Thinking about staying safe and shredding this season?
Each year thousands of snowboarders and skiers get injuries that could have been prevented with the right safety gear and knowledge. You’d be surprised how many of these accidents are to beginner riders who weren’t properly equipped.
But it doesn’t have to be this way…
Investing in the right snowboard shop services and taking the time to get fitted for your gear will keep you out of the emergency room and on the mountain shredding.
In this article we’ll cover:
- Why selecting the right gear is important for safety
- The safety equipment snowboarders should always wear
- Professional fitting services and why they’re so helpful
- Tips for properly maintaining and caring for safety equipment
Why Gear Selection is So Important for Safety
Safety on the slopes is a direct reflection of the quality of gear that you select to ride with.
Did you know that 49% of injured snowboarders are beginners? This statistic is pretty eye opening especially when compared to the fact that only 18% of skier injuries are to first-year skiers.
The difference in injury rate is partially due to using the right equipment.
Beginners often rent equipment or buy cheap gear online without properly understanding how having the right fit of equipment reduces the risk of injury. A bad fitting snowboard boot can lead to sprained ankles and even broken bones. Incorrectly adjusted bindings put the rider at risk of being ejected from their board. An ill-fitting helmet increases the risk of serious head trauma if an accident occurs.
All of these problems are eliminated when you shop for snowboards at a professional shop and ask for the help of experienced staff. They can advise you on what equipment will work best for your skill level, body type, and preferred riding style.
Safety is not just about comfort. It’s also about keeping your bones from being broken.
Safety Equipment Snowboarders Need
It’s time to get specific and talk about the must-have snowboard safety gear that every rider should be using.
Snowboard Helmets
Did you know that snowboarders are more likely to get head injuries than skiers? It’s true and while helmet usage rates have steadily improved over the past two decades this is an area where snowboarders still have more injuries compared to their skiing counterparts.
The National Ski Areas Association shows how usage jumped from 25% to 90% from the 2002/03 season to the 2023/24 season.
The chart also clearly shows that skiers are far more likely to wear helmets than snowboarders. We have a lot of work to do here!
Safety helmets have come a long way since they first became available. The latest models from top manufacturers have incredibly safe, comfortable, and cool designs.
The ASTM F2040 and CE EN 1077 certification labels tell you that the helmet meets minimum safety standards and has been independently tested and verified. Adjustable ventilation helps regulate airflow. Removable and washable liners make the helmet easy to keep clean. MIPS technology is included in many helmets for added rotational impact protection.
Fitting Services include Helmet Fitting
There is a science to helmet fitting that professional snowboard shop services provide. An ill-fitting helmet can actually increase the risk of injury rather than prevent it. That’s why it’s critical that the helmet fits snugly but isn’t overly tight or loose on the head. The helmet needs to rest level on the head and cover the forehead without obstructing vision. The chin strap should be tight enough that the helmet can’t move independently of head motion.
Wrist Guards
Did you know that 19% of all snowboard injuries involve the wrist? This is by far the most common site for snowboard injuries compared to just 2% of skier injuries.
The reason why is simple…snowboarders instinctively put out their hands when they fall. When you don’t wear wrist guards this has a huge impact force on the wrist and can result in fractures and sprains.
Wrist guards are an affordable piece of equipment that protect beginners from injury and advanced riders from unnecessary pain. For people just starting to learn snowboarding they’re a must-have.
Impact Shorts and Back Protectors
We just talked about injuries that occur when riders fall forward. But what about falls that happen backwards?
Snowboarders take many tumbles and backward falls are extremely common. This can lead to bruised and injured hips, tailbone pain, and even potential spine injuries.
Impact shorts and back protectors can prevent these injuries and help you recover from falls unharmed. Impact shorts contain pads that cushion impacts with butt, tailbone, and hips. Some versions also have additional protection for the back and spine.
Goggles
Snowboard goggles have come a long way in terms of visibility and comfort. They provide more than just clear vision in flat light and low visibility conditions. Quality goggles also protect against:
- UV radiation from the sun
- Wind and debris on the slopes
- Eye fatigue and snow glare
It’s important to get fitted for goggles that work well with your helmet. Gaps between the goggles and helmet allow snow and cold air into the gaps and expose skin to frostbite risk.
Professional Fitting Services Are So Helpful
You might think that walking into a shop and just grabbing the equipment off the rack is easier than getting fitted. But it’s also much riskier and dangerous.
Professional snowboard shop services are all about making sure equipment is properly fitted to the rider. This is why staff undergo training and have years of experience working with all different types of gear.
Binding Adjustments
Bindings need proper setup of stance width, angles, and release tension. Improper adjustment of bindings can contribute to falls and ankle injuries. Shop technicians can also measure stance width and recommend based on rider height, weight, boot size, and riding style.
Boot Fitting
Boots that are too loose make it difficult for snowboarders to stay in control. Boots that are too tight restrict circulation and cause painful pressure points.
The perfect boot should feel snug on the heel with little lift or movement. The toes should touch the front lightly when standing but not curl too far forward. Professional fitters can recommend boots that work well for specific foot shapes.
Board Selection
Snowboards come in many different lengths, widths, flex patterns, and shapes. Each design has a direct impact on how the board will ride, turn, and handle. Beginners will need different boards than advanced riders looking to shred pow.
Shop technicians are familiar with different brands/models and can match boards to ability and intended use.
Maintaining and Caring for Safety Gear
Safety gear is only helpful when it’s working correctly. Here are some tips for maintenance and care:
- Replace helmets after any significant impact or after 3-5 years of use
- Check wrist guards for cracks or damage before each season
- Regularly inspect binding screws for tightness
- Store goggles in a protective case
- Clean all padding and straps regularly and dry completely
Summary
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article about staying safe while shredding this season. I hope it was helpful to you.
The biggest takeaways are that proper equipment can dramatically reduce the risk of injury and that professional fitting services are there to help make the process easy.
Just remember:
- Wear a helmet that fits and has been certified for safety
- Use wrist guards for beginners and anyone at risk for wrist injury
- Wear impact protection for hips, tailbone, and back
- Take the time to get professionally fitted for all your gear
- Care for and maintain equipment and replace when necessary
Safety doesn’t have to ruin the fun. It helps ensure there are many more days of shredding for you.
So what are you waiting for? Get equipped with the right safety gear and ride with confidence.
