Is one really better than the other?
By Davie Wong, Sports Editor
It’s an age old debate. Are sports better played outdoors where they were originally played? Or are they better behind closed doors, where the environment can be controlled? With summer in full force, the debate is more relevant than ever.
Fans of outdoor sports argue that playing sports outside is how it’s meant to be done. Many of the aforementioned sports get their roots from outdoor play, so it makes sense to keep them as such. After all, what’s better than the feeling of the sun beaming down on you as you nail that three-pointer, or the wind rushing by you as move past a defender? Or, how about the crisp, cool, BC air that fills your lungs after a hard run, either on the court, or the field? There’s not much that can match that feeling, much less replace it.
Yet at the same time, what makes outdoor sports great also makes them less preferable for some. Have you ever played soccer in the scorching sun, at 30 plus degrees? I have, and it wasn’t fun. The unbearable heat made every little breeze feel like a godsend. And to top it all off, despite keeping myself well lathered in sunscreen, I still managed to get sunburned. You see, sunburns don’t exist when you play indoors.
You know what does exist when you play indoors? Regulated air conditioning. It keeps the temperature at a decent level, while still allowing you to experience the sports that you want to enjoy.
Playing indoors also keeps the extreme weather at bay. Here in Vancouver, there are really only two types of weather on the forecast. It’s either really sunny, with high temperatures and maybe a slight breeze. Or it’s pelting rain with a howling gale. If you play your sports indoors, the weather outside doesn’t really matter. No more pesky wind to account for when you take your long shots or three-pointers. It’s just you and your target, with no external factors.
Both sides could go at each other for ages. Each has their own points, with their own sense of validity. However, they both seem to miss the big picture. Sports has evolved to a variety of things, but at its core, it’s a source of entertainment. Sports are meant to be fun. It shouldn’t matter where you play your sport, indoor or outdoor, if you’re having fun. Do what works best for you.
