Mountainboarding is an extreme sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It combines elements of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing to create a truly unique experience. Mountainboarders ride down dirt slopes, carve turns, and perform tricks on specially designed boards.

To learn more about this exciting sport, I interviewed a professional mountainboarder. Chris "Topher" Smith has been competing in mountainboarding for over ten years and has won numerous championships. Here are some of his insights into the world of competitive mountainboarding.

What inspired you to get into mountainboarding?

I've always been interested in action sports, and I was looking for something new to try. A friend introduced me to mountainboarding, and I was hooked from the first ride. I loved the feeling of carving down a dirt slope and the challenge of learning new tricks.

What does a typical competition look like?

Competitions are held on specially designed courses that include jumps, rails, and other obstacles. Riders are judged on a variety of factors, including style, difficulty, and execution. The courses are typically designed to test a rider's skills in a variety of areas, so you need to be well-rounded to do well.

What kind of equipment do you need?

The most important piece of equipment is, of course, the mountainboard itself. These are specialized boards that are designed to handle the rough terrain and high speeds of mountainboarding. They typically have large, inflatable tires and sturdy decks to handle the impact of jumps and tricks.

You'll also need protective gear, including helmets, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. Mountainboarding can be dangerous, so it's essential to take safety seriously.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into mountainboarding?

Start slow and focus on building your skills gradually. Spend time practicing the basics, like carving and stopping, before attempting more advanced tricks. It's also important to take safety seriously and always wear protective gear.

Finally, find a community of riders to learn from and ride with. Mountainboarding can be a challenging sport, but it's also a lot of fun. Having a supportive group of riders to share the experience with can make all the difference.

What makes mountainboarding unique compared to other action sports?

Mountainboarding combines elements of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing to create a truly unique experience. The feeling of carving down a dirt slope at high speeds is unlike anything else. Plus, the sport is still relatively new, so there's a lot of room for creativity and innovation.

Overall, mountainboarding is an exciting and challenging sport that is sure to appeal to anyone who loves action sports. Whether you're looking to compete at a high level or just want to try something new, mountainboarding has something to offer.

References

• mountainboard