How to Avoid Snowboarding Injuries

Snowboarding is a fun winter sport that more and more people are learning each season. It's very different from skiing, however, and beginners may put themselves at risk for injuries. Both new and seasoned riders need to take steps to avoid snowboarding injuries.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Helmet

Learn to Avoid Snowboarding Injuries

1. Wear a helmet. Your helmet should be insulated to provide some protection from frigid winter winds on the slopes. Look for a helmet specially designed for skiing and snowboarding that doesn't block your peripheral vision too much.

2. Get a set of kneepads or padded snow pants. It's recommend that snowboarders fall forward onto their knees to minimize injuries, so you need to protect that part of your body. You probably don't need very heavy padding, but most people complain about sore knees when they first learn to snowboard.

3. Be a responsible snowboarder and share the mountain with others. Watch out for younger and less experienced skiers and riders on the trails. Keep a healthy distance from other people to avoid collisions.

4. Ski according to your ability. You should choose trails that are challenging, but know what your limits are. Since trail ratings vary from mountain to mountain, you should see how well you handle intermediate trails before hitting the black diamonds on a new mountain.

5. Find a boarding buddy. It's good to have a friend around who can help you or alert the ski patrol if you are injured. Be especially careful not to ski alone at night.

6. Check your bindings and make sure they're tightened before each run. You'll easily lose control if your boots aren't fastened in tight enough.

Tips & Warnings

• You should set an example for your children and other younger snowboarders by always wearing your own helmet.
• Whenever you try to learn a new trick, get some pointers from other snowboarders. Having someone explain the trick to you or show you how to do it can help you avoid injuries.
• Always obey the trail signs. If a sign says the trail is for family skiers, don't race down it. If a trail is closed, stay off it.
• If you notice a trail is icy, watch your speed on it. Most snowboarders can deal with ice, but it's easy to lose control if you hit an ice patch while you're going too fast.
• Glades, the trails that go through wooded areas, are fairly difficult for snowboarders because they're bumpy and narrow. Stay away from them unless you are confident on your snowboard.

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