of women in the field.
Today, women’s snowboarding is still pushing the limits of what’s considered possible on the mountain. With Big Air competitions becoming more prevalent in both men’s and women’s snowboarding, women are able to compete at the same level as men, showing off their grit, style, and pure skill. The sport’s evolution is one that is exciting, with tons of possibilities ahead.
The Rise of Big Air Competitions
Big Air competitions are the ultimate showcase of skill for snowboarders, challenging riders to execute gravity-defying tricks off massive jumps. These competitions have been gaining popularity in recent years and have become a staple in the world of snowboarding. What’s most exciting, however, is the significant presence of women in these competitions. Gone are the days where snowboarding was a male-dominated sport, as more and more women have been stepping up and taking the snowboarding world by storm.
Big Air competitions have proven to be an excellent platform for women to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the snowboarding world. These competitions provide equal opportunities for men and women, paving the way for more women to compete and excel in the sport. As a result, the number of women participating in Big Air competitions has grown significantly over the years, and fans are starting to take notice of their impressive talent.
One major factor that has contributed to the rise of women’s snowboarding is the supportive snowboarding community. More than ever, snowboarders of all genders are coming together to support each other and create a more inclusive and welcoming world of snowboarding. This sense of community has given women the confidence they need to step onto the big stage and compete at the highest level.
Overall, the rise of Big Air competitions has been a significant turning point for women’s snowboarding. With more opportunities for women to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level, we can expect to see even more female snowboarders rise to the top and inspire the next generation of riders.
The Top Female Big Air Snowboarders to Watch
When it comes to big air competitions in snowboarding, certain female riders have been dominating the scene in recent years. One such rider is Anna Gasser, the Austrian athlete who made history in 2018 by becoming the first female snowboarder to land a triple cork. Gasser has been a force to be reckoned with in the big air events, taking home multiple X Games medals and a gold at the 2018 Olympics.
Another standout rider is Jamie Anderson from the United States, who not only excels in big air but also slopestyle. Anderson has won numerous X Games medals, as well as a gold in the 2014 Sochi Olympics and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Her signature smooth style and technical skills have made her a favorite among fans and judges alike.
Silje Norendal from Norway is another top female big air snowboarder. With several X Games medals and a gold in slopestyle at the 2013 Oslo X Games under her belt, Norendal is known for her amplitude and ability to stomp landings with ease. She also made history by being the first woman to land a double cork 1080 in competition.
Other notable riders in the big air scene include Cheryl Maas from the Netherlands, Spencer O’Brien from Canada, and Klaudia Medlova from Slovakia. These women, along with many others, are pushing the limits of what’s possible in big air competitions and inspiring a new generation of female snowboarders.
If you’re a fan of snowboarding or looking to get started, make sure you keep an eye on these talented athletes as they continue to take the sport to new heights.
Tips and Tricks for Nailing Big Air Tricks
Nailing big air tricks is the ultimate goal of any snowboarder, and it’s no different for women snowboarders. These tips and tricks will help you up your game.
First and foremost, pick a jump that’s appropriate for your skill level. It doesn’t make sense to go for the biggest jump in the park if you’re not yet comfortable with smaller ones.
Next, visualize yourself doing the trick. You need to have a clear idea of what you’re going to do before you do it. Visualizing yourself doing the trick also helps to calm your nerves.
Timing is everything. You need to hit the jump at the right speed and at the right angle. You want to be going fast enough so that you can clear the jump, but not so fast that you lose control. And the angle at which you approach the jump is crucial. If you come in too straight or too perpendicular, you’re not going to get the height or distance you need.
When you’re in the air, keep your eyes on the landing. You want to be looking for your landing spot as soon as possible so that you can adjust your body position if needed.
Lastly, commit to the trick. This is the most important tip of all. You need to fully commit to the trick in order to pull it off. If you hesitate or back out at the last minute, you’re not going to land it.
So go out there and give it your all. With these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to nailing those big air tricks like a pro!