Advice on Building a kicker! - Snowboarding Forum

Banjo · 03-01-2013, 12:07 PM

Heading out this weekend to do some exploring....no resort, just a pair of slow-shoes (yes i know) and my board on my back....looking for some advice on building a kicker...anyone have any experience?

Casual · 03-01-2013, 12:38 PM

Picking a good spot is #1. I like finding a spot that's steep, then flatens out and then gets steep again. Build it back in the flat with a gap (however big you want) and then have the next steep as you landing.

This is a little exagerated but you get the idea:

Then your gonna want to pile your snow and start shaping. I like to use a bucket shovel that you can push like a front end loader but thats not easy to pack with you haha. This is gonna take a long time, you need to build/shape build/shape and pack it down... it takes a lot of snow.

Here's the key though. Once it's done do not hit it. Leave it for at least a few hours or even better leave it over night. The snow has to set or you will just crush it down or blast through it. The only exception is heavy wet snow, it can settle really fast when packing it down, still should let it sit for a while though.

You will probably still have to re-shape it a few times after the first few hits to adjust it and fix it up ect. Keep the transition really smooth, I like to shave it with my board from the top down holding my binding loops, best tool for the job.

Good luck! Hopefully some others can chime in with other tips.

NWBoarder · 03-01-2013, 12:39 PM

I do believe that Snomie.com has an article on just this subject. I'd link it, but I'm lazy today. :P

Banjo · 03-01-2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casual

No, im looking to build a snowboard jump....thats a SKI jump.

Hahahaha, JK man, thanks for the advice...hopefully ill have some pics to show how bad i failed, lol

blunted_nose · 03-01-2013, 01:23 PM

I once spet a lifticket for a day of building a jump. In the edn it was shit. I refuse to build them, but if i see one pre made i hit it.

aiidoneus · 03-01-2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blunted_nose

I once spet a lifticket for a day of building a jump. In the edn it was shit. I refuse to build them, but if i see one pre made i hit it.

Some resorts have special lift tickets for cross country. Lets you take a gondola and lift to get you out in the back country. Usually a lot cheaper.

Banjo · 03-01-2013, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aiidoneus

Some resorts have special lift tickets for cross country. Lets you take a gondola and lift to get you out in the back country. Usually a lot cheaper.

I am doing this to avoid the resorts all together. plenty of mountains to play on in Kananaskis....

aiidoneus · 03-01-2013, 01:36 PM

A few things I have learned:

- location, need a solid approach speed, and good steep but soft landing
- lots of snow, build in bigger than you think
- pack the shit out of it, add a layer, repeat
- sunny days help melt the snow a bit and it packs better
- make a solid transition

Love to hear more tips, I am so so at it.

Casual · 03-01-2013, 01:37 PM

Good luck man! I hope you have friends to help you shovel.

Banjo · 03-01-2013, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casual

Good luck man! I hope you have friends to help you shovel.

I might make the ol lady grab a shovel...

03-01-2013, 12:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Banjo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 248	Advice on Building a kicker! Heading out this weekend to do some exploring....no resort, just a pair of slow-shoes (yes i know) and my board on my back....looking for some advice on building a kicker...anyone have any experience?

03-01-2013, 12:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Casual Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Edmonton Posts: 457	Picking a good spot is #1. I like finding a spot that's steep, then flatens out and then gets steep again. Build it back in the flat with a gap (however big you want) and then have the next steep as you landing. This is a little exagerated but you get the idea: Then your gonna want to pile your snow and start shaping. I like to use a bucket shovel that you can push like a front end loader but thats not easy to pack with you haha. This is gonna take a long time, you need to build/shape build/shape and pack it down... it takes a lot of snow. Here's the key though. Once it's done do not hit it. Leave it for at least a few hours or even better leave it over night. The snow has to set or you will just crush it down or blast through it. The only exception is heavy wet snow, it can settle really fast when packing it down, still should let it sit for a while though. You will probably still have to re-shape it a few times after the first few hits to adjust it and fix it up ect. Keep the transition really smooth, I like to shave it with my board from the top down holding my binding loops, best tool for the job. Good luck! Hopefully some others can chime in with other tips. __________________ ...

03-01-2013, 01:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
Casual Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Edmonton Posts: 457	Good luck man! I hope you have friends to help you shovel. __________________ ...

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03-01-2013, 01:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
blunted_nose Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 862	I once spet a lifticket for a day of building a jump. In the edn it was shit. I refuse to build them, but if i see one pre made i hit it.

03-01-2013, 01:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
aiidoneus -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 333	A few things I have learned: - location, need a solid approach speed, and good steep but soft landing - lots of snow, build in bigger than you think - pack the shit out of it, add a layer, repeat - sunny days help melt the snow a bit and it packs better - make a solid transition Love to hear more tips, I am so so at it.