On the outside, skateboarding looks like it shares a lot with snowboarding. The surfaces may vary, but the boarding element remains the same. At least, that’s how it appears to be.
This provokes a commonly asked question: does skateboarding help with snowboarding? Well, that’s what we’re going to be exploring today. Let’s dive in!
Skateboarding & Snowboarding: Are They Really the Same?
If you master one, can you master the other? Skateboarding doesn’t seem too foreign when compared to snowboarding. So how much are they really alike?
How They’re Alike
The main reason people think that skateboarding and snowboarding are alike is because of the, well, board. The board imposes a particular stance: you have to stand sideways on both a snowboard and a skateboard.
Both boards demand similar stances: a regular stance or a “goofy” stance.
With a regular stance, you have to put your left foot in front of your right foot. A goofy stance, however, is the opposite: you have put your right foot instead of your left foot.
Through a regular stance, you’re able to get a proper feel of the board. You also learn how to comfortably distribute your weight on it.
Then there’s your posture itself. Whether you’re riding a skateboard or a snowboard, you have to bend your knees. This bend in the knees allows you to maintain balance and ride comfortably.
How They Differ
Despite all the similarities skateboards and snowboards share, one big difference remains: the surface you’re riding on.
It’s pretty obvious that concrete is much more different from snow. One requires the use of wheels, and the other doesn’t.
Besides, snow propels you much faster than concrete. This is why skateboards are noticeably slower. It’s also why you feel more “in control” when using them.
Another thing that makes you feel in control is your feet. The thing is, snowboards strap your feet down. This can make you feel a bit “trapped”, as you can’t assume full control of your legs. It does take some time to get used to. Yet, once you’re familiar with it, it’s a breeze.
Another big difference is the tricks. Have you ever seen any of these big jumps in skateboarding videos? These are just things you can’t do with a snowboard.
Then you’ve got the tricks: there are endless tricks you can do with a skateboard that you can never do with a snowboard. With rails and verts, you’re given access to a whole world that just isn’t available for snowboards.
Does Skateboarding Really Help With Snowboarding?
For all the similarities they share, does skateboarding really help with snowboarding?
It’s a subjective matter, which is our way of saying you’ll never get a concrete answer. But if you want the general consensus, then we’d say no.
Yes, skateboards and snowboards share many shallow aspects. But when it comes to usage and performance, they differ too dramatically.
For example, slowing down with a skateboard isn’t the same as slowing down with a snowboard. With a skateboard, you have to use your foot. However, with a snowboard, your feet are tied down, so you powerslide. That means you press your weight into the snow and lean backwards a little. With the pressure and the right stance, you’ll find yourself slowing down in no time.
The weight distribution isn’t the same, either. With snowboards, you have to press your weight on both feet. This doesn’t work as well with skateboards. Sometimes, you’ll just have to pull your weight off one foot to avoid pressing down on a pebble or a twig.
The weight distribution translates into pivoting as well. When you pivot with a skateboard, you apply some pressure with your feet and lean in one direction. On the other hand, a snowboard requires your whole body to pivot. You can’t just rely on your feet.
Then there’s the whole matter of skateboarding tricks. Some pretty experienced skateboarders still struggle to ollie a 360 on their skateboard. Some even struggle to boardslide. In comparison, they don’t face as much struggle with snowboarding, as the snow lends itself well to tricks.
Another thing you also have to factor in is price. Snowboarding isn’t inexpensive. The board, along with the boots and the clothing, can definitely be expensive. And we’re not even taking the lift tickets or accommodation into account yet.
Looking at the prices, we’d safely say that a full skateboard wild cost you about $150. If you’re also going to buy shoes, then that’s going to cost you another $50 dollars. All in all, that’s $200–and a snowboard costs double that amount. Sometimes, it’ll even cost more. It’s definitely dependent on brand and quality.
What’s Harder: Skateboarding or Snowboarding?
Everyone has a different answer, but many agree on one in particular. It’s skateboarding.
Skateboards aren’t easy to control at first. As soon as you step on one, the flat asphalt helps it move forward. This is difficult for unsuspecting beginners, as their skateboards shoot from right underneath them.
Asphalt isn’t friendly, either. Taking a fall can seriously hurt you. Snow isn’t that threatening in comparison.
A lot would also argue that pivoting and generally riding skateboards takes a lot more skill. With a snowboard, you can learn to slide down a slope within a couple of hours. A skateboard, on the other hand, demands more finesse.
Conclusion
So, does skateboarding help with snowboarding? Not that much. They may appear similar, but they require a different set of skills. The weight distribution, the tricks, the pivoting: it’s all different. And the surface! Concrete is definitely nothing like snow.
Who knows? Maybe your experience in skateboarding can make snowboarding a little easier. You even might not need help. Yet, no one can deny that using a snowboard is more difficult, as the nature of snow can be too unfamiliar for some.
One thing’s for sure: skateboarding and snowboarding are extremely fun. So why not both? It’ll be interesting to learn. Good luck!