Ideas for Safety During Snowboarding

Nov 12
08:32

2010

Eric Vaknin

Eric Vaknin

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The rising fame of snowboarding has exploded since it was first invented in the 1920s. Most ski resorts designate distinct trails and areas for snowboarders.

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The popularity of snowboarding has skyrocketed since it was first introduced in the 1920s. Many ski resorts designate separate trails and areas for snowboarders. However,Ideas for Safety During Snowboarding Articles the increase in snowboarding means there’s been an increase in injuries on the slopes.

The injury rate for snowboarding is higher than it is for alpine skiing. The jumps and acrobatics performed by snowboarders contribute to this. Without the use of poles, wrist sprains and fractures are common fall-related injuries. Young snowboarders sometimes use street clothes, which increases the risks of hyperthermia.

Getting in shape is one of the best ways to prevent injury. Also, anyone interested in snowboarding should take lessons. An instructor will teach proper technique, which greatly reduces the risk of injury. Even an experienced snowboarder should take a refresher course at the beginning of each season.

More safety tips for snowboarding include using soft boots, which help prevent ankle sprains and fractures. Helmets should be worn at all times. Falling backwards and hitting the back of the head is a common cause of concussion. Any head injury should be immediately attended to by medical personnel.

While wrist guards are a necessity, arm and shin guards are available, too. And to protect the skin, sunscreen should be worn. Ideally, it should be reapplied every 4 hours. To protect the eyes, goggles with UVA protection should be used.

Also, no one should snowboard alone. There should be at least two people present at all times. Another safety tip is to make sure all snowboarders have the ski patrol number programmed into their cell phones.