# Snowboarding

Part of the Snow Sports Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/index.md)

*7. Option C — Snowboarding*

> **7.** Option C—Snowboarding. Do ALL of the following: Note: Generally, a gentle slope will be a trail designated by a green circle, a slightly steeper slope will be a green circle or blue square trail, and an intermediate slope will be a blue square trail. However, your counselor should determine what type of hill is most suited to your skill level and allows you to demonstrate the required skills. **Snowboarding**

You have chosen snowboarding. Like the Nordic option, this section has 11 sub-requirements of which you must complete at least 10.

Snowboarding has a different feel from skiing — your feet are both fixed to a single board, which means your whole body rotates together on turns. That takes some getting used to, but once you find your edge, snowboarding is fluid and rewarding.

## What You'll Complete

- **[Req 7c1 — Forward-Fall Injuries](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c1/)**: Discuss the specific injuries caused by snowboarding forward falls and how to reduce the risk.
- **[Req 7c2 — Equipment Selection](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c2/)**: Select the correct snowboard, boots, and gear for safety and comfort.
- **[Req 7c3 — Bindings & Leashes](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c3/)**: Use and maintain bindings; explain different binding types and why leashes matter.
- **[Req 7c4 — Types of Snowboards](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c4/)**: Discuss the four types of snowboards and demonstrate how to carry a snowboard safely.
- **[Req 7c5 — Riding a Lift](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c5/)**: Demonstrate one lift type and explain two others on a snowboard.
- **[Req 7c6 — Waxing a Snowboard](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c6/)**: Demonstrate the basic principles of waxing a snowboard base.
- **[Req 7c7 — Beginning & Intermediate Maneuvers](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c7/)**: On gentle terrain, demonstrate sideslipping and basic speed/direction control. On slightly steeper terrain, show traversing.
- **[Req 7c8 — Ollie, Nose-End Grab & Wheelie](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c8/)**: Demonstrate three freestyle techniques on a moderate slope.
- **[Req 7c9 — Controlled Run](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c9/)**: Make a full controlled run down an intermediate slope.
- **[Req 7c10 — Varied Conditions](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c-10/)**: Ride in varied terrain and snow — changes in pitch, snow type, and moguls.
- **[Req 7c11 — Major Snowboarding Organizations](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c-11/)**: Name the major U.S. snowboarding organizations and explain their functions.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Always wear a properly fitting helmet when snowboarding. Wrist guards are also recommended — a reflex to catch yourself in a forward fall is very natural and broken wrists are among the most common snowboarding injuries.

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- Previous: [Steep Hills & Difficult Conditions](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7b-11/index.md)
- Next: [Forward-Fall Injuries](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/snow-sports/guide/req7c1/index.md)