Conquering slopes on skis is best
by Matt Bixenstine
When it comes to debating the best recreation sport that winter has to offer, there's simply no contest. Skiing or snowboarding? That's like comparing Honda to Hyundai or Bobcats to RedHawks.
One is an exhilarating, graceful experience; the other a weak imitation to give skateboarders something to do in the winter.
Although snowboarding has gained acceptance as an alternative, skiing remains more popular. According to a recent CNN.com poll, 63 percent of the more than 12,000 voters cited skiing as their favorite winter sport, compared to 20 percent for snowboarding.
Skiing is easier for beginners to learn. Rather than going downhill sideways, it involves a more natural, frontward motion. However, because of the variation skiing offers - alpine, mogul and cross-country skiing, to name a few - it's more difficult to master than snowboarding, and hence more satisfying.
Skiing is more extreme. With the innovation of parabolic and twin-tip skis, the term freestyle skiing has taken on new meaning. Although snowboarders invented the half-pipe, skiers seem to be perfecting it with a wide array of aerial and inverted jumps.
So there you have it. It's as explicit as a warning sign for a double black diamond hill - snowboarders don't belong on the same mountain as skiers. When contemplating your winter sport, be sure to choose wisely. I'll see you on the slopes.
Real winter sport requires 'carving'
by Megan Snyder
Skiing can be a great sport, especially if you're over 40 and need a little relaxation time. But if you are looking for a real sport, snowboarding is it. Skiing is easier than snowboarding in more ways than one. First, the skier gets two skis, which make it easer to balance, and two poles to add upper body balance and guidance.
Snowboarders, or boarders
do not have their torsos supported, which puts more pressure onto the legs, hips and ankles to keep stable. Also, skiing technique is easier. Skiers can separate their feet and point their skis inward, which causes them to slow down, but boarders' feet are bound which hinders slowing or stopping.
Snowboarding requires an action called carving where the boarder first faces up the hill and rides on the inside edge of the board. Then, the person points the board down the hill and gradually switches to the back edge of the board. Skiers face the direction they go, but boarders have to face the wrong way.
The style of snowboarding is also more vibrant than skiing. Skiers can't do many of the tricks that boarders can do including grabs and grinding. The half pipe is built for boarders because it is nearly impossible to ride the half pipe on skis.
Lastly, snowboarding is a new sport that draws youthful athleticism and gets sponsors from big companies that support youth. I have six words for skiers: stay out of the half pipe.
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Matt Bixenstine and Megan Snyder
