Safety Tips: Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a great way to have fun and get exercise during cold winter months. It's fairly easy to learn, but injuries can happen.

Follow these safety tips to stay safe on the slopes.

What Safety Gear Do Snowboarders Need?

The right gear can help prevent injuries. Snowboarders should have:

• A snowboard, boots, and bindings (gear that attaches boots to the board) that are fitted by a trained professional.
• A helmet made for snowboarding. Make sure it fits properly and always keep the chin strap fastened during riding.
• Wrist guards in case of a fall.
• Goggles that fit and are tinted for sun protection. Riders can wear sunglasses instead, but goggles help you see better if it rains or snows. Goggles also keep your face warmer and are better at shielding your eyes from tree branches and other hazards.
• Warm clothing, including a hat, gloves or mittens, snow pants, and a winter jacket. A neck gaiter (a kind of short scarf that’s connected at the ends) can keep your neck warm — and your face too if you pull it up. Dressing in layers can help riders adjust if they get too hot. If you wear thermal underwear, get the kind made of wool or a material other than cotton. Cotton takes a long time to dry so it can make you cold.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher for daytime snowboarding. Riders should wear it even when it’s cloudy because the sun’s rays will still reach them.

Should We Take Snowboarding Lessons?

New riders, especially, should consider taking lessons before hitting the slopes, though they can be helpful for snowboarders of all levels. Sign up with a trained instructor certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Private lessons offer the most one-on-one time with an instructor, but less costly snowboard group lessons work well too.

How Can Snowboarders Stay Safe?

• Warm up and stretch before snowboarding.
• Don’t snowboard alone.
• Watch where you ride. Know which slopes are right for your skill level and ride only on those. If you find yourself on a slope that’s too tough, keep your snowboard on and sideslip down the hill. Stay on marked paths and never go past the snowboard area boundary or into a closed area. Also, pay attention to warning signs like, "Slow Skiing Area" and "Caution."
• Look out for other people. Before you start down a hill or merge onto a trail, look uphill to make sure no one is coming toward you. Be aware of the snowboarder's blind spot — you face sideways when you ride, so you can't see what's behind you or to one side. Look back to make sure no other snowboarders or skiers are in your blind spot before you make a sharp turn.
• Know who has the right of way. Snowboarders and skiers in front of you have the right of way. Keep your distance and stay in control. Don’t stop in the middle of a trail or in any spot where you can't be seen from above, like below a drop-off.
• Know how to fall. Use the right safety gear and learn how to fall properly:
  • Practice falling on a soft surface or on grass.
  • Crouch down as you fall so you won't have as far to fall.
  • Land on the fleshy parts of your body and roll rather than breaking a fall with your arms and hands.
  • Relax while falling instead of going stiff.

What Else Should I Know?

• Stop snowboarding if you feel pain or get hurt. Before you go back on the hill, get checked by a doctor, nurse, athletic trainer, or coach.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids before, during, and after snowboarding.
• Take breaks and don’t snowboard when you're very tired, which can lead to injury.
• Know what to do in case of an emergency or if you get separated from your group or partner. Carry a phone or whistle.