“the Snowboarding Chiropractor”

 The Far West Ski Association’s Safety Director

It appears that this snowboarding thing has really caught on.  Most ski areas experience 30-50% of their visitors as boarders. Snowboarding has some of the same inherent risks associated with skiing but also some unique ones to this great sport.  There are fundamental biomechanical differences. For example one is not standing straight ahead like with skiing, you have no poles so turning and stopping are a bit trickier and falling is part of the action. It’s like joining a fraternity and those first few days are the hazing.

Here are some tips:

RESPECT all the people using the mountain. Snowboarding is not cooler, it’s just different. We have a lot more in common with skiers than differences.

Start slow, nearly 1/4 of injuries occur during a Snowboarder's first experience and almost half occur during the first season of snowboarding.  Compared to skiing, snowboarding injuries usually involve the upper extremities and the ankle. ACL injuries are less common.

USE REASON Snowboarding is NOT for everyone. The learning part may damage previously injured body parts.  Be healthy when you start.

TAKE A LESSON Yes this may be entirely new to you, find out from a professional how to get going. Ask for advice from other knowledgeable people.

CONDITIONS Pick a day when the snow is soft, fresh or even a little slushy. It’s easier to turn and a lot easier when you fall.

FALLING, yes you will be going down plenty at first. Learn to fall, not on your outstretched hands, but distribute it over your forearms. Try to ‘roll’ through a fall to distribute the force.

WEAR WRIST SUPPORTS I asked a Lake Tahoe Orthopedist how many wrist fractures he sees in people with wrist supports, his response ”none” They also help to prevent painful and slow healing wrist sprains.  It is difficult to find but a few gloves have wrist supports integrated into them, like Red (Burton) and Cranium (Serus).

OTHER SUPPORTS Yes if you have problematic knees, ankles, elbows, etc. consider supports before you start. Butt, shoulder, knee protectors are used by some, but most experienced riders do not need them. They may help if you have vulnerable areas. Bring a roll of tape or the self-sticking tape-like reusable product for extra protection or support if there is a minor tweak.

BOOTS Just like skiing, you feet need to be comfy, or you will have a bad time. Get a good fit and make sure they unify with the bindings.

BINDINGS There is much more variation in design than with skiing. This applies whether they are ‘step ins’ or more conventional bindings. Make sure they are the right size AND adjusted right for you. This will optimize your biomechanics on the board. This means:

a) The proper angle on the board and distance from each other, the tip and the tail. Once you are more experienced you may want to tweak these setting and advantage your stance.

b) It also means that the straps or mechanism should clamp down just the right amount to keep your feet snug, but not too tight.  There are lots of adjustments, have a professional set you up.

c) Check the bindings every time you go out because the screws and nuts have a tendency to get loose. Don’t get stuck on the mountain with only one workable binding.  Carry a small tool on you to tighten things.

Almost all ski areas have a table with tools on them. Check the binding parts before getting ‘jiggy with it’.

WAX Yes wax makes the board glide smoother, keeps you from getting stuck and tired, which is a safety issue indeed.

HELMETS If there is a chance of falling, or colliding, be aware that a helmet may help. Remember, even if you are skilled, someone may run into you.

ON SLOPE SAFETY

Snowboard leashes are required at all resorts although this is seldom enforced. Mostly runaway snowboards are from beginners who take them off in frustration. DO NOT let your board become a missile, leash it.

Entering and exiting lifts are problem areas for beginners.  Yes we know you only have one foot in, but be ready when it is time to enter the lift safely.

Let others know if there is an issue getting on or off. You may prefer one side of the chair.  When you get off relax and pretend you are delivering a pizza, arms out in front, board straight ahead. Don’t freak! If you fall, get the heck out of the way ASAP.

We know you have no poles; so to rest you may sit down, DO NOT sit in the middle of a trail or where you will be an obstruction.

Be aware, watch all sides, keep your head on a swivel and know your surroundings.

On your backside, be aware that you cannot see as well. Do not assume no one is there if you can not see. Look in your ‘blindside’ frequently to assess.

It only takes a moment to be aware of your surroundings.

DO NOT do tricks and jumps in areas where a lot of people are on a trail or confluence.

Study the irregular erratic tendencies of people on the slope below you, avoid them.

Be especially aware of when trails join, look around, always.

Avoid, but be aware of icy spots or areas with poor coverage.

Tree and off piste (off the groomed trails) boarding present extra reward but also extra hazards, slow down, stay in control, and know where you are at all times.

DO NOT board out of bounds; there is plenty of great legal terrain in ski areas.

PARKS

Try to look at the terrain features before you hit them.

Let people descend in the order they arrived in. Give everyone plenty of space.

Start small and work your way up

Do not do things on a dare, ramp up to your comfort level.

Make sure the landing is really clear, in many parks you cannot see if someone has fallen until it’s too late.

Never jump something you have not seen before, a surprise rock landing is no fun.

Stay away from closed features; they are closed for a reason.

Injuries or bad behavior do not have to be any more prevalent in snowboarding than skiing. 
SAFETY IS HAVING FUN CONSCIOUSLY!!!