Why can't I hit normal kickers?

Question

I snowboard relatively well, I can do blue runs comfortably, and can so small boxes and rails, but for some reason I can never land off a jump. There is one jump at the beginners area at Loveland, CO. I can go off with no problems but anything else I can't seem to do. Any tips? I think I will take a lesson also.

Answer 1

You are probably going too slow for the jump you are trying to pull, and catching the knuckle of the table when you are coming down.  I see this all the time with people who are new to the park.  It takes some getting used to, but you need to carry enough speed to carry the tabletop and land on the steep part of the landing.  You will have to work up to this.  Its pretty easy.  Each time you go over the jump, go just a bit faster than you feel comfortable with.  It will be kind of scary at first, but as soon as youclear the knuckle that first time and realize how much easier it is to land on the steep part, you will get over the fear of extra speed, and be able to carry yourself further down the landing.  Dont go too fast the first time though...the only thing worse than landing on the knuckle is going too far down the landing and smacking down in the flatbottom.

Answer 2

I think your idea of taking a lesson is very bright.  There is no way for someone to tell you what you are doing without actually seeing your do it.  There are many reasons that you might be baling on landing.  Indeed, it may be that you are landing with too much weight on the tail, but it could also be too much nose weight, poor body alignment, edge contact on landing, or as simple as where you are looking when you land.  An instructor who is certified to train in the park will be able to look at you and pick out what you need to work on.  

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

I used to have problems landing them also and usually it is because you are too far back when you land. If you are on the tail of your board, it is hard to get onto an edge and the board will slip out from under you.

Bend your knees and get forward a little more when hitting the top of the kicker - your landings will be much easier.

Good Luck