Skiing vs. Snowboarding (knees)

Generally speaking, which is harder on the knees of a novice skier? Skiing
or Snowboarding.

I have been to the slopes twice, and my knees take a beating skiing. Wanted
to try snowboarding for a change.

"Rei" wrote in message
...
Generally speaking, which is harder on the knees of a novice skier?
Skiing or Snowboarding.

I have been to the slopes twice, and my knees take a beating skiing.
Wanted to try snowboarding for a change.

I have serious trouble with my knees when I: jog, cycle or walk down hill a
lot.
I never have trouble when skiing so I suspect it is your technique that is
at fault.
Snowplowing can be particularly hard on the knees if you go fast or on steep
slopes - things will
be a lot easier when you ski parallel.

I've never boarded. I was going to try last time I went but just looking at
all the boarders collapsed on the piste as I went up the first lift put me
off (remember you have to sit down or get to a flat to have a break)
together with witnessing a couple of truly awful face plants.

P.S. Only boarders wear knee pads!

" Generally speaking, which is harder on the knees of a novice skier?
Skiing or Snowboarding.

I have been to the slopes twice, and my knees take a beating skiing.
Wanted to try snowboarding for a change.

I have serious trouble with my knees when I: jog, cycle or walk down hill
a
lot.
I never have trouble when skiing so I suspect it is your technique that
is
at fault.
Snowplowing can be particularly hard on the knees if you go fast or on
steep
slopes - things will
be a lot easier when you ski parallel.


I ski a bit and agree with your comments.

However I am prone to backache (generally, not just skiing).
Is the stance in snowboarding any better for back sufferers ?


Snowboarding has a much lower incidence of knee injuries as both feet are
attached to the same platform so they don't "twist". Alot of the crossover
skiers that go to boarding is just for that reason. They can still do the
difficult runs they did before their knees gave out. You can also tune your
stance as far as width, angles, etc.. that can make it easier for your
particular knee problem.