IF YOU SNOWBOARD, YOU'LL NEVER BE SNOW-BORED.Byline: Rochelle Kaplan Daily News Staff Writer If you like the snow, but think skiing is either too much work or too hard on your knees, snowboarding may be just the sport for you. What appears to be a Generation X extension of skateboarding skateboarding Form of recreation, popular among youths, in which a person rides standing balanced on a small board mounted on wheels. The skateboard first appeared in the early 1960s on paved areas along California beaches as a makeshift diversion for surfers when the ocean or surfing is actually the fastest-growing winter sport around. And it's relatively easy to learn. ``The majority of snowboarders are in their early 20s or late teens,'' said 24-year-old Paul Park Paul Park (b. 1954) is an American science fiction author and fantasy author. He lives in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, with his wife and two children. He also teaches a Reading and Writing Science Fiction course at Williams College. , a rider for eight years who works at Valley Ski Center in Granada Hills. ``But older people are turning on to it, too. It's a fun alternative to going straight down the mountain.'' Although Park says that teens are attracted to the sport because they ``don't want to be the same as adults,'' many get involved simply because snowboarding is kinder to the body. ``Skiing isn't natural - going straight down the slopes with poles,'' said Travis Wyse, 22, of Encino. ``Because you're going down sideways while snowboarding, it's easier on the body and knees. The shock is absorbed by your upper body instead. ``Even my mom does it, and she's 55.'' Because of the popularity of the sport - especially in the last two years - and the ski-like construction of the boards today, nearly all ski resorts in the country allow snowboarders to ride alongside skiers. Additionally, special snowboarding ``parks'' have been created at ski areas where riders can practice intricate spins and tricks in a safe environment. Bear Mountain, Snow Summit and Mammoth Mountain Mammoth Mountain is a large lava dome complex[1] that lies to the west of the town of Mammoth Lakes, California in the Inyo National Forest. Mammoth Mountain is home to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area which is notable in that it gets an unusually large amount of have such ``parks'' or ``fun zones'' that offer similar amenities - jumps and hand rails - as those used by skateboarders, only in the snow. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. those involved, the novice easily can adapt to the sport after only two or three times on the slopes. While some may experience difficulty at first - you definitely will go through a falling-down stage - it's nothing compared to the years of practice it takes to become proficient at skiing. ``Initially it's harder (than skiing) to learn correctly,'' said Don Jayne, owner of the Green Sector Snowboard Superstore in Tarzana, ``because you can't walk around on the board like you can walk around on skis. ``But once you do learn, you can get good easily.'' Plus, snowboarders aren't restricted to going down in one direction. Riders can vary their stance to glide down the mountain backward if they want. ``It's a lot more fun than skiing and a lot more fluid,'' said Wyse, who gave up skiing after discovering snowboarding nine years ago. ``You can't mess up by crossing your (ski) tips, and you can ride the whole mountain. It's like surfing on the snow.'' Many avid snowboarders participate in crossover sports such as skateboarding and surfing to stay in shape and practice complex moves. Wyse - who doesn't miss a chance to get on any type of board - supplements his snowboarding with skimboarding skim·board·ing n. The sport of riding a skimboard over shallow water on a beach and into oncoming waves close to shore. The board is usually tossed ahead and jumped on after a running approach. at the beach as well as wakeboarding Wakeboarding is a surface water sport which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water behind a boat. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques. at the lake. Others take their skateboarding spins and jumps and incorporate them into snowboarding. But don't attempt these moves on just any size board. In order to execute the spins and tricks, a technical freestyle board is what you need. This 148-centimeter board - about 4 feet, 9 inches - on which riders wear soft boots Same as warm boot. (operating system) soft boot - A boot which resets only part of the system. For example, "If you're running the mess-dos emulator, control-alt-insert will cause a soft boot of the emulator, while leaving the rest of the system running". , allows greater flexibility and maneuverability. A free riding board is used when the rider wants to ``carve'' down the mountain much like a skier does. These boards are generally 155 centimeters (5 feet, 1 inch) and are worn with stiffer boots that provide stability on turns. On fast, downhill runs in the back country, a race or alpine board is used. These longer boards (163 centimeters, or 5 feet 4 inches) are worn with hard boots See cold boot and hard reset. (operating system) hard boot - A boot which resets the entire system. The phrase has connations of hostility toward, or frustration with, the computer being booted. and hard bindings. Although less expensive than skiing equipment, snowboarding gear can be costly. A board with binding can run $400 or more, while boots range from $199 to $350, according to Dave Osborn Dave Osborn (born March 18, 1943 in Everett, Washington) is a former professional American football player who played running back for twelve seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. of Val Surf in Woodland Hills. Then there's the waterproof outerwear and layered clothing Layered clothing means dividing clothes to layers that are worn on top of each other. Each layer has different, largely non-overlapping functions. Using more or fewer layers, or replacing one layer but not others allows for flexible clothing to match needs of each situation. underneath. And don't forget about the cost of a lift ticket. ``Taco Bell Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., is a Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain based in Irvine, California, United States. The restaurant has locations primarily in the United States and Canada, but also operates outlets in several other markets. is the key to snowboarding,'' Wyse said, ``because that's all we can afford. We spend all our money on snowboarding.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Snowboarding is catching on in a big way. Aficionado A Spanish word that means fan, devotee, enthusiast, etc. There are loyal aficionados of every subject in the computer field. s say it's easier on the body - and better than skiing. Dave Nagel/Snow Summit |
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