Comment by SenHeng | Hacker News Reader

Comment by SenHeng | Hacker News Reader

Snowboarding.

There is no snow (or seasons) where I grew up. I first started snowboarding while attending university at the tender age of 27. The combination of multiple factors (foreign introvert with few friends, fewer snowboarding acquaintances, living several hours far from the slopes, cost of gear, bad career moves) stopped me from snowboarding for the next 8 years. Eventually I chanced upon some roommates that go annually, confirming that I do indeed have an innate love for the sport. Now older with a stable income and heck all for others' opinions, I'll go snowboard even just by myself. I actually enjoy snowboarding by myself but the weird thing is this sport has opened me up to more friends, who complain when I don't ask any of them along.

I'll admit that my upbringing has given me a weird fetish for snow and cold weather, but there's just something magical about snowboarding that I can't explain with words.

I'm hoping to hit 50 days on the slopes this year.

For me it was board sports in general, including snowboarding and surfing. Both are unique and amazing in their own right.

For surfing, I had always assumed it was a hippie thing bored Californians did. It wasn't until I tried it one summer in Hawaii that I realized the level of physical and mental resilience you need to surf, or the meditative aspects of it. The bulk of my time surfing is not spent standing on a surfboard but rather paddling out or staring at the ocean, waiting for the right wave.

Similarly, after snowboarding in the mountains of Vermont a couple of winters ago, my whole perception of mountain sports changed. While it's physically demanding, there is a zen-like calmness to it as well. That paired with the gorgeous mountain scenery is quite special.

I agree. One aspect I like is that it forces you to put your daily life aside and focus on the current moment. I really like scuba diving for this same reason.

I also really enjoy board spots in general, and I find there seems to be something unique about them that attracts introverts like myself, even though snowboard/board-sport culture can sometimes be a bit "bro-ey". I often find myself acting more extroverted and easily making friends while snowboarding/surfing/skateboarding.

I think it has to do with the simplicity, independent nature of board sports, and the self-reliant DIY attitude. There actually seems to be a lot of parallels to hacker culture, which is what I think makes it really unique when compared to other sports.

I'd really encourage others to try them, as they are a great way to get out of the tech bubble, make friends, and be active. They really aren't all that difficult to get started with. The learning curve is steep but short, and for the most part they aren't all that expensive.

Same here, I lived where there is no snow / seasons. Two years ago, I learned snowboarding and I eventually became decent at it. After a trip to Colorado and experiencing the powder, I felt in love with the sport. This became my favorite sport, it's more efficient than meditation, I'm at peace when going down the slopes. I'm trying to move to Colorado (or California) to be able to practice more.

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