Difference Between Skiing and Snowboarding

Introduction

For a person from a tropical country, skiing and snowboarding are unknown activities. One might see them on television. Western television shows present skiing and snowboarding as a family vacation activity. We can see people climbing to the top of cliffs and then sliding down using specific boards and poles.

Skiing and snowboarding are sports or recreation activities performed in the snow, specifically in a hilly place. In both of them, a person attaches boards to their and slides down a snowy hill.

Skiing vs Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are recreational activities performed in the snow.

Skiing requires a pair of ski boards attached to your ski boots. In addition, one needs to have poles for turning and balancing when skiing. The prehistoric Samis and Nordic people invented skiing as a means of transportation. There are various types of skiing, Telemark skiing, Freestyle skiing (Alpine freestyle, Newschool, Freeride), Nordic skiing (Cross Country Skiing, Nordic jumping), Military skiing, Kite skiing, Adaptive skiing, Paraskiing, and Dry Slope Skiing. Skiing requires a person to keep a straight position. The feet are kept separate and parallel to each other. Turing when skiing is easy compared to snowboarding. The rider needs to lean in the desired direction for turning. Skiing is relatively easy to learn and does not need special lessons beforehand.

In contrast, snowboarding requires a snowboard attached to your boots. Snowboarding is a combination of skiing, surfing and skateboarding. In 1965, Sherman Poppen invented the first snowboard, "snurfer," for his daughter. Since then, it has been marketed as a toy and later as sporting equipment. There are various types of snowboarding, Jibbing and Rail riding, Dry Slope, Free Riding, Free Carve, and Freestyle. Snowboarding requires a rider to keep a sideways position. Both feet are attached to a single snowboard. To make a turn when snowboarding, one needs to press one foot on the snow and then turn in the desired direction. Compared to skiing, snowboarding is difficult at a beginner level and requires that aspirants take lessons. Once the fundamentals are learnt, snowboarding is easier to master than skiing.

Difference between Skiing and Snowboarding in Tabular Form

Parameters of Comparison	Skiing	Snowboarding
History	Invented by the Samis and Nordic people as a means for hunting, transportation and military operations	Invented by Sherman Poppen as a toy for his daughter.
Equipment	A pair of skis attached to special ski boots, poles, protective gear	A snowboard attached to special boots, protective gear.
Position	Straight	Sideways
Learning	Easier to learn	Harder to learn as both the feet have to be moved together
Injuries sustained	Can affect knees	Can affect the wrists, shoulders, and knees
Different types	Alpine, Nordic, Military, Freestyle, etc.	Rail riding and jibbing, Dry Slope, Free carve, Freestyle.
Speed	Faster than snowboarding	Comparatively slower as it’s harder to manoeuvre the snowboard

What is Skiing?

Skiing is an activity where you attach a pair of skis to your boots and slide down a snowy hill. Skiing functions as a recreational activity, a sport and even functions as a method of transportation. To start skiing, one requires a pair of skis, ski suits, poles, gloves, helmets and goggles. It is a relatively easy sport and needs only a few days to learn.

History and Evolution of Skiing

Samis and Nordic people invented the method of skiing for transportation and hunting.

Years later, Sondre Norhein, a Norwegian skier, turned skiing into a sport and a recreational activity. His actions led to him gaining the title "Father of Modern Skiing." Norheim invented the skiing templates upon which all modern skiing originated.

In the 19th century, a method of skiing, Telemark skiing, was quite common. Some other skiing techniques are the "snow plow" (for beginners) and the Arlberg technique (recreational skiing.)

Different types of skiing

Mainly there are two types of skiing telemark and Alpine skiing. Some other forms are

Freestyle Skiing:

• Alpine freestyle- performed by manoeuvring aerial acrobatics; rails help with balancing.
• Freestyle or Newschool- the performer uses manoeuvres like twin tips, spins and flips.
• Freeskiing or Freeride- this technique needs larger than average skis. The skiing activity takes place on cliffs, steeper slopes, etc.

Nordic Skiing:

• Another name for Nordic skiing is Cross Country skiing. It has two forms, freestyle skiing and classic skiing. The sport allows every skiing technique except for skating techniques.
• Nordic Jumping- Other names are ski flying and ski jumping. The skiing technique uses Nordic-style skis.

Military Skiing:

This technique serves as a means of transportation for the military. Military personnel are trained with special skiing techniques to fight in ski warfare. In addition, military skiing also serves as a sport and recreational activity. Biathlon, a sport combining skiing and shooting, originated from military skiing patrols.

1. Kite Skiing: A type of skiing in which a person gets carried down by a kite, parasail or hand glider.
2. Paraskiing: A style of skiing where the participant jumps from a plane or a high altitude.
3. Adaptive Skiing: A type of skiing specifically curated for persons with disabilities.

Dry Slope Skiing: Performed in places with artificial snow, dry snow or dirt.

Equipment used for skiing

Before jumping off a cliff for skiing, a few pieces of equipment are necessary.

1. Skis- long, thin boards called ski boards attached to ski boots.
2. Poles- poles are held in hands and help in balancing and turning.
3. Ski boots- specially designed boots to fit into skis.
4. Protective gear- helmet, goggles, etc. provides added protection.
5. Ski clothing- ski jackets, pants, and gloves.

Postures used when skiing

• Comparatively upright and straightforward posture. This position gives the skier complete peripheral vision.
• Feet are placed parallel to one another and always one in front of the other.
• A straight back.
• Poles provide balance and help with turning. While turning, it is advisable to lean into it for easiness.

Turning and stopping in skiing

For turning, one has to lean towards the desired direction. Using poles make this easier.

To stop skiing, one has to put the skis into something like a triangle shape and apply pressure on the snow. Apart from this, one can also use special braking techniques. When there is too much snow, poles help to come to a skidding stop.

Learning Curve for Skiing

Compared to snowboarding, skiing is a much easier sport to learn at the beginner level. Skiing does not involve complicated techniques. It is easy to make turns and keep balance. While skiing lessons are available, one can learn by going to a beginner-friendly slope and practising too.

After-effects of skiing

• Skiing takes a toll on the knees. Knee injuries are common.
• Fewer falls when skiing, but one can sustain injuries from twisting motions.

Skiing competitions

The International Ski Federation is responsible for organizing all the skiing competitions. This association oversees the rules and regulations and also schedules skiing competitions. In addition to this organization, each country has their national association, which conducts skiing competitions.

What is Snowboarding?

Snowboarding is the activity of gliding through the snow using a snowboard. The snowboard is attached to special boots. In snowboarding, both feet are placed on a single snowboard. Snowboarding developed from skiing, surfing and skateboarding. Snowboarding is difficult to learn as a new skill, but once the basics are covered, it becomes easier to master than skiing.

History and Evolution of Snowboarding

The first occurrence of snowboarding dates back to Utah in the 1970s. In 1965, Sherman Poppen invented the first snowboard, "snurfer," for his daughter. Following this, the snurfer began to be manufactured and sold as a toy. Finally, in 1970- 1980, snowboarding evolved into a recreational sport.

In 1972, Dimitri Milovich began designing snowboards and eventually started his company named "WinterStick."

Jake Burton Carpenter, Chuck Barfoot, Mike Olson, and Tom Sims are the pioneers of modern snowboarding.

Different types of skiing

1. Jibbing and Rail riding: a snowboarding method where the person jumps over rails and barriers.
2. Free riding: a snowboarding method where the rider freely glides down the cliffs. Free riding is the most common method of snowboarding.
3. Dry Ski Slope: The riders snowboard down an artificial slope. Majorly used in the summer or places with no snow.
4. Freestyle: The snowboarder glides down cliffs while dealing with artificial barriers to perform jumps and complex snowboarding tricks.
5. Free carve: Another name for free carve is alpine snowboarding. Snowboarders travel through hard-packed snow. The main focus of free carving is to carve turns.

Equipment used for snowboarding

Just like skiing, snowboarding also requires a few specific pieces of equipment.

• Boards- The board used in snowboarding is similar in appearance to a skateboard but comparatively wider, longer, and heavier.
• Boots- Boots used in snowboarding are similar to skiing boots. Compared to skiing boots, they are softer and have flexible soles.
• Protective gear- helmet, gloves, etc. provides added protection.

Postures used for snowboarding

For snowboarding, feet are planted on the snowboard, with one slightly in front of the other. The front foot is kept turned at an angle called the toe edge. The back foot points straight ahead. The position can be switched, with the front foot in the back and the back foot in the front. When the back foot is in the front, it is called a heel edge. Overall, the rider assumes a sideways position.

Turning and stopping in snowboarding

For making turns when snowboarding, one needs to press with one foot on the snow and then lean the body in the desired direction.

To make a stop when snowboarding, one needs to use the heel edge to snow down and plow the snow to make the final stop.

Learning Curve for Snowboarding

Compared to skiing, snowboarding is difficult at the beginner level. One needs to learn to control the snowboard and learn to balance on it. In addition, different complex techniques like turning and stopping need mastering. Since this is a complicated sport, it is best to take snowboarding lessons beforehand.

After-effects of snowboarding

• Snowboarding can be harmful to the wrists.
• Beginner snowboarders may sustain injuries to their shoulders, wrists, and ankles.

Major snowboarding competitions

1. The Air & Style
2. Shakedown
3. Burton Global Open Series
4. X-Games
5. X-Trail Jam
6. The Ticket to Ride (TTR)

Main Differences between Skiing and Snowboarding (in Points)

• Skiing existed in prehistoric times as a means of transportation and hunting. In 1965, Sherman Poppen designed the first snowboard, "snurfer," for his daughter.
• Skiing requires a pair of skis attached to boots, poles, gloves and helmets. Snowboarding requires a snowboard attached to special boots, gloves and helmets.
• A skier assumes an upright, straightforward position when skiing. A snowboarder takes on a sideways stance when riding.
• The position taken during skiing provides great peripheral vision for the skier. The sideways stance of snowboarding provides less peripheral vision.
• Turing is easier in skiing, one only needs to lean in the desired direction. Turning in snowboarding requires an additional step, pressing the foot into the snow before leaning towards the desired direction.
• Different types of skiing are Telemark skiing, Freestyle skiing, Nordic skiing, Military skiing, Kite skiing, Adaptive skiing, Paraskiing, and Dry Slope Skiing. In comparison, different types of snowboarding are Jibbing and Rail riding, Dry Slope, Free Riding, Free Carve, and Freestyle.
• Skiing is easy to learn even for a beginner and does not require special lessons (though they are available). Snowboarding is complicated and requires one to take snowboarding lessons for better performance.
• The first official skiing race took place in Norway in 1932. The first official snowboarding race took place in Vermont in 1982.

Conclusion

In short, skiing and snowboarding are fun recreational activities performed in the snow. Depending on your level of expertise, you can choose skiing, snowboarding, or both. If you are a novice, skiing will be easier to learn and enjoy. It should be noted that before engaging in either of the activities, one must equip themselves with the required gear like skis, snowboards, boots, and protective gear (gloves, helmets).

References

• https://bextremeboards.com/blog/the-5-main-differences-between-skiing-and-snowboarding/