Preventing Injury while Skiing and Snowboarding
posted: Dec. 28, 2015.
With winter getting into full swing the snow is accumulating in earnest and this means it is time for alpine sports. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot of fun for experts and beginners but proper care needs to be taken to make sure it is safe. One bad injury could end your season or completely end the hobby of someone just starting out. Here are some great ways to take the proper precautions when you want to head down a snowy hill.
Training
While you may be an expert at your respective sport it’s a good idea to let a professional do some teaching for your kids or other beginners. They’ll likely mention something you might miss and they’ll have the patience and training to make sure everyone gets off to a fun and safe start. If you’re going through the training you should make sure you know how get started, how to maneuver away from hazards, how to stop, and, if necessary, how to fall in a way that will not cause injuries.
The Right Boots
Getting the right boots is important to prevent issues with your feet or ankles. Sizing for ski boots uses a scale dictated by length in centimetres where snowboard boots use standard shoes sizes. Beginners should pick a ski boot close to their size with a soft insole that will keep the boot comfortable and warm. For tougher ski runs you’ll want to swap to something more rigid to grant better turning responsiveness at higher speeds. There are a ton of options for boots for both sports so it is very important to seek out an expert to make sure everything is just right for you. Taking the time to pick the right boots could save you a lot of pain in the future.
Equipment
There’s safety equipment that you’ll want to look into as well. Helmets and goggles are important for avoiding head injuries and injuries from the UV rays. Padded shorts and pants are also a good pick for beginners since it will protect their hips from being too badly damaged if a fall goes bad. If you plan on doing tricks like jumps or half-pipes you might also want to consider body armour.
If you get the right gear and the right knowledge you’ll be flying down that mountain injury-free for years to come. If you’ve had a foot injury or other ailment that was caused by or exacerbated by issues with winter sports you should seek out an experienced podiatrist. Contact Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M. at his Toronto podiatry clinic today.