Surfing the waves of snow can be one of the most exhilarating activities you could do as it is very calming, yet ironically adrenalizing at the same time. There’s no need to convince anyone to join the fun of going snowboarding as it’s difficult to reject the offer; however, it’s very important to remind those that do participate in this sport to make sure they’re safe before they get on the snow. This article will tell you all you need to know about how to stay safe while you’re out there on your board.
Here Are 6 Safety Tips You Should Keep in Mind While Snowboarding:
1. There’s Safety in Numbers
Thousands of lives have been saved by following this crucial precaution while out in the great white fields. Taking a friend or a family member out with you while you’re snowboarding can be a great way of staying safe as you can always rely on them to get help. This also works if you’re an expert taking out a beginner as you can keep an eye out for them while they still learn the ropes.
2. Check the Weather before Going
Going out to a field of snow is a very risky thing to do if it’s in the wrong weather conditions. If it’s starting to get too hot out there, you might not be able to snowboard that well with all the melting snow. However, if a storm’s brewing outside, then you should probably reschedule your trip to another day, when the weather won’t pose any safety threats, as being out snowboarding in a storm can be very dangerous.
3. Wear the Right Jacket
When people hear about snowboarding gear, they will think about snowboards, shoes, or even gloves. They often forget that the main thing keeping you warm and protected from the cold is the jacket that you’re wearing throughout your journey. Some snowboarding junkies have comprised a guide that has an attached list of the top snowboarding jackets they recommend at this page: https://www.thrillappeal.com/best-snowboarding-jackets.
4. Take Care of Your Skin and Body
Being outside in the cold while snowboarding has negative effects on your skin because of the dryness so regularly apply lip balm and moisturizer. Dressing warm with several layers along with applying sunscreen can save you from a cold and/or a sunburn. A lot of people forget that the sun still burns the skin if you’re exposed to it for too long, even if it’s cold outside. Eat some food to give you energy before heading out and carry around a bunch of snacks and a water bottle as it’s easy to get dehydrated in the cold. Make sure you also remember to warm up and stretch before going out on your board as snowboarding is very physically demanding, and you don’t want to get a cramp or feel fatigued because of an unexpectedly high heart rate.
5. Don’t Try Dangerous Slopes Before You’re Ready
Challenging yourself while you’re snowboarding can be fun and exciting, but be careful not to push the limits. Attempting a slope that’s far too dangerous for your current level can lead to very serious injuries as snowboarding is one of the few sports that can be very risky if you’re not skilled enough to take on the environment around you. Make sure you get enough practice on slopes that are your level, and once you feel confident enough to advance to another slope, you can try going down another one that’s a level or two above your usual. Never try to go for a slope that is four or five levels above your usual, though, and take small steps towards improvement. Size right is crucial, too, so read all about it to stay safe and protected from the weather while you’re out snowboarding.
6. Study Avalanches Extensively
Ninety percent of the time, avalanches occur one day after the snowfall, and most avalanches take the lives of whoever caused them in the first place. It’s very important to know all the facts about avalanches and why they occur before heading to the mountains as knowing the causes and what to do if there’s an avalanche coming your way can be the difference between life and death.
People often focus on how fun snowboarding can be, but having one bad experience out there on the snow can change your entire perspective of the activity. There are a lot of risks involved with snowboarding, but they’re all very easily preventable as long as you follow the safety precautions mentioned above. None of the precautions take any joy out of the experience, though, so go out there and have fun!