Surfing on Snow

Let me start by saying that this blog post is not a snowboard tutorial; it's rather about a surfer sharing her first experience trying to 'surf' on the more frozen, and somewhat solid, waves.

I had no idea what was coming (laughs)

I discovered that surfing and snowboarding have many similarities, but at the same time, they belong to different worlds. Join me as we dive deeper into this.

Progression:

I would say that learning snowboarding is easier than learning to surf, especially when you consider the speed of progress and the diversity of ages in the sport. In surfing, we also see children and even the elderly, but the quantity of people across various ages practicing snowboarding and skiboarding is much higher than in the sea.

In surfing, the learning curve is steeper due to the ocean's inconsistency, which can sometimes make the process frustrating. For example, in snowboarding, I was already performing maneuvers within three days of practice. In contrast, in surfing, progressing from zero to performing maneuvers can take 2 years or more.

Risk:

Although snowboarding is initially faster to learn, the risk level is extremely high compared to surfing. I saw accidents every day, and sometimes, people were airlifted out.

Of course, both are extreme sports, but at this point, water "forgives" much more than ice. We don't see serious accidents daily, except at some specific beaches, but no beginner is going to start at Teahupoo or Cloud Break, right?

Similarities and Differences:

As for similarities, the balance point is very similar in both, and once on their respective "boards," the principles for executing turns are alike, involving the projection of the head, shoulders, and arms to direct movement.

Differences that I found strange: feet are always attached to the board, knees angled outward, and unlike surfing, in snowboarding, it's not possible to simply jump off the board and dive into safety.

Equipment:

Last but certainly not least, the quality of the equipment is crucial in snowboarding. With the wrong equipment, in addition to discomfort, you could end up in the hospital. Therefore, it's essential to be well-dressed, with several layers of specific clothing for intense cold.

Be prepared to bring base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket and pants, thick socks, gloves, beanie, and so on...

Most of the equipment chosen for this trip was from Galapagos, a Brazilian brand known for the quality of its sports products. It made a total difference in my experience and performance, keeping me warm without sacrificing mobility, thanks to lighter clothes with new technologies.

I highly recommend getting to know this brand better, whatever your sport, including surfing, @galapagos.outdoor is what you'll need to gear up in the best way.

www.galapagosoutdoor.com.br

To sum up, snowboarding has earned a special place in my heart and has become an almost dangerous addiction. I can't wait for the next season to continue on this frosty journey. But until then, there’s no doubt that everyday surfing remains my main passion.

So, for anyone thinking about a frosty trip, get ready for the adventure, and don't forget the right equipment to make the most of it.

That's it, I hope this has helped clarify some doubts and curiosities. See you next time.