Friday 10 June 2011

Five Tips for Snowboarding Safety


Snowboarding safety factors are of great importance. As with most winter sports, snowboarding includes a variety of risks plus a high injury rate so taking proper safety measures is surely an absolute must. Snowboarding features a higher per person injury rate than skiing together, with around 5 people getting injured every day for ever thousands of people hitting the slopes. Interestingly most injuries are with beginners despite the professional level snowboarders tackling a few truly dangerous pistes and slopes. The most common injuries are to the actual wrists and arms together with fractures being the most common injuries. With this in mind we decided to provide a list of good safety strategies for beginners and experts alike.

First and most important is to buy some proper snowboarding training. Whilst you can have a little move without instruction it is not suggested even if you are experienced in other winter sports. Poor or lack of training is responsible for over 15% of all snowboarding injuries. Even one day associated with tuition will dramatically lower your chances of injury so it’s worth investing in. With a single day’s tuition you can learn to ride and fall correctly which will tremendously help you when you ride single.

Secondly you need to make sure you training properly and don’t overestimate your skills. It is better to master some simple and easy , intermediate slopes rather than changing between slopes constantly. This may give you time to practice manage and the constant repetition will establish your skills quickly. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating your skills and trying in order to tackle runs beyond your stage. This will result in you rapidly finding yourself out of your depth and attempting manoeuvres beyond your ability is a quick way to hurt yourself.

Thirdly get physically top fit and warm up thoroughly prior to tackling the slopes. In good physical condition will make you a lot less likely to come to harm about the slopes. Cardio and muscle development exercises will help you be in greater condition and less likely to hurt yourself should you fall.

Additionally wearing the correct protective clothes is an absolute must. Whilst you might not be the coolest person going to the slopes if you drop you really won’t regret it. Wearing hand supports, knee pads along with a helmet will protect you from all but the most severe fall so that you should buy or rent tis equipment before travelling.

Fifthly usually pay attention to the run type, the conditions and stay on piste. Off pisting is very dangerous even if you are an expert same with not recommended. Sticking to the conditions as well as run types that suit the level is an absolute need to. Whatever you do don’t hit the slopes if you are ill or if you have been drinking.

Sixthly keep your equipment in good working purchase and make sure you have equipment which is suitable to your level of skill. Having a good board that is wax correctly and is suited for the pace and manoeuvring you are capable of is totally vital to keep you risk-free. Most winter sports stores will be able to fit you properly based on your skills as well as ensuring your boots match your board specifically.

Finally although these tips will help you say safe accidents can happen. For this reason we would strongly advice some kind of winter sports insurance so that should you have an accident you may receive the quickest and best medical care possible.