This Winter, Grab a Snowboard Instead of Skis

By Paul Baldwin

A few years ago, Jerry Sutton, a lifelong skier, found himself at a California ski resort with his wife. On a day when they weren't planning on skiing, he decided to do something new: sign up for snowboarding lessons.

"I was really taken by it," said Sutton, the "in-town" president of the Louisville Ski Club and a longtime skier. "I decided to keep it up after we got back home." Considered one of the fastest-growing sports, snowboarding continues to draw both converts from skiing, like Sutton, and those who have never taken to the slopes.

"Snowboarding has really flourished during the past few years," said Doug Peege, who works at Alpine Haus Ski Pro Shop. "You're starting to see a few more skiers and a lot more middle-aged people taking up the sport."

Sutton suggests that compared to skiing, there are plenty of reasons to like snowboarding: it's easier to learn; it's possible to quickly develop a level of expertise; and it's relatively easy on rider's knees. "I keep telling people with knee problems to try it," said Sutton who has been skiing for more than 20 years. "You can't blow out a knee when you're on a board."

Since its origin in the 1960s, snowboarding has evolved from being a niche sport to a mainstream activity. Declared an Olympic sport in 1994, when it was sanctioned by the International Skiing Federation, the number of people who took up snowboarding doubled from 1993 to 1996, according to statistics on ESPN's website.

Many non-skiers got their first view of snowboarding at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano , Japan or through ESPN's Winter X Games. By the 2002 Winter Olympics, which featured the half pipe and parallel giant slalom, more than 3 million people had picked up snowboarding

So why does the sport's popularity continue to grow? Sutton said that compared to skiing, in which knees and legs dictate the skier's direction, snowboarding relies more on ankle strength and the rider's upper body to control the board. As a result, snowboarders can generally stay on the slopes longer than they would while skiing.

"There's no doubt that they're both pretty demanding, but I can board longer than I can ski," Sutton said. "You don't work your legs and thighs and knees as much, especially on deep snow."

In snowboarding, a rider's feet are fixed to the board by bindings. The rider's stance is similar to that of a skateboarder or a surfer with riders pointing their toes to the side of the board. Riders can lead either with the left foot (regular footed) or with the right foot (goofy footed). Snowboarders will also adjust the width of their stance based on their height and riding styles.

Although it's possible to learn quickly, Peege says beginners can expect to fall often the first few times on the slopes. "On my first time out, I must have fallen 50 times before I got down to the bottom of the hill," he said.

And while snowboarding doesn't subject riders' knees to the stresses found in skiing, it does put participants at a higher risk for certain injuries. On its Website, The Medical College of Wisconsin notes that because of the rider's position, snowboarders can be susceptible to wrist fractures, damage to the shoulder joint, and, for those who choose not to wear a helmet, head injuries. The site also notes that almost 25 percent of injuries happen "during a snowboarder's first experience and almost half occur during the first season of snowboarding."

Despite the risks, those who have stuck with it say it offers riders - especially those who might have been turned off by skiing - another option for winter sports. Michael Dennis, who has been snowboarding for about 10 years, said that unlike skiing, it lends itself to a variety of conditions, be it ice, powder or deep snow.

"If it's really icy, skiing is more dicey whereas snowboarding, well, you can do it under those conditions," said Dennis, who works at Quest Outdoors.

It's also easier to learn tricks and jumps on a snowboard compared to skiing, Dennis said. But no matter how enthused you are about the sport, he recommends that newcomers rent their equipment before investing in the snowboard, boots and bindings. It may also take several lessons to find the board that suits you best, so be patient. (Most ski resorts will combine snowboard equipment rental and lessons.)

If after your first few times snowboarding you find yourself wanting to invest in a board, you can buy a complete entry-level package comprised of the snowboard, boots and bindings for between $375 and $400, Peege said. For better performance, it's likely you'll spend around $500, while high-performance gear can cost up to $700. Peege said riders often buy helmets, which start at about $60, as well.

Sidebar

Here's a rundown of some regional spots for snowboarding suggested by Jerry Sutton.

Ski & Snowboard Paoli Peaks
Paoli , Ind.
E-mail: info@paolipeaks.com
Website: www.paolipeaks.com
Phone: 812-723-4696

Perfect North
Lawrenceburg , Ind.
E-mail: perfect@perfectnorth.com
Website: www.perfectnorth.com
Phone: 513-381-7517 or 812-537-3754

Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe, West Va.
E-mail: info@snowshoemtn.com
Website: www.snowshoemtn.com
Phone: 877-441-4FUN

Seven Springs
Champion, Penn.
E-mail: rshaffer@7springs.com
Website: www.7springs.com
Phone: 814-352-7777 or 800-452-2223

Paul Baldwin, who enjoys running, swimming and cycling, is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Louisville .