Are just knee pads sufficient?

For what purpose are you asking this question? Boarding, skiing, buggy, static?

I feel the ultimate answer will always be a matter of personal preference. Your level of padding should be determined by your level of comfort flying and what you consider to be "OK" for personal risk and injury. When in doubt, more is better, but sometimes less is best.

if you take a look at my shins, and anyone else I know, like Gabe. You might think shin pads are good. I don't know why I don't wear them. I guess chicks dig scars....

the more protection the better bro!

The first foray will be into skiing and I wonder if the shin guards won't fit well with the boots - or if they'd just be overkill. Come summer though, I have a sneaking suspicion that my inlines will shed a couple wheels and grow two big ones.

I think I'll get some to play it safe and if I feel it's overkill I'll just set them aside. Of course then to crash without them.............murphy's law and I don't get along well at the best of time ; )

Is it just me, or does one discipline lead to the next, and the next? I'm already giving long hard thought to hitting the water on a friend's LEI in the summer.

No need for shin pads when skiing. A helmet is a must but anothing else is a bit much given the soft and cushy nature of snow. If you are out on ice with little snow cover you may want to consider elbow pads.

KLB and blading you may want to beef up the padding but given the clothes you'll have on and the snow - protect your head and fly smart and you'll be OK.