How to Survive When Skiboarding

Skiboarding is an extreme sport, and extreme sports can sometimes result in extreme injuries. Boarders tend to be risk-takers but they don't have to be fall-takers, tree-smashers, people-crashers or avalanche-starters. Skiboarding is an easy way to get down the slopes when you know the safety guidelines. Learn some tips on surviving when skiboarding to avoid painful jamming.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Follow the code of ski conduct set down by the International Ski Federation:
   1. Respect others and don't endanger them by your skiing conduct.
   2. Stay in control. Most accidents are caused by out-of-control skiers.
   3. Choose a safe route and one your skill level can handle.
   4. When overtaking other skiers, allow space for them to move unexpectedly.
   5. Always look both ways when starting a run, entering a trail or starting up after stopping while on a route.
   6. Don't stop in narrow spots or where visibility is hindered. Move to the side if you must stop.
   7. When moving on foot, keep to the side.
   8. Never enter a closed ski run. Obey all trail signs.
   9. In case of an accident, you are bound to assist, if possible, and to give ski patrol officers any relevant information.

2. Stay sober! Don't drink alcohol, take drugs or use any substance that impairs your judgment, vision or abilities while skiboarding. Boarding safely means using common sense and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

3. Keep falls from becoming serious injuries. To accomplish this, remember to bend your knees when you start to fall. Try to avoid landing on your hands by keeping arms forward and palms upwards. Let yourself slide and don't try to stand up until you come to a stop. If you become injured, stay down and wait for help.

4. Learn about skiboarding injury risks. The most common ouchies for boarders are to the knees, lower legs and ankles. Broken bones being especially frequent. The experts say that non-release bindings on skiboards are the main cause of leg injuries. Boarders should be extra careful at higher speeds.

5. Remain alert to conditions on the slopes. Check weather forecasts before starting out, but also notice the skies to detect any hazardous weather moving in while you're out there. Falling snow can quickly decrease visibility, while also changing trail conditions abruptly. Lightning can also be a danger at high altitudes. As for back-country boarding, never go it alone and keep constant awareness of the risk of avalanche. Always check avalanche conditions before setting out.

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