Speed and Velocity
When the snowboard cuts through the snow, creating friction and generating heat, a thin film of water forms between the board and the snow. This reduces friction between the snow and the board, which is how snowboarding gains so much speed. However, snowboarders cannot gain as much speed as a skier can. Why? Snowboarders have a single surface to put weight on, whereas skiers have two surfaces, which makes it possible to distribute the pressure of the skier’s weight. The skis therefore do not cut as much into the snow, which makes it easier to increase the speed of the board.