How to Learn Skiboard Safety

In skiboarding, as with any sport, there are safety risks. But you can minimize risk and have more fun by following some simple skiboard safety guidelines, such as wearing a helmet, skiing sober and watching out for hazards.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check equipment. Make sure safety straps on skiboards are buckled so the skis won't get away from you. Also make sure bindings are properly fastened. Always wear a helmet and keep it buckled.
2. Look before you ski. Investigate weather and snow conditions and pay attention to the avalanche risk. Keep these things in mind, plus your skill level, when heading for the slopes. Also, look over the trail map to avoid too-difficult trails and be alert for potential hazards, such as rocks, other skiers and snow-making machines.
3. Protect yourself from head injury by wearing a helmet that has been approved for skiing or skiboarding. When doing jumps, protect wrists with wrist guards. Make sure skiboard equipment is suited to your size. For example, children need shorter skiboards than adults.
4. Learn the sport. Take lessons with a certified instructor. Skiboarding is different from skiing in important ways. For overall skiboarding safety, follow the Alpine Responsibility Code. Also, stay fit for skiboarding and do warm-up exercises before hitting the slopes.
5. Ski sober. Impaired perception and coordination caused by drinking or drugs only increases the chance of injury and susceptibility to hypothermia.
6. Take rest breaks or stop for the day if you are fatigued. Also take a break to eat. When you're hungry you lose concentration and muscle strength, both of which can lead to skiboarding injury.