Skiing vs Snowboarding
David Bloom
July 8, 2013 An Ancient Art Form vs. Modern Innovation
English 111
Essay #2
Skiing and snowboarding are both very popular sports with many similarities and differences. The sport of skiing dates back to 5000 BC, while snowboarding is a relatively new sport, developed in the early 1900’s. Both sports are very popular in the U.S., where there are 481 different ski/snowboarding resorts and approximately 60 million Americans who partake in the sports each year. Americans make up more than half of the 110 million who ski or board worldwide.
Skiing first dates back to more than 7,000 years ago with origins in Norway and Sweden. Skiing slowly transformed into its current form starting in the mid 19th century when Norwegians developed bindings that improved the skiers control, enabling them to turn and jump easily. Skiing eventually gained popularity and inspired Norwegian explorers to introduce skiing to the Alps due to the ideal steep slopes and deep snow. After this occurred it sparked the growth of downhill skiing, which eventually led to competitive skiing. Skiing today consists of 11 different styles which include terrain park, bowls, powder, racing, back country, summer skiing, moguls, avalanche, telemark, helisking, and freestyle skiing. Skiing reached a professional level and has been an event in the Olympic Games since 1924.
Skiing requires several pieces of equipment. In order to ski you need special ski +boots, two skis, and two poles. The length of a ski may be the most important factor. A longer ski provides a faster experience; however, it is also harder to control. Cross-country skis are thinner than downhill skis. Freestyle skis usually are shorter, enabling the skier to cross skis, have more control in the air, and provide the ability to perfect footwork while skiing on a relatively flat surface. In order to ski you must first put on the boots, fasten each boot into a ski binding, and firmly
July 8, 2013 An Ancient Art Form vs. Modern Innovation
English 111
Essay #2
Skiing and snowboarding are both very popular sports with many similarities and differences. The sport of skiing dates back to 5000 BC, while snowboarding is a relatively new sport, developed in the early 1900’s. Both sports are very popular in the U.S., where there are 481 different ski/snowboarding resorts and approximately 60 million Americans who partake in the sports each year. Americans make up more than half of the 110 million who ski or board worldwide.
Skiing first dates back to more than 7,000 years ago with origins in Norway and Sweden. Skiing slowly transformed into its current form starting in the mid 19th century when Norwegians developed bindings that improved the skiers control, enabling them to turn and jump easily. Skiing eventually gained popularity and inspired Norwegian explorers to introduce skiing to the Alps due to the ideal steep slopes and deep snow. After this occurred it sparked the growth of downhill skiing, which eventually led to competitive skiing. Skiing today consists of 11 different styles which include terrain park, bowls, powder, racing, back country, summer skiing, moguls, avalanche, telemark, helisking, and freestyle skiing. Skiing reached a professional level and has been an event in the Olympic Games since 1924.
Skiing requires several pieces of equipment. In order to ski you need special ski +boots, two skis, and two poles. The length of a ski may be the most important factor. A longer ski provides a faster experience; however, it is also harder to control. Cross-country skis are thinner than downhill skis. Freestyle skis usually are shorter, enabling the skier to cross skis, have more control in the air, and provide the ability to perfect footwork while skiing on a relatively flat surface. In order to ski you must first put on the boots, fasten each boot into a ski binding, and firmly
Bibliography: Bram, L. (1993) Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia; Volume24, pp.44-447. Encarta (1997) Encarta Multimedia Encyclopedia. Fleming, T. (2001) Boarderzone Magazine; Volume 12, November 2001 Issue, pp. 35-38. Groiler (1996) The 1996 Groiler Multimedia Encyclopedia. Penny, M. (2001), Interview – Snowboarder of 4 years. Stone, M. (2001), Interviews – Skier of 12 years, Snowboarder of 3 years