Dr. MJ Bazos MD, Patient
Handout
Tips for
Snowboarders
What do I need to
know before I start snowboarding?
Here are some tips from members of the U.S.
Snowboard Team, as well as from recreational snowboarders:
- Get in shape first. A regular general
fitness program will make snowboarding easier and help protect you from injury.
- Use the right equipment. Buy or rent good
snowboarding boots, an all-purpose snowboard, a helmet and wrist guards.
- Pick the right time and place to learn.
Learn from a trained instructor in good weather (when there is good
visibility and it's not too cold). Pick a skiing area that allows snowboarders.
Use slopes that are not crowded and that have packed snow. Avoid icy slopes.
What do I need to
know about equipment?
- Boots. Most snowboarders recommend soft
snowboarding boots to start. It's not as easy to balance or to get up after a
fall in hard boots. Moonboots and hiking boots are dangerous. Wearing them puts
you at high risk of broken bones and ankle injuries.
- Snowboard. Start with an all-purpose
snowboard. Later, if you are ready to race or do tricks, you can try a specialty
board. Specialty boards are harder to turn and balance on.
- Protective equipment. Always wear wrist
guards made for snowboarders or in-line skaters. Most racers and professional
snowboarders wear helmets, wrist guards, arm guards and shin guards, as well as
customized protective gear.
- Ski poles. You may want to use ski poles
at first while you learn how to snowboard. Some teachers believe this is a good
way for beginners to avoid wrist injuries. Learn how to use ski poles from a
teacher who knows this technique, because snowboards are not actually designed
to be used with ski poles.
How can I protect
myself from injury?
Most falls in snowboarding are on the hands,
buttocks and head, and only cause bruises and soreness. You can do a few things
to reduce your chances of getting injured:
- Protect your wrists. Most snowboard
injuries are to the wrists. Wear wrist guards made for snowboarding or in-line
skating. Don't break your fall with your open hands. Hold your hands in closed
fists while you snowboard so you won't be tempted to break your fall with an
open hand. Try to roll into a fall like a paratrooper would, spreading the force
of the fall out over your body instead of taking all the force in one place.
- Protect your head. While you probably
won't hit your head first, the back of your head may hit the ground at the end
of a fall if you land on your buttocks. These head injuries usually aren't
serious, but you can end up with quite a headache. Wear a helmet when learning,
when racing and when snowboarding on unmarked trails (collisions with trees
cause some of the most serious injuries in this sport).