Glossary 101 Like any sport ("bogey," "offsides," "icing," from golf, football, and hockey, respectively), snowboarding has some unique terms. Here are definitions of some of the most common snowboarding terms. Bindings There are various sorts, but you need bindings to keep your boots attached to the board. Boots Snowboard boots have come a long way since the early days. You'll probably start off with soft-sided boots, and may use them the rest of your riding days. Butt plant To land painfully, and suddenly, on one's backside, especially after catching an edge. Catch an edge A painful event in which the rider comes to a sudden stop, resulting either in a face plant or a butt plant. The result of having too much weight on the wrong side (toeside or heelside) of the board for the situation. Catwalk A narrow trail, with a steep drop-off to one side and the side of the mountain on the other. Dude All-purpose term to refer to someone you don't know. The equivalent of "Hey you," or "You guys." Face plant To fall forward down the hill, on one's arms, chest, and sometimes, face. The result of catching an edge. Fakie If you prefer ride with your left foot in front but instead go with your right, you are riding fakie. (And if you prefer riding with your right foot in front but lead with your left, that's fakie, too.) Same as Switch. Fall Line The direction that a ball would roll towards the base of the mountain or hill. Flats The flattest part of a mountain or ski area, the flats are a difficult place for a snowboarder to be. Gaiter A collar or skirt fabric. A neck gaiter is very useful on cold days, covering not only the neck but chin and much of the face as well. A jacket or pants gaiter helps keep out the powder--if you're lucky enough to ride in it! Glade A stand of trees, usually evergreens, through which riders may travel. Goofy If you put your right front towards the tip of the board, you have a "goofy" stance, or are a "goofy" rider. See Regular Grays on Trays 1. An adult snowboarder. 2. The web site you're looking at! Grommet; Groms A young snowboarder; a pre-teen. Heelside 1. Riding with the weight on the toes, looking down the mountain. 2. Making a turn from riding on one's toes to riding on one's heels. Leash Most ski areas require that snowboarders use a leash, by which the board is attached to the rider. One end is tied to the board, and the other end is tied around the front leg of the rider. Piste A designated path down a mountain, usually used in Europe. The U.S. equivalent is "trail." Regular If you put your left foot towards the tip of the board, you have a "regular" stance. See Goofy Responsibility Code Rules governing safety and responsibility on the slopes, applying to skiers and snowboarders. You are legally responsible for knowing and following the code. Skate; Skating one way of moving on the flats. Skating on a snowboard resembles the motion of a skateboard: one foot stays in front, on the board. The rider takes the other foot and moves it in a tip-to-tail motion to propel the snowboard. Stomp pad A piece of rubber or soft plastic that sits on the board, between the front and back binding. It's useful for standing on (with the free foot) when skating, descending the lift, or any other time when a rider has only one foot in the binding. Switch If you prefer ride with your left foot in front but instead go with your right, you are riding switchstance, or simply, switch. (And if you prefer riding with your right foot in front but lead with your left, that's switch, too.) Same as fakie. Trail A designated "lane" or path down the mountain. Ski areas like to boast of the number of trails they have, but some inflate the number through various means. Toeside 1. Riding with the weight on the toes, looking up the mountain. 2. Making a turn from riding on one's heels to riding on one's toes. Go to Glossary 102. DISCUSSION Stop by the GraysOnTrays discussion board. Return to the home page.