I scared to try snowboarding?

Question

I'm 52 yrs old and have skiied for 10-12 years. I'm growing tired of hard ski boots killing my feet after about 4 hours of skiing. I have had over these years 4 different boots. I even bought new ones in 2005 / 2006 that were better flex but my feet still hurt. I want to switch to snowboarding to have just as much fun in a softer boot but I'm scared to start over in the falling down getting up catagory. Hey I have to go back to work on Monday and I don't want to be sore all over or worse something broken from a fall. Should I take the plunge this year of try different ski boots. I'm not totaly jumping ship skiiers. Chime in especially older skiiers / snowboarder please.

Answer 1

 I'm 52 myself, and found your question asking if I should stay with boarding or just go back to skiing? 

I skied as a teen and after 20 years, picked it back up. It took 5 seasons to get pretty good, that's with 10-15 visits to the mountain each season. Then I saw an opportunity to learn, rent, and get the lift ticket for $25 per visit for 5 visits at Park City, UT. 

I've gone 7 times. I can do the basics. Much easier after I bought myself a reverse camber, or banana board known as a Park Pickle by Gnu. I took many hard falls and I'd be brain dead by now for sure if I hadn't worn a helmet! I'm doing better but still falling more than I ever do skiing. I ache a lot more after boarding than I did with skiing except when I twisted a knee on my 2nd season back. I'm way better at skiing, I don't go more than about 10 times a year and it's just not enough to do both and give either one the justice they deserve. I agree that snowboard boots feel more comfortable, but the one Guest is right. You hold your feet so differently that your feet can REALLY cramp sometimes! I mean Cramp! I have Flow Boa's with Flow bindings. I definitely suggest lessons, a helmet!!! and padding!! Don't forget good knee pads. Good Luck.