Accidents and equipment damage are unavoidable risks in snowboarding, just like they are in any other activity. Hence, taking all necessary safety precautions, employing high-quality required equipment, and keeping the snowboards in good condition will allow one to enjoy the adventure sport while being safe.
What Snowboarding Safety Equipment Do You Need?
In order to participate in any adventure activity, it is essential to have the proper equipment. Meanwhile, snowboarding necessitates the use of many pieces of equipment that will provide a safe and enjoyable snowboarding experience.
Boards
It is the most fundamental piece of equipment for sliding on icy terrain. And they are normally constructed of a sturdy hardwood core with numerous layers of fiberglass on top of it. Boards consisting of aluminium, kevlar, and carbon fibre have become more popular in recent years. As such, the length of the board is significant; longer boards are more difficult to handle, which is why novices tend to favour shorter boards in the beginning.
They are available in various shapes and sizes and may be utilised on a variety of surfaces. Snowboards must also be serviced regularly to ensure that they remain in good condition and do not cause accidents.
Boots
Snowboarding boots are required for safe snowboarding since they secure you to the snowboard. As such, make certain that the right snowboarding footwear is used (not hiking boots). Soft snow boots are more suited for novices because they are easy to handle, but hard snow boots are better suited for specialists since they can withstand difficult circumstances.
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
Helmets, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, gloves, and goggles are additional safety equipment. Meanwhile, investing in a helmet that is correctly fitted and equipped with a chin strap may help avoid injuries. Also, it is suggested that you use genuine snowboarding helmets (no bike helmets).
Warm Clothes
It is essential to dress in several layers of clothes to stay warm during the chilly weather. Meanwhile, thermal innerwear keeps you warm, while outer layer clothing such as a jacket and snowboarding trousers keep you safe and helps avoid accidents on the slopes.
Best Way to Maintain Your Snowboard
Tuning, repair, and ongoing maintenance are all necessary aspects of snowboarding if one wants to maintain their equipment in good condition for an extended period. Meanwhile, boards will acquire knicks, dents, and harsh edges due to being subjected to such intense pressure and power. But, snowboards that have been properly maintained enable riders to maneuver them with ease and avoid any mishaps. It also prevents the snowboard from degrading if it is left unattended for an extended period. So, here are some guidelines to follow to do this.
Wax On, Wax Off, Wax On, Wax Off
It is necessary to wax a snowboard to guarantee that it does not create friction when on steep slopes. With the use of wax, you may smooth down your board and get rid of any scratches or roughness that may have occurred due to coming in touch with snow or other hard surfaces. And after every three journeys, it is strongly advised that you iron the wax on the board and remove any surplus lumps that have formed as a result.
Sharpen Them
Maintaining the sharpness of a snowboard as needed helps it shred up steep slopes, which would otherwise be impossible to perform with a dull board in hand. This procedure also aids in the restoration of aesthetic flaws and the removal of imperfections and rust from the board. As such, if you know how to do this, you may polish your own boards. Alternatively, some shops provide expert snowboard service that produces excellent results.
Clean Them Regularly and Keep them Handy
After a session, it is critical to wipe off the board and store it in a protective bag to prevent it from being damaged accidentally. Besides, riders must make certain that their equipment is not placed on uneven surfaces like cement.
These methods will undoubtedly make the snowboarding experience much more pleasurable and long-lasting while also assuring the safety of all participants.