Beginning Snowboarders: Shred Those Slopes— Safely

It’s your first day on a snowboard— and the last thing you want to do is get hurt. Be forewarned: In a study of nearly 4,000 people hitting the slopes for the first time, snowboarders were nearly twice as likely as skiers or skiboarders to suffer an injury. Snowboarders younger than age 17 had triple the risk.

Protect yourself while you’re getting the hang of it:

• Wear a wrist guard. A fractured wrist is the most common injury among snowboarders.
• BYOG (bring your own gear). Borrowing or renting equipment leaves you nearly eight times more likely to get hurt. Others’ gear may not be the right size for you, and it may not be in the best condition.
• Know your limits. Even if you’ve had a lesson from a pro, be cautious: Stay on the beginner slopes, and don’t go too fast.

American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 32, No. 1