Making the Switch from Surfing to Snowboarding

I got an email from a reader recently that wanted to know how difficult it is to transition was from surfing to snowboarding. I thought that it would make a good subject for a post. I’ve not been writing much recently so it’s also a good opportunity to get my fingers typing again.

I’m going to show you the differences in technique and some important considerations when making the switch.

I’ve taught a lot of people to snowboard that surf and I’ve also tried surfing. I’m pretty bad at surfing though, It’s hard!

Different sports

Let’s jump straight into the differences between the two sports. Obviously snowboarding is on the snow and surfing is in the sea.

I personally think that surfing is much harder to learn than snowboarding. Not so much the basics of standing up on a surfboard, but due to the fact that you have to paddle out, find a break point, navigate through the traffic, paddle for a wave, not drop in on someone else, get the right position, paddle paddle, snap, stand, fall… Well, at least that’s my experience of surfing anyway. It’s quite easy in the white wash when there isn’t much pressure to stand up quickly, but on proper waves it’s a whole different ball game.

The snow is relatively consistent compared to the sea and there is usually a lot less traffic to avoid. It seems that surfers are very territorial and surf spots crowded, at least all the places I’ve seen are. This makes surfing very intimidating for the beginner. Snowboarding is a lot friendlier for the newbie and beginner terrain (generally) less crowded.

Harder or easier?

You’ll be pleased to know that making the jump to snowboarding should feel relatively easy. I think that saying that it’s harder or easier overall doesn’t really matter, there are a few differences to consider listed below.

Here are 5 things that you will find easier about snowboarding:

1. The snow is relatively consistent
2. The board is strapped to you
3. You can catch a lift to the top
4. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to stand up
5. It’s much less physically demanding

Here are 5 things that you will find harder about snowboarding:

1. Falling hurts a lot more as a beginner
2. You can definitely break bones on your first day
3. You can’t jump off a snowboard
4. It can be extremely cold
5. Equipment is more complicated to set up

Back foot vs front foot

In surfing, the tail of the surfboard is the main part of the board that stays in contact with the water. A snowboard has lots more points of contact with the snow. This means that when you are surfing you will turn by pivoting around your back foot by using your shoulders. This technique doesn’t work so well on a snowboard. The correct technique is to shift your weight to the front foot at the start of a turn and make the edge grip the snow, this causes you to turn. Most surfers struggle at the beginning to get over this difference in technique, but having said that, they find it a lot easier than someone who has never participated in a board sport. Wakeboarders also encounter the same issue.

Balance

It takes a lot of balance to be able to surf. This means that you will have well developed balance muscles. These will help you find your balance on a snowboard relatively quickly compared to someone who hasn’t done any balancing sports.

Co-ordination

It takes a lot of co-ordination to be able to surf. This co-ordination is going to steepen your learning curve on a snowboard.

Strength

Surfing is incredibly physically demanding. It develops your legs probably about the same amount as snowboarding, although maybe slightly less. Surfing will develop your upper body considerably more than snowboarding. The only thing you use your arms for in snowboarding is grabs, standing up, and hand plants (obviously not as a complete beginner).  When I get back from a winter season my arms are puny.

Making the switch

I would advise getting some lessons when you first learn to snowboard. It will make your learning curve steeper and less painful. I have seen surfers that learn to turn in a couple of hours, whereas it may take most people 1-3 days. Every person I’ve ever taught that surfs (and not just says that they surf) has learnt to turn within a day, much much faster than the average Joe.

If you are a surfer that fancies giving snowboarding a go then go for it. You can spend the winters shredding the snow and summers shredding the surf.

One more thing

The good news is that snowboarding in powder requires you to keep the nose of the board out of the snow, which is where snowboarding becomes most like surfing (at least as a beginner powder rider).  Riding powder is arguably the most fun thing about snowboarding.

Author of this post: (click to befriend me on facebook)

Related posts:

1. 10 Ways To Improve Your Snowboarding When There Is No Snow
2. How To Improve Your Switch Snowboarding During The Summer
3. How To Choose The Right Length Snowboard
4. The Simpleasiest Tip For Beginners/Intermediates To Improve Snowboarding
5. 5 Tips To Snowboarding With Control In Spring Slush