Snowboarding (sometimes spelled Snow Boarding) is a winter sport that is based off of skiing, surfing, and skate boarding. There are various styles, each with their own specific equipment and technique.

Snowboarding is the fringe winter sport that became a dominant, worldwide phenomenon. Done both recreationally and competitively, snowboarders practice several different styles, ranging from downhill racing to tricks on half pipe.

To ride and perform tricks on a board, while gliding down a mountain.

There are no written or standardized rules for snowboarding, except those created specifically for individual competitions. There are however, certain restrictions and guidelines that should be followed when on public mountains.

The first snowboard, called a Snurfer, was invented in Michigan in 1965. The 1970s and 1980s saw snowboarding grow more popular due to advances in board design and related equipment. In 1982 the first National Snowboard race was held, followed with the first World Championship half pipe competition the following year. In 1994 the International Snowboard Association was founded to regulate competitions. Soon after, snowboarding was included in major competitions like the X-Games and the Olympics. After much resistance from skiers, today snowboarding accounts for 20% of all ski resort activity in the United States and is immensely popular around the world.

Boots
Gloves
Helmet
Snowboard

Snowboarding is a dangerous sport, and can be the cause of numerous injuries. Wrist and ankle injuries are most common.

Experience on a surfboard or skateboard is helpful in learning balance and board control. Additionally time spent participating in winter sports can be helpful in dealing with snow and cold temperatures.

Big Air - style of competition where riders perform tricks in the air after launching off a man made jump

Boardercross - style of competition where several riders race down a course featuring jumps, berms and other obstacles made from snow

Freecarve -style of snowboarding featuring downhill boarding while negotiating fast and responsive turns

Freeride - most common and easily accessible style of snowboarding; involves riding down any terrain

Freestyle - style of snowboarding where the rider uses manmade terrain such as rails, boxes, handrails and half pipes to perform aerial tricks

Half Pipe - style of competition where riders perform tricks while going from one side to the other on a semi-circular ramp

Racing - styles of competition including slalom, giant slalom and super G; in all events riders board downhill while maneuvering tight turns around gates

Rail Jam - style of competition where riders perform tricks on rails, boxes and pipes in a small setting
Snowboard - board resembling a short, broad ski, used for sliding downhill on snow

Snurfer - an early snowboard, resembling a skateboard without wheels

Slope Style - style of competition where riders perform tricks while descending an obstacle-filled course

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowboarding