Snowboarding Vs. Wakeboarding

Snowboarding and wakeboarding are both extreme board sports that can be enjoyed by just about anyone that has the ability to do them. At first look they may appear to be quite similar, but they have a surprising amount of differences. Of course, there are the obvious differences such as weather, location, and equipment, but at a closer look one can see there are many differences that are far more subtle. These differences are important to know for anybody, but specifically important to anyone that has experience in one of the sports and plans on picking up the other.

To understand the differences between the two pastimes, one must first understand what they have in common. The first thing a person would notice would be the board. Each sport uses a thin, flat board that has bindings to insert the feet. While they may slightly differ in size, they have the same basic shape. The two sports also share the skill of balance that must be obtained before progressing in either sport because balance can be difficult to maintain with both feet strapped in. Once a good balance is learned, it can be transferred from sport to sport fairly easily. To add on to balance, the stance of riding a board is mutual. To some people it can be awkward to stand sideways. Understanding how to do that on one board can transfer when stepping onto a new board. The most important similarity between the two is that they can both be fun and enjoyable.

Snowboarding has certain characteristics that make it differ from wakeboarding. In some ways it obviously differs. When snowboarding, the rider gets to experience the beauty of a snow covered mountain. A snowboarder would need to obtain winter clothes to stay warm and dry. Eye protection is always helpful, especially when snow is falling.

There are also differences that take a closer look to realize. When snowboarding, the back foot is used to steer the board down the mountain. Trying to steer with the front foot will lead to loss of control and balance and eventually cause the person to fall or crash. Because the front foot steers, a snowboarder must also lean forward while riding. On a snowboard, turning requires drastic movements and motions to control the board, making it one of the major differences. The rider must literally dig the board into the snow to see movement in the board. A snowboarder must also remain alert due to the fact that snow terrain can change momentarily and cause an injury if close attention is not given.

Wakeboarding, on the other hand, has a few traits that differ from snowboarding. The magnificence of a river or lake is can be enjoyed when wakeboarding so of course swim wear would be worn. One key factor to take into consideration is that wakeboarding requires a boat. This can make wakeboarding costly, but those fortunate enough to have one or have access to one should have no problem and should take every opportunity possible. A wakeboard is steered using the front foot