Snowboard Safely and Still Have Fun!

Wow! It seems the slopes are crawling with more and more
snowboarders every winter. Riders come in all shapes,
sizes, and ages. More of us are trying snowboarding as
an addition, or alternative, to skiing.

Unfortunately, we also have a bad reputation for being
unsafe to ourselves and others. We get that reputation
by failing to watch out for people and objects that
share the slopes with us, or by breaking rules that
were put in place for everyone's safety. Be considerate
and be observant so that you can be a part of changing
that reputation we have.

If you're a newbie or you don't ride often, save the
fancy stuff for the guys in the Warren Miller flicks!
Don't attempt anything you aren't physically or
technically well-prepared for without appropriate
guidance.

Be wary of avalanches if there have been recent, drastic
changes in temperature. Look for evidence of loose snow
on steep slopes that receive extreme sunshine and shade
at different times of day. Never try to outrun an
avalanche. Ride to the side of the slope as quickly as
possible.

Hypothermia and frostbite aren't cool, and they're
completely avoidable. Don't wear your skating baggies
on the slopes. Invest in some good quality Gore-Tex,
Cool-Max, and old-fashioned wool clothing. They breathe,
wick away moisture, and can keep wind and melted snow
away from your skin. Put your hat on like your mama told
you, too!

Your feet are especially vulnerable to the cold because
they're so far away from your heart and so close to the
snow. Keep them warm by wearing socks and boots that
breathe and insulate. Some snow is going to get inside
your boots, so use socks of polypro or wool that will
keep your feet warm even if they're soaked. Blisters
or numbness are a signal to take a break and go inside
for some foot care.

Sunblock and sunglasses aren't just for the beach. At
high altitudes, the sun can do a wicked number on your
skin and eyes! Protect them.

Water is the only beverage you should consume while you're
on the slopes. Anything else will accelerate dehydration
and, in the case of "adult-beverages," impair your
coordination, reflexes, and judgment.

We take care to choose a great snowboard for great riding.
Take equal care to practice common-sense health and
safety precautions to assure a long riding life.

F A Snowboards founder, webmaster, and writer
Mike Spasserle
invites you to visit his one-stop snowboard-information resource.
He has also collected more articles like this one at
http://www.fasnowboards.com/.