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#11
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Snowboarding or skiing?
"Stephen" wrote in message
... 2. If you both ski and ride, which do you prefer, and why? If you ride but don't ski, do you have any sense that you're missing out on an important part of the winter mountain experience? I used to ski on occasion, maybe once or twice a season. Since trying boarding though there's been no looking back and it gets me out there at least once a week. I don't miss skiing at all. Never did like the poles, or skies being able to go in opposite directions. Most of the commentary I've read from skiers who have tried snowboading seriously seems to agree with you -- the people ended up liking snowboarding better. 4. If I took up snowboarding and persevered long enough to become a decent rider, would I be able to hit the slopes with the brother and/or brother-in-law (I mean the ones within my capabilities)? Or is there something awkward about going snowboarding with skiers? Does one get "left in the dust," so to speak? There's shouldn't be any real issues but maybe some little things. One thing I've found here is that skiers tend to stop on flatter sections of trail to regroup. Getting going after stopping on a flat for a snowboard is a pain, whereas skiers can just pole along. Another thing may be just style, snowboards tend to make use of more of the trail, whereas most skiers tend to just go straight. Makes it a little more awkward trying to go down side by side. Is it possible to "just go straight" on a snowboard? Or is constant back and forth turning required to descend a slope? I'd say give it a try at least. Take a lesson, maybe request an instructor of like age, and don't give up after the first day. If after three days, say consecutive weekends, you still don't like it, then maybe try skiing instead. This is probably what I will do, although I may not be able to count on a choice of instructors. However, I have no problem learning the sport from someone half my age, as long as no one tries to steer me toward the halfpipe. Thanks, Joe Ramirez |
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#12
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Snowboarding or skiing?
"WeatherCam" wrote in message
... As Steve says, it very much depends on your physical condition....if you are carrying extra weight and really are not that flexible, then learning to snowboard at age 42 can be quite painful and you will really feel the aches and pains - just getting your straps done up around your boots and then getting back up on your feet can be quite energetic if you have a bit of a middle aged stomach....so be honest to yourself, how fit do you think you are, can you easily touch your toes, do you suffer from a stiff back quite often do you pull muscles / strain easily....learning to ski is much less physically demanding than learning to snowboard - I'm now 45 and have been on the mountains for over thirty years - when we go away with people fresh to the slopes, I advise them to ski / board based on what I perceive to be their "Sports" / "balance" aptitude - if they just want to enjoy the mountains, learn a new sport , but will not be busting a gut, then go with the skis - if they are more adventurous, mountain bike, wake board play soccer / run, and are generally all round "sportifs" then I'd reccomend boarding - one other thing, is the actual conditions - if the snow is rock hard / ice then go with skis!!! Well, I wouldn't call myself a "sportif" by any stretch, but I can easily touch my toes and I am not overweight. I can also still do something I learned to do as a teenager, which is to squat all the way down, then balance on one foot and stand up using only one leg. (Though it's a bit harder than it used to be!) Part of the reason for my taking up a snow sport in the first place is to get more active, since my activity level has been waning in recent years. I used to ride my bike a lot in the summer, but the last couple of years I haven't. I used to play recreational tennis often, plus competitive (tournament level) table tennis, but I've taken time off from these activities as well. I still try to ice skate occasionally. Part of it is just being busy with the demands of daily life, and part is that my main hobby is music (I play in an amateur symphonic band and in a saxophone ensemble), which takes up a lot of time. I have found that learning something new, and trying to become good at it, motivates me to spend more time doing it. Hence, new sport = more exercise as well as, hopefully, more fun. I also want to get my son involved in something he may enjoy doing for his entire life. Thanks, Joe Ramirez |
#13
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Snowboarding or skiing?
"Beloved Leader" wrote in message
om... "Joe Ramirez" wrote in message ... I'm planning to learn either snowboarding or skiing.... I'm interested in taking up boarding or skiing because (1) they look like a lot of fun, (2) I could use more exercise in the winter, and (3) I love the mountains. I live in Pittsburgh,... Good for you. 42 is not to old to learn. Realistically, should you keep up with either skiing or boarding or both, you can expect to become someone who enjoys skiing or boarding as a social activity rather than someone who is in the top 1% of skiers or boarders. Either one is a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy the snow. Going down a slope by the light of the full moon is a blast no matter what you're riding. Yes, I have no delusions about becoming a pro. I just want to become good enough to enjoy some fast rides on exciting slopes without killing myself. You, especially, are in luck, as January 8 is "Pennsylvania Learn to Ski" day. On this day, resorts all over PA will have blocks of tickets, for $10 each, that include the equipment rental and lift ticket. How can you go wrong? Google for "pennsylvania learn to ski" or "Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association". The PSSA website, http://www.skipa.com/events.htm , says little about the event, so visit a Pittsburgh ski or board shop or call a nearby ski area for more information. It's an unbeatable deal. Tickets may be limited, so don't tarry. Actually, I'm out of luck, because Jan. 8 is a Thursday, and I have to work. You're right that it's a great deal, but the timing is not so hot. Of course, there may not be any snow in these parts anyway. The temperatures have been in the 40s and 50s for the past week, and we've just had 48 straight hours of steady rain. I don't think it's been snowing anywhere around here recently, not even in the mountains. I doubt that even Seven Springs' snow machines can cope with this much rain. In addtion, learning to board involves (requires?) falling. Much, much falling. It hurts. Yes, you'll fall on skis too, but learning to ski strikes me as a less painful experience. Skis, since they can be spread apart, provide an intrinsic stability not available with a board. Whatever your choice, don't forget the painkillers. I certainly don't enjoy falling, but when I was learning to ice skate I was able to endure what I needed to in order to get through the clumsy stage. In fact, my first time on skates I ended up in the emergency room. I was in the middle of the ice holding my wife's hand, and I fell, dragging her down as well. Her skate blade sliced through my finger, and my brother had to drive me to the hospital for stitches and a tetanus shot. Anyway, I suppose that even hard packed snow is not as bad as an ice rink. Thanks, Joe Ramirez |
#14
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Snowboarding or skiing?
"Mike T" wrote in message
... I'm planning to learn either snowboarding or skiing and would like a little advice from enthusiasts about which sport to choose. Many good points made on this thread... I will not repeat them... ...one approach would be to try both and pick the one you like better! Most resorts offer lift/lesson/rental packages in both skiing and snowboarding. That's a great place to start. Perhaps try each one a few times and see which one you like better. IMHO it's always a good idea to rent or demo before buying your own gear... making sure to pay attention to what your renting so you have an idea what to buy. Yes, I plan to take lessons and rent equipment before buying. The same clothing can be used for both of course. Sure, pants and jackets are often marketed specifically to skiers or boarders, but if you go for function over fashion you'll probably end up with something good for both. Living in Pittsburgh, you probably have most of what you need already. We just bought goggles and gloves yesterday (I already had a couple pairs of gloves, but no waterproof ones). I also bought ski/board pants. We plan to use jackets & hats that we already have. If we stick with it, we may buy helmets. For the record I skied for about 10 years, did no snowsports for 3, and then started boarding at age 27. I'm 33 now and I plan to board my entire life. Another such vote. May I ask why? What converted you from skiing to snowboarding? Thanks, Joe Ramirez |
#15
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Snowboarding or skiing?
"Neil Gendzwill" wrote in message
om... "Joe Ramirez" wrote in message ... 1. Am I correct about the learning curves of boarding vs. skiing? If not, what's the reality? The first 2 days are tougher on a board than skis (you *will* be stiff and sore). After that, snowboarding is a much faster path to intermediate skill. Once you're an intermediate, I'd say the learning curve to get to advanced/expert skill is about the same. I don't know if I will be able to put in the time to become advanced in either sport, but I certainly want to become an intermediate, so this is comforting. My skiing is rusty and my snowboarding pretty good, so with the limited time I now have in the hills I tend to ride. If I could get in more days I'd do both. If I could get in a lot of days I'd take up telemarking. Sliding downhill on snow == big fun, no matter the equipment. Exactly what is telemarking? I've seen this term before but I don't know what it means. 4. If I took up snowboarding and persevered long enough to become a decent rider, would I be able to hit the slopes with the brother and/or brother-in-law (I mean the ones within my capabilities)? Or is there something awkward about going snowboarding with skiers? Does one get "left in the dust," so to speak? The best solution to riding with skiers is to use step-in bindings, to avoid the main problem which is them having to wait around while you fiddle with straps. Aha. That sounds like good advice if I reach that stage. In fact, at your age and with your goals, I'd recommend hard boots with an Intec-compatible stepin and an all-mountain board. See www.bomberonline.com for more info on the hard-booting experience, and one of the friendliest and most helpful online communities. In particular check out the welcome centre (http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/welcome_center.cfm) and the forums (http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulleti...p?s=&forumid=2). Why would hard boots be better than soft boots? I've been to the bomberonline Web site already, but it seems to assume preexisting personal experience of the difference between the two. Also, are hard boots for snowboarding, as opposed to ski boots, difficult to find? Do most ski/board shops carry them, or are they a specialty item? Thanks, Joe Ramirez |
#16
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Snowboarding or skiing?
I do both. Ice skating technique is very similar to alpine skiing and not
like snowboarding at all so skiing will be easier at first for you. I ski when it's icy or if I'm tired. Boarding requires more concentration and focus. At your age you'll have trouble getting passed the intermediate level on skis after many years. OTOH you could get to be an advanced snowboarder in a couple years. IMO it takes about 20 days to become a "good" snowboarder. "Joe Ramirez" wrote in message ... "Beloved Leader" wrote in message om... "Joe Ramirez" wrote in message ... I'm planning to learn either snowboarding or skiing.... I'm interested in taking up boarding or skiing because (1) they look like a lot of fun, (2) I could use more exercise in the winter, and (3) I love the mountains. I live in Pittsburgh,... Good for you. 42 is not to old to learn. Realistically, should you keep up with either skiing or boarding or both, you can expect to become someone who enjoys skiing or boarding as a social activity rather than someone who is in the top 1% of skiers or boarders. Either one is a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy the snow. Going down a slope by the light of the full moon is a blast no matter what you're riding. Yes, I have no delusions about becoming a pro. I just want to become good enough to enjoy some fast rides on exciting slopes without killing myself. You, especially, are in luck, as January 8 is "Pennsylvania Learn to Ski" day. On this day, resorts all over PA will have blocks of tickets, for $10 each, that include the equipment rental and lift ticket. How can you go wrong? Google for "pennsylvania learn to ski" or "Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association". The PSSA website, http://www.skipa.com/events.htm , says little about the event, so visit a Pittsburgh ski or board shop or call a nearby ski area for more information. It's an unbeatable deal. Tickets may be limited, so don't tarry. Actually, I'm out of luck, because Jan. 8 is a Thursday, and I have to work. You're right that it's a great deal, but the timing is not so hot. Of course, there may not be any snow in these parts anyway. The temperatures have been in the 40s and 50s for the past week, and we've just had 48 straight hours of steady rain. I don't think it's been snowing anywhere around here recently, not even in the mountains. I doubt that even Seven Springs' snow machines can cope with this much rain. In addtion, learning to board involves (requires?) falling. Much, much falling. It hurts. Yes, you'll fall on skis too, but learning to ski strikes me as a less painful experience. Skis, since they can be spread apart, provide an intrinsic stability not available with a board. Whatever your choice, don't forget the painkillers. I certainly don't enjoy falling, but when I was learning to ice skate I was able to endure what I needed to in order to get through the clumsy stage. In fact, my first time on skates I ended up in the emergency room. I was in the middle of the ice holding my wife's hand, and I fell, dragging her down as well. Her skate blade sliced through my finger, and my brother had to drive me to the hospital for stitches and a tetanus shot. Anyway, I suppose that even hard packed snow is not as bad as an ice rink. Thanks, Joe Ramirez |
#17
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Snowboarding or skiing?
Joe Ramirez wrote:
I'm planning to learn either snowboarding or skiing and would like a little advice from enthusiasts about which sport to choose. I'm 42 and have no previous experience with snow sports. Joe, I'm 48. I started boarding at age 47. I have no plans to stop. I did not downhill ski before starting to snowboard. I'm usually the oldest person on a board in my area, and often the only adult. I never wanted to ski. Boarding looked like too much fun to not try it. Much depends upon your physical condition. If you are out of condition then any sport can result in serious injury. Ice skating can be good conditioning for your legs. I skated for several years before starting boarding. Find a good instructor. Get a helmet. Dean |
#18
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Snowboarding or skiing?
"Joe Ramirez" wrote in
: "Neil Gendzwill" wrote in message om... "Joe Ramirez" wrote in message ... 1. Am I correct about the learning curves of boarding vs. skiing? If not, what's the reality? The first 2 days are tougher on a board than skis (you *will* be stiff and sore). After that, snowboarding is a much faster path to intermediate skill. Once you're an intermediate, I'd say the learning curve to get to advanced/expert skill is about the same. I don't know if I will be able to put in the time to become advanced in either sport, but I certainly want to become an intermediate, so this is comforting. This is so true. Unless you live in the mountains and can ski pretty much all winter, you'll have real difficulty getting beyond intermediate level skiing - it just demands too much time input to progress. From that point, boarding is much better, as it seems to be a continuous learning curve, whereas with skiing you reach a plateau. My skiing is rusty and my snowboarding pretty good, so with the limited time I now have in the hills I tend to ride. If I could get in more days I'd do both. If I could get in a lot of days I'd take up telemarking. Sliding downhill on snow == big fun, no matter the equipment. Exactly what is telemarking? I've seen this term before but I don't know what it means. It's the original Scandinavian type of turn - using ski bindings which are only fixed at the toe. When you turn you slide the inner leg forward and outer leg back, lifting your back heel from the ski and pressuring the ski through your forefoot. It's great fun, very elegant, and bl**dy difficult. (I tele as well as board - like 'em equally, although much, much better on a board!) For what it's worth, I say board. Get a few lessons and a helmet, have fun. AC. |
#19
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Snowboarding or skiing?
Well, remember that I'm no expert, but from what I've read, "freeride"
is sort of in between freestyle and alpine, though closer to the latter. The emphasis is on going down the slope rather than on jumping or doing tricks, but perhaps without alpine's emphasis on speed and race-oriented equipment. I believe the group FAQ http://rssfaq.org addresses the definition... -Mike T |
#20
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Snowboarding or skiing?
Another such vote. May I ask why? What converted you from skiing to
snowboarding? My wife did! She tried boarding while we were dating (I wasn't with her) and gushed about it. So later that winter we went together, and I haven't looked back since. Little did she know, she was creating a monster! Mike T |
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