Snowboard like skateboard?

Bunny · 02-24-2008, 03:26 PM

This question didn't really seem to fit any board, so please move it if there's a more appropriate place for it.

So anyway, I was chit chatting about past experiences with one of the people who went on that horrific ski trip with us that I mentioned in the Trip Reports. I mentioned that up until a few years ago, I'd skateboard in my free time, but hadn't done it regularly since high school. She asked why on earth I put myself on skis then, instead of trying out snowboarding. Honestly, I don't know the answer other than I thought I had to master skiing before I moved on to snowboarding....like I should advance from one level to the next.

Is snowboarding anything like skateboarding then, or was I right to think I needed to master skis first?

gnurider1080 · 02-24-2008, 05:15 PM

skateboarding is much more similar to snowboarding than it is to skiing, but it still has its differences.

you definitely don't need to master skiing before you move onto snowboarding.

RenegadeRick · 02-25-2008, 06:39 AM

IMO, it's easier for beginners to get the hang of skiing than snowboarding, and quicker to start having fun.

You don't have to do one before the other. I know lots of people who snowboard who have never skied. Primarily it comes down to personal preference. If you prefer skateboarding to roller blading (or skating) give snowboarding a try, it might feel better for you.

If you are athletically gifted, you may pick it up quickly. I am not and it took me a lot of work to get the hang of it, but now I find it easier than skiing.

If your intention is to go a few times a year on trips and stuff, stick with the skis. IMO, it requires far less commitment.

LamarCrazed · 02-25-2008, 05:29 PM

Skateboarding is a little similiar to snowboarding as far as balance goes but that is about it. I would not try to switch learning between skiing and snowboarding if you are a beginner in both. Try each out but stick with one. I say snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master which is the opposite of skiing.

chippers · 02-25-2008, 06:07 PM

I started with skateboarding many years ago, and even more years before I started to ski or snowboard. I think that asphalt is scarier to end up hitting than the snow. Then again with snowboarding, there are trees too.

They are similar but have a different feel for them at least to me they do. And sometimes one balance isn't the same as another, so just that you can skate great doesnt mean right off the back you will snow the same.

Canadian Rockies Freak · 03-01-2008, 07:14 AM

It also depends on how much you want to skateboard / snowboard during the year.

Depending on your city / town, there may be indoor skateparks available too, so if you're in the edge of going towards skateboarding, then you have an advantage with that.

And with snowboarding, you'd be limited to late winter to very early spring (depending on where you live too).

snowpixie · 03-01-2008, 07:06 PM

I think they are similar, but obviously different as well. I've been skateboarding since I was about 8, and snowboarding since I was 15. The biggest thing for me was being "stuck" to the board instead of being able to just bail off. I had never skied when I learned to snowboard and have only cross country skied since. Balance is key as is willingness so if you've done alot of boarding and can pull off some stunts/tricks you should be ok.

Bunny · 03-02-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowpixie

I think they are similar, but obviously different as well. I've been skateboarding since I was about 8, and snowboarding since I was 15. The biggest thing for me was being "stuck" to the board instead of being able to just bail off. I had never skied when I learned to snowboard and have only cross country skied since. Balance is key as is willingness so if you've done alot of boarding and can pull off some stunts/tricks you should be ok.

That was my biggest concern. They seem very similar, except now I'm putting myself on snow 'and' I'm gluing myself to the board. I'm not sure which is going to be worse....hitting the pavement or landing on slightly more forgiving snow, but not being able to really bail.

slushy · 03-02-2008, 12:51 AM

It may depend on what sort of skateboarding you do. I do long-board downhill skateboarding, so snowboarding felt just the same to me. Only thing I missed was being able to just bail if I needed too and had to get used to being strapped to the board. But one weekend of having a sore butt from sitting down, and I had the hang of it. I MUCH prefer it to skiing, and I was no master at skiiing.

chippers · 03-03-2008, 11:11 AM

slushy its good you touched base on that as its not something many think of. When I would skate I just street skated only, no long boards. I am sure that will help prepare many a little easier than with short boards. The first time I fell on the snow side of things, I tried instinctively I guess to bail off and almost ended up with two broken legs since I rolled so much - not fun.