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Background photo found at http://thenextweb.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/01/Screen-Shot-2012-01-20-at-2.31.06-PM-520x216.png


The physics of riding a rail


Grinding a rail on a snowboard is not nearly as easy as it sounds. There are many physical factors to keep in mind while preparing to ride across a rail. Speed is one of these factors. It's important to have the right amount of speed while riding a rail--not too slow but not too fast either. You want to go fast enough to actually make it across the rail, but slow enough to not jump over it completely. Friction also plays a very large role in riding rails. The idea is that the less friction there is, the better. This is why rails are made of smooth surfaces, such as metal or hard plastic. One good way to reduce friction is by waxing your board. This puts a slippery surface on it so that you'll slide easier, but not too easily. Eliminating the friction on the board and rail helps prevent you from crashing, which is why it's important to keep your board flat on the rail, because once your board digs in, your friction exponentially increases, usually leading to a negative result. If you're planning on doing spins, angular momentum will come into play because this is what keeps you spinning.


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To the right are a few examples of different types of snowboard rails. The shape and size of the rail can affect the physics involved.
❆Speed-You will need to catch different amounts of speed for different rails.                 For example, you'll need more speed to get across the a-frame rail                   than the flat rail because of the upward slope which will potentially                 slow you down.

❆Friction-The same goes for friction. Gravity is not in your favor when                            going up a sloped rail which means it will be easier to go across a                    downward sloped rail.

❆Angle-While most rails could and should be approached from head-on,                       some, including the c-rail, need to be approached from the side for                   the best performance. It's crucial to look at the shape of the rail                         before approaching it to see how you can best ride it.
(Photo found at http://snowboarding.transworld.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/442/files/2013/07/Johnny_Lazz_backlip_C_Rail_Wellhausen-600x318.jpg)