KITEBOARDING VS SNOWBOARDING
Trying to decide which of the two would be more suitable for your tastes? Incapable of making an informed decision? All you really have to do is imagine what a conversation between a kiteboarder and a snowboarder would sound like…
Kiteboarder : Aren’t you cold? How come you enjoy spending all that time in freezing temperatures? I love the warmth of the sun and the mild breeze on my cheeks!
Snowboarder : Of course you do, but wouldn’t you feel more alive in the snow, your blood raising in your cheeks and your gliding echo as sole companion?
Kiteboarder : No, too lonely for me. What do you do about your injuries? You must get pretty badly hurt when falling off your board or bumping into a tree..
Snowboarder : Accidents happen even if you stay at home, shut between the four proverbial walls, but you get up and start over. If it’s more serious, I simply take a short break before returning to the mountains. I don’t think the water splashing in your face and blinding you is any better. Or, worse, dropping in water with your feet strapped to the board, swallowing salty liquids..
Kiteboarder : No, that’s not a pretty sight, indeed. Water can be tricky, shifting your gliding direction, but that’s similar to snowboarding over a rock, tipping over your board or scratching the surface. At least water is fluid, not hard and suffocating as an avalanche. Besides, if you’re not a good swimmer, don’t get on the wakeboard in the first place! Anyhow, the gear protects you quite well. If I were to consider taking up snowboarding I’d be afraid of breaking limbs.
Snowboarder : Ha, ha. That’s silly! Snowboarding has special equipment to make it as safe as possible. You’re exaggerating.
Kiteboarder : Yeah, maybe I am. The truth is, I don’t envy you in the slightest. For kiteboarding sites, you go to exotic places and splendid beaches, you bunk in bungalows, drink fancy cocktails and watch warm sunsets. You don’t get a chance to see anything truly relaxing or beautiful. Just white slopes and tall trees.
Snowboarder : Isn’t this too superficial an approach? The fresh air of the mountains and the serene skies are equally enjoyable. Having a hot cup of chocolate or mug of cinnamon wine by the fire is more of a reward than gaping at lightly-dressed ladies, don’t you think? You preserve your intimacy and you get a chance to calmly go through your day, improving your style by reviewing your glides.
Kiteboarder : I think you’re just trying to persuade yourself now! You won’t convince me. Hanging in between earth and son treading on water is the closest humans will ever get to God-like feelings! Linking element within nature, you really belong to your kite and your board connects the earth to the magic of the universe.
…Conversations might go like this one. Or they might not. Nobody can really decide for anybody. Personal reasons and circumstantial choices are non-negotiable. Whichever is right for you is the best!
