Indy Grab

The Indy grab is probably the most iconic grab in snowboarding: in the air, you grab the toe edge of the board between your bindings with your back hand. It’s the go-to grab for anyone who wants to start “touching the board” on jumps: clean, natural, and full of style.

How to Do It

1. Ride into the jump with enough speed: you need airtime to do the grab without rushing.
2. Do a powerful ollie. The higher you go, the more time you have to reach the board.
3. In the air, pull both knees up toward your chest so the board comes to your hand. Don’t reach your arm down to the board.
4. With your back hand, grab the toe edge between the two bindings. Hold the grab for a moment.
5. Let go of the grab before landing, extend your legs, and land with soft knees.

Common Mistakes

• Reaching down instead of pulling your knees up: the classic mistake, and it gives you a low, awkward grab. Knees up, not arm down.
• Grabbing too close to the edge: aim for the midpoint between the bindings. It’s more stable and looks cleaner.
• Forgetting to let go: release the grab early enough. Landing with your hand still on the board is dangerous and throws off your balance.

Progression

Once the Indy feels natural, try adding a spin: the Indy 180 and the Indy 360 are the classic progression. You can also move on to the Japan Air, which starts from the Indy and takes the style up a notch.