Since getting the Snowboard Addiction Freestyle Program last April (read my review here), SA have added a few extra videos to the package. As I’ve mentioned before, their new material is often released as an individual video that’s available in their subscription program, and then it’s added to one of their programs – often the Freestyle Program.

Of those, my favourites have been the Buttering videos and the Riding Pipe video – as you’ll see below. I wrote a review of the Riding Powder lesson recently – it’s not bad, I just don’t think their attention to detail, which makes their instruction so good, is as applicable to riding pow.

Anyway, if you’ve been contemplating getting their Freestyle Program, or you’re just interested, there’s a new Overview, which does a good job of showing you what you get…

Riding Pipe Video

OK – so the Riding Pipe video is the newest instruction from SA, and I really enjoyed it. It’s been ages since I last rode the half-pipe, and this video just made me want to go and start working on the things I was getting to grips with back then, and then add some more height, stability, maybe some basic spins… It reminded me how much fun the half-pipe can be!

The Snowboard Addiction Pipe video is 22 minutes long, starting at making your very first runs through the pipe, moving to basic tricks like alley-oops and 360s. Here’s what I like about it:

Good introductory progression. Covering your first turns, changing them to hop/jump turns, and then aiming to get closer to the coping. Nice start.

Toe and heel edge runs. I haven’t really ridden a half-pipe since 2006, but this is something I’ve thought about a lot. Making runs through the pipe staying on one edge the whole way. They show how it’s good for developing correct edge use, and getting you used to riding switch in the pipe, which you’ll need for 360s and beyond.

Correct edging. I didn’t get any help when starting out in the pipe, I just did what felt like the right thing. My edge use was generally ok, but not when landing on the frontside wall, and I’d sometimes put too much edge in on the backside wall toward the top… This video shows you when to use your edges, what edge to use, and what you need to be doing on take off for straight airs, and spins. Awesome!

Basic tricks. You get the low down on terminology, which can be a little confusing in the pipe, as well as instruction on how to initiate your spins in the pipe. It gave me the impression I could go out and start working on spins – just what you need.

I think it’s a great addition by them, and if you’re interested in riding the half-pipe, you’ll like this. Here’s their new teaser…