Snowboard training apparatus and method

Abstract

A snowboard training apparatus is provided that can limit a snowboarder's weight shift on a snowboard, or limit a snowboarder from shifting his weight improperly to his back foot. The snowboard training apparatus includes a strap comprising a first end, a second end, and an adjustment device to alter a length of the strap. A snowboarder attachment device is connected to the first end of the strap and is adapted for connection to a front-facing side of the waist of the snowboarder. The training apparatus further includes a snowboard attachment device connected to the second end of the strap. The snowboard attachment device is adapted for connection along a forward portion of the snowboard. The strap is adjustable to a length that limits the snowboarder's shift in weight from a first forward positioned foot to a second rearward positioned foot.

1 . A training apparatus to limit a snowboarder's weight shift on a snowboard, the apparatus comprising:
 a strap comprising a first end, an opposing second end, and an adjustment device adapted to alter a length of the strap;   a snowboarder attachment device connected to the first end of the strap, the snowboarder attachment device adapted for connection to a front-facing side of the waist of the snowboarder;   a snowboard attachment device connected to the second end of the strap, the snowboard attachment device adapted for connection along a forward portion of the snowboard;   wherein the strap is adjustable to a length that limits the snowboarder's shift in weight from a first foot positioned on a forward portion of the snowboard to a second foot positioned on a rearward portion of the snowboard.   
     
     
         2 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the strap limits the snowboarder to a weight balance forward of center between the first foot and the second foot. 
     
     
         3 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the snowboarder attachment device comprises a carabiner. 
     
     
         4 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a first clip coupling the first end of the strap and the snowboarder attachment device. 
     
     
         5 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the snowboard attachment device is attachable to a front tip of the snowboard. 
     
     
         6 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the snowboard attachment device is attachable along a curved front edge of the snowboard. 
     
     
         7 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second clip coupling the second end of the strap and the snowboard attachment device. 
     
     
         8 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the snowboard attachment device comprises a carabiner. 
     
     
         9 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the snowboard attachment device comprises a C-clamp. 
     
     
         10 . The training apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a bolt threaded through a portion of the C-clamp, the bolt being rotateable to secure the C-clamp to the snowboard. 
     
     
         11 . The training apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a gripping material on the bolt to prevent the C-clamp from damaging the snowboard. 
     
     
         12 . The training apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a carabiner to couple the C-clamp to the second end of the strap. 
     
     
         13 . A method for training a snowboarder proper weight balance when riding a snowboard, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a strap comprising a first end, an opposing second end, and an adjustment device adapted to alter a length of the strap;   providing a snowboarder attachment device connected to the first end of the strap, the snowboarder attachment device adapted for connection to a front-facing side of the waist of the snowboarder;   providing a snowboard attachment device connected to the second end of the strap, the snowboard attachment device adapted for connection along a forward portion of the snowboard;   fastening the snowboarder attachment device to a front-facing side of the waist of the snowboarder;   fastening the snowboard attachment device to the front of the snowboard; and   adjusting the strap to a length that limits the snowboarder's shift in weight from a first foot positioned on a forward portion of the snowboard to a second foot positioned on a rearward portion of the snowboard.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  13 , wherein the step of adjusting the strap length limits the snowboarder to a weight balance forward of centered between the back foot and a front foot. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  13 , wherein adjusting the strap length limits the snowboarder from leaning upslope and shifting the snowboarder's weight to the back foot. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  13 , wherein the snowboard attachment device is connected to a front tip of the snowboard. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  13 , wherein the snowboard attachment device is connected along a curved front edge of the snowboard. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of fastening the snowboarder attachment device to a front-facing side of the waist of the snowboarder comprising fastening the snowboarder attachment device to a belt worn by the snowboarder. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of providing a strap comprises providing a strap strong enough to withstand a 100-pound test load.