Skiboards a.k.a. short twin tip skis?

Question

Hi All!

Has anyone ever used short twin tip skis a.k.a. skiboards? I'm wondering if they are easier to manuver and learn on than regular skis. My husband is a Youth Director for a local church and this Saturday we're taking the kids skiing.

I've skiied in the past a handful of times, but not recently. About a year and a half ago I dislocated my left knee cap and tore some ligaments. I haven't had any problems with my knee since then aside from some weakness and tenderness with a lot of physical activity.

I'm concerned if I ski/snowboard I may aggrevate the old injury, so I'm planning on bracing it to be on the safe side. I was told to steer clear of snowboarding because if I fall, the board won't release (like the bindings in skis do) but with long skis, I tend to have a hard time manuvering around.

I'm thinking maybe these skiboards might be a good alternative but would like some more information about them and your thoughts for someone who has no experience.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Actually, I'm pretty sure the regular skis are harder to maneuver than ski boards. I mean, think about it. You would be more in control of something small like that right? I've heard the regular skis are more fun to use though.

Hope this helped

Answer 2

Skiboards/Snowblades...whatever. These are good for doing tricks in the terrain park and little more.

They require more edging to work effectively. This puts more stress on your knees because you have to roll your ankles into the turns. I've used them once since I tore my ACL in 2006. I didn't have a lot of pain...but I did notice the additional stress immediately.

Regular skis of a shorter lenghth will be better. Plus, it is more difficult to snowplow stop on snowblades. If you haven't skied in a while and have to revert to fundamental skills...like the snowplow...it's easier to do on skis.

If you rollerblade or ice skate often, then you may have the strength in your knee to control the snowblades without much discomfort.

Also...some rental snowblades do not use a traditional DIN setting binding. Many I've seen have bindings that don't release easily. So if you fall, they may not come off, thus possibly making your injury worse. (The snowblades that we rent at the resort I work at are of the non-releasing type.)

Answer 3

If you can ski, you can skiboard.  My brother had skied his whole life and when he switched to skiboards, he picked it up right away.

Answer 4

I really would stay with skis. I think the longer or wider they are the more stability it gives. Make sure they're not taller than ur nose or you probably go faster than you can handle