Snowboarding isn’t just about getting from the top of the mountain to the bottom—it’s also about style, creativity, and making the ride your own. One of the best ways to add flair to your riding is by mastering the art of buttering. This playful and technical skill allows riders to incorporate spins, presses, and other stylish maneuvers without leaving the ground. Whether you’re a beginner looking to add some tricks to your repertoire or an advanced rider aiming to refine your technique, buttering is a great way to enhance your snowboarding experience.
What is Buttering?
Buttering refers to a series of snowboard tricks that involve shifting your weight and pressing one end of your board into the snow while using the other end as a pivot. It’s similar to doing a wheelie on a bicycle but with more variations and fluidity. This technique is often used in freestyle riding, allowing snowboarders to perform stylish ground tricks, transition smoothly between features, and add flair to their runs.
Why Learn Buttering?
Buttering is more than just an aesthetic trick—it has practical benefits that can improve your overall snowboarding skills.
- Enhances Board Control: Learning to butter improves your balance, edge control, and coordination.
- Increases Flow and Style: Buttering can make your riding feel more dynamic and creative, especially in park and groomed runs.
- Low Impact Fun: Unlike jumps and rails, buttering doesn’t require big landings, making it a great way to practice tricks with less risk.
- Works on Any Terrain: Whether you’re on a groomer, a side hit, or a slushy spring day, buttering can be incorporated anywhere.
How to Start Buttering
If you’re new to buttering, start by mastering the basic techniques before progressing to more advanced tricks.
1. Nose and Tail Press
- Shift your weight to the nose (front) or tail (back) of your board while keeping your base slightly lifted.
- Keep your knees bent and core engaged to maintain balance.
- Hold the press for a few seconds before transitioning back to a neutral stance.
2. Butter Spins
- Start with a nose or tail press.
- Use your shoulders and hips to initiate a spin while keeping your balance.
- Try 180-degree or 360-degree rotations to add more style.
3. Manuals and Flatland Tricks
- Combine presses with small hops, reverts, and shifty movements for a more fluid riding style.
- Experiment with different movements to see what feels natural and fun for you.
Pro Tips for Buttering Like a Pro
- Use a Softer Board: A flexible snowboard makes buttering easier and more forgiving.
- Engage Your Core: Keeping your core tight helps maintain stability and control.
- Practice on Flat Terrain: Start on gentle slopes or flat areas before trying on steeper runs.
- Stay Relaxed: A loose, fluid stance will help you flow through your movements naturally.
Final Thoughts
Buttering is a great way to elevate your snowboarding style while improving your board control and creativity. With practice, you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate these tricks into your riding, making every run feel unique and fun. So get out there, start pressing, spinning, and experimenting, and take your snowboarding style to the next level!
