Snowboarding is a spin-off of skateboard and skiing. It has been popularized in the United States of America around the late 1960's. Since then snowboarding had developed into different categories and was accepted into the Olympic Games.
Categories of snowboarding have been divided into three: the freestyle riding, free riding and the free carving or slalom race. The freestyle riding is where jumps, turns and board sliding are common. This is usually done on a half pipe or a U-shaped track that can swing the rider back and forth to gain momentum and do tricks and twists while in the air. Part of the freestyle course is rails or plant boxes that the snowboarder could slide the board on.
Free riding and free carving or slalom race are snowboarding activities that involve only riding down the slopes with less jumps and slides. This is the most common activity for would be snowboarders since this is easy and all you need to do is just ride the board.
These activities may be all considered snowboarding but it uses different types of board for each activity.
Freestyle Riding
This type of ride requires shorter boards and utilizes soft or padded boots. The board in this category tends to be lighter so it would be easy for the rider to maneuver and do tricks and slides. It is required to be a shorter board to prevent the board from hitting the face or mouth of the rider. The boots are softer to absorb and cushion the impact from high jumps. Riders of these category are avid and experienced and don't just take the sport lightly.
Free Riding
Boarders who ride this category may be weekend boarders who climb the slopes for a weekend fun and relaxation. This is a low impact ride that can be fun as well as relaxing as the rider cruises through the slopes. Boards of this activity are longer and more flexible for good ride control and maneuvering and are attached with hard boots.
Slalom Race
This is a free rider's race where boarders race through the slopes with small jumps and hops. This does not involve any twisting and sliding. Boards used for these events are the same as the free riding boards.
