The joy of boarding is building up some speed on the slopes ... Photograph: Allen G. Davenport... before carving some turns ... Photograph: Allen G. Davenport... but the foundation to putting in jumps is about riding a flat board with confidence. Here, Kevin Byford, head of the snowboarding school in Snowmass, Aspen, demonstrates the basics. The approach: Kevin gets his body low and bends his legs in preparation Photograph: Allen G. DavenportThe take-off: Kevin straightens his legs and springs using the tail of the board to pop up into the airPhotograph: Allen G. DavenportThe manoeuvre: a basic straight air jump. Knees bent, arms centred, board flat. Your back should be straight Photograph: Allen G. DavenportThe body is compressed for amplitude and balance. Keep your shoulders orientated to the slope. Once in the air, pick your knees up again Photograph: Allen G. DavenportThe landing: the legs are extended to absorb the shock - flat board for landing again. "Any fool can hit a jump, but the key is landing safely" Photograph: Allen G. DavenportWhen it comes to hitting bumps - even small ones like this - the key is knowledge: "Pre-ride it. Re-ride it. Then free-ride it," says Kevin. Check out the approach and the landing first Photograph: Allen G. DavenportAn indy air jump. Dip your trailing shoulder too far and you will bring up the nose of the board too sharply. Breathe in on the approach Photograph: Allen G. Davenport... with a grab. "If your upper body twists in the air, the board will follow and you'll spin out. Keep it straight and stable. Breathe out once you are in the air Photograph: Allen G. DavenportBend your legs in the air again to cushion the landing Photograph: Allen G. Davenportand extend your arms to aid balance Photograph: Allen G. DavenportThat's all folks. Full day private lessons with the Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen and Snowmass at any of Aspen's four mountains cost $565 and can be shared by up to four people Photograph: Allen G. Davenport
