# Mastering the 50-50: Perfecting Rail Riding Basics The 50-50 is one of the foundational rail tricks in snowboarding, essential for mastering rail riding basics. In this maneuver, the rider slides straight along a rail or box with the snowboard parallel to the feature. Let's explore the details of this trick and how to master it. ## What is the 50-50? The 50-50 is a snowboarding trick where the rider slides straight along a rail or box with the snowboard parallel to the feature. This trick is named "50-50" because the rider's weight is evenly distributed over both feet, with each foot representing 50% of the weight. ## How to Perform a 50-50? 1. **Approach:** Ride toward the rail or box with moderate speed and confidence. Position yourself perpendicular to the feature, with your snowboard centered and aligned. 2. **Ollie onto the Feature:** As you reach the takeoff point, perform an Ollie to lift yourself onto the rail or box. Aim to land with your snowboard flat and parallel to the feature. 3. **Engage the 50-50:** Once on the rail or box, center your weight over the snowboard and align it parallel to the feature. Keep your knees bent and your body centered for balance. 4. **Slide Along the Feature:** Ride smoothly along the rail or box, keeping your snowboard parallel and centered. Use subtle adjustments in your body position to maintain balance and control. 5. **Prepare for Landing:** As you approach the end of the feature, prepare to dismount by shifting your weight slightly back towards your rear foot. 6. **Dismount:** As your snowboard reaches the end of the rail or box, shift your weight back and ollie off the feature to land smoothly on the snow. ## Tips for Perfecting Your 50-50 - Start with small, low-risk features before progressing to larger rails or boxes. - Focus on keeping your movements smooth and controlled throughout the slide. - Experiment with different approaches and angles to find what feels most comfortable for you. In conclusion, the 50-50 is a fundamental rail trick in snowboarding, essential for mastering rail riding basics. With practice and determination, you can master this maneuver and build a solid foundation for more advanced rail tricks on the slopes.