There is so much to cover, but based on what you mentioned before, you
should have all the skills to start in the pipe. You should go to
groups.google.com and go to rec.skiing.snowboard and then search for
halfpipe. I have already written several long posts on it. Some quick
pointers

- On the first wall, dropping going "diagonally", the idea is to slip
down into the wall to get some speed, not fly at the lip going
horizontally and landing out in the flat.

- Everyone's bad habits come back when they are nervous. Don't break at
the waist in an effort to get low, touch the snow with your hand, or
focus on the wall itself (look pass and over the wall).

- Be patient on the wall, I see a lot of my friends doing their
hopturns way too early while they still are going up the pipe... wait
until you reach the zenith of your arc (when you STOP going up the
wall, not just when you start slowing down) and then turn. You don't
need to physically push hard on the board and swing it around. Just
twist your shoulder into the pipe and your legs/board will follow. I
want to emphasize that this is a relaxed motion and not to push hard
off the wall.

There are hundred more, but that should get you started.


Heather wrote:
I have never attempted the pipe before but would love to try.

Any advice for a first-timer? It just looks so hard and painful if
you
fall!!

Heather