In snowboarding, a tamedog is a freestyle trick where the rider performs a front flip combined with a frontside 180-degree spin. The snowboarder rotates forward while also turning, which usually results in landing switch, meaning the opposite foot leads after landing.
Riders often perform the tamedog off jumps, quarterpipes, or natural features where they can generate enough height and forward momentum.
To start the trick, the rider approaches with speed, pops off the lip, and throws the body forward while guiding the shoulders through the spin. This creates a smooth flipping motion that blends rotation and inversion. Because the snowboarder moves forward into the flip, the tamedog can feel less intimidating for some riders than certain backward-rotating tricks.
However, it still requires excellent body control, commitment, and the ability to spot the landing quickly. Mistimed rotation can lead to under-rotation or loss of balance, so technique matters greatly.
Why the Tamedog Matters
The tamedog matters because it is a major progression trick in freestyle snowboarding. It helps riders move beyond basic spins and grabs into more technical inverted maneuvers. Landing it cleanly shows strong aerial awareness, confidence, and advanced skill.
For example, in a terrain park, a snowboarder may launch from a large kicker, throw a controlled front flip with a frontside 180, and land switch smoothly on the downslope. Therefore, the tamedog stands out as both a stylish and technical move.
In snowboarding, it remains a respected trick because it combines creativity, athleticism, and progression into one dynamic maneuver.