How to jump a board

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. Davenport

The take-off: Kevin straightens his legs and springs using the tail of the board to pop up into the air Photograph: Allen G. Davenport

The manoeuvre: a basic straight air jump. Knees bent, arms centred, board flat. Your back should be straight Photograph: Allen G. Davenport

The 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. Davenport

The 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. Davenport

When 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. Davenport

An 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. Davenport

Bend your legs in the air again to cushion the landing Photograph: Allen G. Davenport

and extend your arms to aid balance Photograph: Allen G. Davenport

That'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