Last weekend I went up to Snow Summit with a group of friends.  A few of  the guys were beginners attempting the sport for the very first time.  Apparently they were all fast learners because after only two hours on the slopes they were already taking lifts up to the longer more advanced runs.  One guy in particular, Charlie, may have pushed himself too far.  These more advanced runs are faster runs due to the steeper slopes.  Well without fear, Charlie hammered down the slope.  Not being quite ready and proficient in turning he caught an edge causing him to fall backwards tumbling down the slope.  In the end, his injuries weren’t severe, but it could’ve been a lot worse if he didn’t have safety gear on.

Learning How To Snowboard will test your patience and endurance because its literally a contact sport.  Meaning you will come face to face, so to speak, with snow, picking up a few cuts and bruises along the way. You will fall many times and that’s expected.  But, knowing the correct way to fall will help you from sustaining serious injury.

Here are a few tips…

Definitely wear a helmet!

If you want a concussion, don’t wear one.  Wearing a helmet is a sure-fire way of  preventing one. Its no time to be stubborn or macho.  As you’ll notice on the slopes, more and more riders are subjecting to wearing one because its just plain smart plus it seems as though its become a fashion statement as well…now sold in a variety of styles and colors.

What to do when falling forward?

Natural reaction when falling forward is to catch your fall with your hands – palms out.  This most definitely is the wrong thing to do but is the most common mistake for beginners.  Putting your hands out will cause injury to your wrists by either spraining or breaking them.

Alternative?

When falling forward, instead of palms out, make your hands into fists and use your forearms to cushion your fall.  Make sure the impact is on your forearms and not your elbows though.

What to do when falling backwards?

Catching an edge is usually the cause of falling backwards.  You’re blind-sided and have no idea of whats behind you.  Natural reaction once again would be to try and cushion your fall by laying your hands down to cushion your fall. This is a mistake once again for the same reason mentioned above…injury to your wrists.  Instead, commit to the fall by landing squarely on your back with your arms and hands out.  This will focus the impact on your back and not your shoulders.  Also, tuck your chin in to avoid whiplash and impact to your head which could cause a concussion.

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On a less serious note…here’s a funny clip of a kid wiping out.  Notice he’s wearing a helmet.

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