Skiing or Snowboarding?Published Mar 24 2010 During winter break and spring break, many students will consider a trip to a snowy state such as New Mexico or Colorado to hit the slopes. Many vacationers ask the question, “Should I ski or snowboard?” There are many differences between skiing and snowboarding, ranging from how easy each is to learn to how painful it is to fall (and you will fall!) Hopefully this comparison will give you direction in how to hit the slopes on your next trip. Which is Safer and Easier to Learn? For a beginner, skiing is often easier to learn than snowboarding. However, many argue that skiing is easy just on the front end of learning. After you finally get the hang of snowboarding, some believe, it is simpler to improve your snowboarding skills to an intermediate or even expert level. In general, skiing equipment does cost more, but cost determines the quality you receive! Skiers often end up with a variety of injuries from torn ligaments to head injuries when skiing. Snowboarders, however, usually experience just one type of injury, a hairline fracture in the forearm, plus the occasional whiplash. Quirks of Snowboarding Something that may keep skiers from switching to snowboarding is that snowboarders seem to be always sitting on the ground. Next time you are on a ski lift, look down at the slopes and watch the skiers and snowboarders that you see. Notice that those skiing seem to be constantly cruising down the slopes or hopping back on the lift, never stopping to rest. Watch the snowboarders, however, and you will catch many “just chillin',” sitting on their boards and often having a conversation. Some attribute this phenomenon to the stereotype that snowboarders are more relaxed than skiers; others say that snowboarders fall a lot and naturally end up in a sitting position. Regardless, though sitting appears easy when on a snowboard, this position would be very uncomfortable while on skis! Snowboarding Gets Style Points Snowboarders are generally considered to “look cooler” than skiers. Watching someone skiing fall and bust does appear a lot more ridiculous than watching a snowboarder wipe out. When a skier falls, four pieces of equipment go flying, not including goggles, hat, or gloves! When a snowboarder falls, however, he or she may smoothly coast back up and down the hill, leaving you to believe it happened on purpose! This recovery can be so smooth that, for a moment, you believe the snowboarder wanted to do a somersault for some reason! Snowboarding is considered by many to be a more enjoyable and less expensive way to get down the mountain. Try out these winter sports for yourself to determine whether skiing or snowboarding is right for you. |
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