How To Backside Cork 540

A Backside Cork 540 is an off axis Backside spin and will certainly turn heads in the park. We've put this tutorial together to be your one stop shop to get this advanced jump trick dialled.

If you're looking for the Frontside version of this trick, we have that! Check it out here:

• How To Frontside Cork 540

(Narrating: Chase Baines. Riding: Marcos Miranda & Dean Bercovitch. Film/Edit: Adison MacDonald. Filmed at: Whistler Blackcomb & Whistler Bounce) 

Starting On The Tramp

On a trampoline and training board, practice throwing your lead arm and shoulder downward toward your rear foot. Jumping up and into the same direction that you throw your arm is the key to rotating back to your feet properly.

See how on Dean is initiating with his lead arm and shoulder, rotating Backside and downwards to get the cork axis.

It’s essential that you’re comfortable with Backside 540s, before attempting to cork them out. It also helps to have experience with Wildcats and other inverts before trying to combine an invert with a spin.

Take It To The Snow

When you're ready to try this trick on snow, follow these steps:

1. Approach the take off with the same entry path as you would for a Back 5
2. Wind your shoulders up slightly and keep your lead hand high
3. As you ride up the jump slowly begin to lean back, matching the angle of your upper body with the angle of the lip, putting a little more pressure over your back leg and tail
4. Throw your lead arm and shoulder down in the direction of your back foot as you initiate the 540
5. Pop up from your toe edge and follow the momentum of your initiating arm with your upper body

The Landing Gear

After you initiate and the rotation starts to come around, you will be looking backwards to the direction of travel. Spot the landing underneath you like you would for a Backside 5. Try to keep both hands near your toe edge on landing as this will help you dig in and stop your momentum.

Marcos spotting that landing underneath him and not taking his eyes off the prize.

Changing The Axis

As you become comfortable with your initiation you can play with your pop and change your axis. The more you combine a downwards motion with your lead shoulder into the initiation of your spin, the more off axis you will be in the air.

Marcos corking it out a little more.

See, it's not so hard when you break it down. Good luck with your Backside Cork 540s!

Want Even More Training Tips?

Alex McCann
Snowboard Addiction
Our Goal Is To Improve Your Riding