With the beginning of summer, people are more and more active on the streets on bicycles, scooters, and roller skates. Some can also be seen on their favorite urban toy, the skateboard. This sport and subculture developed in the United States in the 1970s. And today, it has become an integral part of everyday urban life in all major cities in the western world. Meanwhile, the Snowboarding is also enjoying great popularity today. This is also a descendant of the original Skateboarding.
Skateboard vs. Snowboard- More details on Skateboarding
It was in the 1970s when in California, a group of surfers had the idea of applying four small wheels to their boards. The aim was to launch themselves along asphalted slopes. Also, they invented a new fashion on the roads: the sidewalk surfing that would lead to a few years to the birth of the actual skateboard.
From pioneering prototype to the popular sport – This was the path that led the skateboard to be very popular among young people today and at the center of media interest. In the United States, six million spectators remain glued to the TV during the ” X-Game. ” This a sort of unofficial world championship in Skateboarding.Â
Skateboarding is one of the few sports that has become an active lifestyle, as well as a means of transport. In Switzerland, for example, it is widely used by many students to go to school thanks to the numerous cycle paths.
Skateboarding is a dynamic sport among the most practiced in the world, even if it is not risk-free. On the one hand, it is an undisguised truth that this activity has a dangerous component. On the other, the risk of an accident can be contained if specific safety rules are followed. Always wear a helmet and protection at the knees, elbows, and on the wrists.
Skateboarding cannot be separated from the use of street furniture. It includes pavements, stairways, and handrails, etc.Â
From the beginning, the skaters have redesigned their cities with new geometries. Often also in opposition to the rules, to exercise their right to a re-appropriation of space.Â
They also came to recover and revitalize degraded areas where the municipality did not arrive. They have also revived the suburbs by merely living in it. They also attract sponsors who, in “street cultures” and movements, see the right target for their market.Â
Hence the spread and construction of unusual places to practice this discipline safely. This ranges from the first half pipes and then the indoor and outdoor skate parks.
Skateboard vs. Snowboard- More details on the Snowboard
Increasingly in vogue today, Snowboarding is a sport for those who love the outdoors, and also for those who love speed and fun. Knowing how to practice this sport, and also where to do it, will help you embark on the path that will allow you to become a real snowboarder in no time!
To understand if Snowboarding is the right sport for you will be useful to know its characteristics in a nutshell. Snowboarding is a winter sport that is practiced on the snow, and that was born in the 1960s in the United States.Â
The board is the “tool” necessary for Snowboarding. Today, this is made with materials other than the past, when wood was used above all. Now, the materials are mainly synthetic and increasingly performing, also adapting to the style of those who want to play sports. In particular, each board can be distinguished based on:
» Shape: The shape of the board will change according to the use that you want to make of it. For example, a one-way board will resemble skis, while the two-way board will be much more symmetrical, even at the level of the transverse axis.
» Profile: The profile is also called Camber, and it can be of different types. For example, in the past, mainboards with a convex surface, similar to that of skis, were used, while today they can also be found in a concave shape.
Furthermore, depending on the equipment used, different snowboarding styles can be identified. The first is the soft style, in which delicate equipment is used, as is the case with boots that can be deformable and flexible, as well as boards. This style is mainly used for freestyle and free ride.
The second is the hardstyle, which sees, in contrast, the use of rigid equipment, and which can be seen especially in races.
Skateboard vs. Snowboard - What are the differences?
The differences with regards to skateboard vs. Snowboard include:
1. Basic riding skills
Your natural balance is similar while riding a snowboard or skateboard. However, while you are riding a skateboard, you have all four wheels rolling on the ground. While on a snowboard, riding is mostly done with the edge of the board. You usually do not move with the flat part except when performing advanced techniques. Therefore, riding with the edge is a significant difference in Skateboard vs. Snowboard.
On a skateboard, leaning will make the wheels spin, while on a snowboard, it will make the board initiate a turn. Also, stopping while moving on a skateboard is usually done with foot braking or outrunning and bailing. This can’t be possible with a snowboard since your feet are tied to the board. Instead, stopping on a snowboard is the same as power sliding on a skateboard.
2. Learning to curve
When it comes to learning how to curve, many people have testified that Skateboarding is more complicated to learn than with Snowboarding. This is quite true because of the following reasons:
If you fall on a skateboard, you run the risk of hitting the concrete, and therefore it will hurt a lot even at a deficient speed. On a snowboard, you will instead fall into the snow, and that wouldn’t hurt as on concrete.
Anyone can pick up a skateboard and do some movements. But learning the necessary actions such as stopping, turning, and pushing takes much more time and effort than with Snowboarding. Snowboarders who are beginners can quickly move down a slight slope within a day. In contrast, walking down the hill safely on a skateboard will require much more practice.
Upon learning the basics on a snowboard, you can easily link the curves, perform some tricks and go down the hills without falling over. In contrast, learning to freestyle or dancing tricks on a skateboard tends to be a bit more complicated.
3. Cost and Accessibility
A skateboard does not cost much to purchase, though the price is dependent on the type of board. In contrast, Snowboard requires much more. This usually includes boots and binding, among other expensive kits such as skate gloves, jackets, pants, and goggles. You would also spend a considerable amount on traveling to the mountain.
More clarity regarding the skateboard vs. Snowboard is required. And for this, below is a summary table of the most significant differences:
| Skateboard | Snowboard |
|---|---|
| Skateboarding is usually done on the ground | Snowboarding is done in the snow |
| Skateboarding is a sport that is mostly done during summer | Snowboarding is a sport that is done in winter |
| The movement occurs when the wheels below the skateboard rotate | The movement occurs when the Snowboard descends through the snow |
| Skateboarding does not require bindings, except for beginners of the sport | Bindings are quite necessary for Snowboarding |
Skateboard vs. Snowboard Q/A
Does Skateboarding help you snowboard?
Yes. With the skateboard, you will learn to Snowboard very fast. With this, you may not need to participate in snowboard lessons. Learning to Snowboard may be difficult, but upon learning the tricks in Skateboarding first, it will be much easier to switch.
Is it indispensable to take a course to learn to Snowboard?
Absolutely yes! Relying on a snowboard instructor means having the certainty of learning correctly. This includes various positions and movements on the board.
A snowboard course is essential to learn the correct positions and the proper movements for Snowboarding on the slopes. You can take a group snowboard course or private lessons, depending on your personal preferences. While in a group, the support of the companions is one of the fundamental elements that spur the beginner to improve. In a private course, it is the targeted advice and the dedicated attention of the snowboard instructor that promotes learning.
Friends and acquaintances can provide beginners with advice based only on their skills. But the professional snowboard instructor offers specific tips based on the beginner’s skills. Another advantage is also the possibility to face one’s fears. While being supported by an expert in the field, you would easily overcome them as well.
Can you use skateboard helmet Snowboarding?
Based on manufacturers and helmet specs, in particular, skateboard helmets are made to withstand only a single impact. Snowboard helmets, on the other hand, are designed to withstand a large number of implications. This means that wearing a skating helmet is not allowed for snowboarding circumstances. Also, snowboard helmets provide more excellent head coverage. This usually guarantees more protection in the end.
Is Snowboarding harder than Skateboarding?
As earlier highlighted, Skateboarding tends to be more difficult than Snowboarding for beginners. This is true because it takes more effort to find balance. Also, slight movements can make the wheels spin.
Children and Snowboarding: when to start?
Children must experience new activities as a fun game. Snowboarding is an activity that can be offered to children already from the age of 3-4 years. For younger generations, it is always better to ask the instructor for an opinion. The important thing is to introduce the activity as a game to evaluate whether the child may or may not be interested in this sport.
Some schools also offer snowboard courses for children both in groups and with private instructors. Both options provide a teaching method based on fun activities and games. The group is ideal for sociable children who love to learn in the company. The private lessons are perfect for shy children who prefer to have the dedicated attention of an instructor.
What is more dangerous: Snowboarding or Skateboarding?
In the beginning stages, Skateboarding tends to be riskier than Snowboarding. Snowboarding becomes riskier as you go further. This is quite true because the mountain environment can be very hazardous. If you don’t know what you are doing, the risk would be doubled, especially on highly advanced slopes.
How to choose the first Snowboard?
For the choice of the first Snowboard, it is always better to rely on the experts in the sector, both for the purchase and for the rental. The elements taken into consideration are the physical characteristics of the beginner. His technical skills may also be considered. From these values, it will be possible to establish the degree of rigidity, as well as the length and the width of the ideal Snowboard for this person.
What should you not wear Snowboarding?
When snowboarding, it’s best not to wear cotton clothes. They are not waterproof and breathable.
Should you wear a helmet when snowboarding?
When Snowboarding, falls are inevitable. Thus, it would be risky to practice this sport without protecting your head with a helmet.Â
The helmet must also be the right size. In some regions, it is mandatory for children under 14, but as a beginner, the mask is strongly recommended at any age.
Is the choice of the area where to learn to Snowboarding important?
The choice of the area where to learn to Snowboarding is quite essential. The location must have slopes suitable for beginners. This should preferably be near their home, and lessons suitable for all levels used. With this, aspiring riders would be able to follow the ones best suited to their capacity.
What is the ideal snowboard equipment?
Weight, height, boots, and purpose: these are the fundamental elements for choosing the ideal Snowboard.
Warm, dry, and protected: these are the adjectives to keep in mind when looking for the perfect snowboard equipment. For this reason, it is better to opt for a snowsuit, to be combined with lower thermal layers, such as tights and wool socks. Snow gloves are essential to protect your hands. And ski or snowboard goggles are necessary for keeping your eyes from the sun and wind on the slopes.
Snowboard boots must be snug, but at the same time, comfortable. If too large, they will not provide a stable base, and if too tight, they will block circulation.
What are the basic snowboarding techniques?
Four primary movements are learned during snowboard lessons for beginners. This includes staying on the board, bending, braking, and falling. The central position to keep on the Snowboard consists in keeping the body in line with the board. The arms should be open and relaxed, knees slightly bent and weight distributed on both feet and inserted in the bindings. Only the head should turn towards the descent.
By pressing lightly on the dominant foot, you begin to slide down the slope. The important thing is to keep your back straight at all times. It is necessary to slightly shift the weight on the heels or the toes, depending on the direction in which you want to bend. To brake, the Snowboard must be brought perpendicular to the slope, shifting the weight backward.
Is falling a part of learning?
Yes, falling is part of learning. Learning to fall correctly also helps improve movement control.
The important thing is to understand how to fall. When the balance is lacking, it would be better to try to fall backward. With this, you would be able to “sit” on the snow without having to block the fall with your hands.
During the very first snowboard lessons, the instructors ought to provide beginners with some tips and tricks as well.
Are you regular or goofy?
Whether you’re goofy or regular, fun on the Snowboard is always guaranteed!
Determining your dominant foot is one of the first steps to learning to Snowboard. This foot will be positioned in the front part of the board and will lead the descent. Knowing your dominant foot, therefore, determines how to place yourself on the board, in a regular or goofy position.
Having the left foot as dominant denotes Natural, while goofy has the right. Being right-handed or left-handed is not always indicative of which is the dominant foot. A simple way to find out is to stand up straight with your feet slightly apart and be gently pushed from behind by a friend. The first foot that moves forward is the dominant one.
Goofy or regular, the snowboard instructors will be able to suggest the best way to learn to surf on the slopes.
Conclusion
Above, it has been confirmed that Snowboarding and Skateboarding have some significant differences. It has also been found that both sports are complementary in some aspects. Many people quickly become perfect in one while practicing the other as well. Skateboarding and Snowboarding can also be practiced easily by anyone who has much passion and interest in these sports.
Snowboarding further lets you stay in shape and can positively influence your body posture. Similarly, Skateboarding gives you the same merits as Snowboarding. And this skateboard may be the perfect solution for those who cannot snowboard all year round.
