 Poster: A snowHead
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I currently have real issues with my ankle flexibility which causes me huge problems when skiing. The problems occur frequently regardless of trying different ski boots and even custom fitted boots. My low ankle flex level was found as a cause after a visit to a hospital specialist. I’m assuming the reason I have problems skiing is because my legs are always bent forward, forced by the ski boots into this position. Hence I have been considering trying out snow boarding and just wanted to check a few things with all the experts on here.
1. Are snowboard boots flat bottomed as opposed to being raised at the heel like ski boots are?
2. When the boots are placed in the board bindings, are the boots then totally horizontal on the board or do the bindings force the boots to be raised at the heel? Essentially I’m trying to establish whether when on a board you stand completely upright without being bent forward like you do on skis?
3. Has anyone who previously had problems with flex issues or boot problems, tried snowboarding and how did you find it compared to skiing. Did you notice a difference with less issues with foot pain, pressure, burning sensation etc?
Thanks
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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jimmybog,
Why do you think snowboarding will be easier than skiing?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Not thinking that the actual snowboarding or learning process will be easier. Only thinking that if I'm standing straight on a board then I would be removing the flex issues I normally get because of ski boots forcing me to lean forwards. By removing the flex issues then hopefully the severe pain issue would then be removed or reduced on me feet.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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You won't very often find yourself standing 'completely upright' whilst snowboarding. I don't think 'poor ankle flex' is a good precursor for boarding, personally. The boots have quite a lot of give, and you'll use your ankles a lot. If you look at a picture of any snowboard boot, you'll see that they are naturally angled slightly forward.
Bindings can be adjusted all kinds of ways to promote forward lean, raising the heel or toe etc.
I think the only real answer is to book yourself in for a taster lesson at a fridge, and see how it goes.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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If an exercise like a calf lift would leave you in pain, then snowboarding isn't for you. As Mr Pieholeo, says the only time you tend to find yourself standing completely upright on a snowboard is normally a precursor to saying "OH SHI..." as you catch an edge.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Good snowboard technique is all about ankle flex. If you have problems with this, then you're unlikely to find it any easier than skiing. But it's got to be worth a try, why not?
Correct snowboard posture means flexing your ankles, knees and hips evenly to drop your hips down while keeping them positioned over the board.
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Thanks all for the replies. I'll try a taster session and then I'll know one way or the other if it feels better
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That would definitely be best. Bear in mind that at first - due to natural anxiety, poor technique, etc - you'll probably come away a bit sore and achy anyway. So compensate for that when you assess it.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Mr Pieholeo wrote: |
| That would definitely be best. Bear in mind that at first - due to natural anxiety, poor technique, etc - you'll probably come away a bit sore and achy anyway. So compensate for that when you assess it. |
Thanks again. I remember watching beginner snowboard classes when I was learning to ski and thought then it looked hard. I will certainly be treating it with a lot of respect.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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jimmybog, I have short calf muscles and tendons, but find snowboarding fine. Wibbling around on a wobble board (it's an oval shaped half bosu ball thing) for 20mins or so in front of Hollyoaks every evening is helping to keep the relevant bits mobile though. Regarding everyone saying you don't ride standing up very often yeah, in theory it's bad technique but to be honest you find your own way of riding anyway - I stood pretty much legs straight for most of the year I've been riding (cause: The Fear and iffy knees) and managed fine. It's not so much like skiing where technique is really really important. Yeah, ok, it might not look totally brilliant but you can still get down a piste on your own terms which is the aim of all this in the first place.
It's definitely worth a go, but try and get to recreational standard for a fridge and give it a few sessions before you make a definitive decision 
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jimmybog, have you tried the standard exercises for improving ankle flex? If not, you could definitely improve it, even if you aren't ever likely to become super-flexible.
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You know it makes sense.
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| call me dave wrote: |
| It's not so much like skiing where technique is really really important. |
It's exactly like skiing insofar as you can happily get away with really pisspoor technique and 'get down' most things, but good technique will get you down it faster, more stylishly, and more safely, with less effort.
If you rode 'legs straight' for a year, you were riding badly and exposing yourself to a greater risk of injury than doing it properly.
This idea that technique matters for skiing and not for boarding is specious nonsense. I'm surprised it gets trotted out so regularly.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Just saying what I found was the case, as someone with a different, but similar limitation to the OP. Even with my knees bent as far as they'll go in the bindings now with well-stretched and exercised muscles it really doesn't register compared to your average rider.
And that's the point. Yes, it's bad technique for someone with full flex in their joints and who can get down quite low without going on an edge but for someone who *can't* do that, it's all they can do.
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Poster: A snowHead
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I'm going to be a bit controversial here guys and cast doubt on the whole issue. As a snowboard instructor sitting here with a torn calf muscle, I still have more than enough range of movement available to meet the requirements of snowboarding. You don't have to be any kind of yogi-ninja.
It's nice to be able to get low, but it's more important to use the amount of flex you have available in the correct way.
The correct stance for your own anatomy and flexibility is also really important. Most people will find, for example that they have problems flexing down if their stance is too narrow or that they get joint pain if their stance is too wide. Similarly, if stance angles are too tight or too open, you'll have problems.
I'd suggest going with stance of angles of 18° and -9° for starters. Width depends on your leg-length - the height from the sole of your foot to the top of your knee (bend your knee to measure) is a suggested starter, but just experiment. Recommended stance angles are a "difference" of between 21 and 30 degrees (e.g. 18, -9 makes a difference of 27°).
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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At the start of the season with a lack of ankle flex I have too wear a shell size larger boot then 10 days later I downsize.
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FAQ
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