NZsnowboard.com

26th August 2008

ALL PHOTOS:
Vaughan Brookfield - NZsnowboard.com Staff Photographer

 Most of the time, we dont have the snow that we get overseas, so it makes it hard to go out and build a decent jump. I have spent a bit of time with the NZ crew out in the  backcountry and have learnt some valuable things to help when going out to build.

First up, go out with a good crew, you dont want any slackers when ya going to be shovelling a lot.

RMB and Rob Mitchell - these boys are a good pick to take with ya!!

Nick Hyne gets some stretches done before heading out back

 It takes time to find a good spot to build. You want to find somewhere with a steep pitch for the landing and a flat spot to build the transition so you have time to set up for your spin. As well as having a good run in that will give you enough speed to make the knuckle.

So now that you have sussed the spot, line up ya board were the booter will be, then grab a shovel, time to get to work. The best way is to cut blocks of snow and make a wall in the shape of your jump, its best to make it a lot wider than you really need it because as it gets higher the take off will get smaller.

We made a conveyer with the boards to get the blocks of snow to the booter, it makes things a lot faster when there isnt a lot of snow.

Karl Dunham lays down some blocks full igloo style

Now that you have built a wall its easy to fill in the jump and keep the shape of the cheese wedge that you are after. 

Once you have the jump looking the way you want it,  start boot packing up the side of your run in and do some sideslips down the run in about 3 board widths wide, so you have plenty of time to do you set up turns, before hitting the jump.

Rock, Paper, scissors! which one do I choose? RMB got first hit.

Roland was there

Now all the hard work is out the way, bust out ya bacon and egg sammy and sit back while the jump sets and gets a bit more solid.

Hammer time! Now you have yourself a nice jump that feels comfortable, go off into a pow landing. Time to stomp those bangers you have been practicing in the park.

Nick Brown enjoys the fruits of his labor at Treble Cone

ALL PHOTOS:
Vaughan Brookfield - NZsnowboard.com Staff Photographer