| 1 |
Stretch before you ride-
always stretch all major muscles before hitting the slopes. The
consequence of tight muscles is an injury that could very easily put
you on the sidelines for the rest of your holiday |
| 2 |
Try before you buy-
Never buy equipment just because it looks good. Standard procedure
at most snowboard shops is to hire out equipment in the hope you
will then buy it. |
| 3 |
Take lessons- you
will learn what to do, and get advice, instead of continuously
acting the fool. |
| 4 |
Drink Water- When
you combine exercise, dehydration and high altitude, you run the
risk of serious nausea and altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water
at all times, and leave the booze until after you prop your board up
for the day. |
| 5 |
Wear wrist guards-
the most common injury in snowboarding is a break or sprain of the
wrist because your instinct is to stick your hands out when you fall
over (and you will). Wrist guards protect you, but remain invisible
under your jacket and gloves. |
| 6 |
Wear a helmet- a
helmet protects your head from ice, trees, rocks, and other
unforgiving terrain |
| 7 |
Stay low- your
knees act as shock absorbers, therefore, stay loose and low on your
board. Never lock your knees out or you'll have zero suspension. By
bending your knees, you can help absorb bumps, maintain a centre of
balance and adjust easier to the ever changing terrain. |
| 8 |
Give the skiers a break-
skiers vs snowboarders is old hat. don't go out of your way to be
rude, or you'll end up looking stupid. |
| 9 |
Get out of the way when
you get off the lift to buckle up. Protocol dictates that you move
to the far sides of the run before buckling up. |
| 10 |
Follow the four golden
rules of the snowboard park- many resorts
have snowboard parks, with jumps and a half-pipe. The golden rules
are: |
|
|
Don't sit on top of a jump, or you'll
block the other riders' takeoff route. |
|
|
Never sit on the landing of the jump
or you'll get another boarder landing right on top of you. ouch. |
|
|
Proper etiquette for entering the
half-pipe is to shout "dropping" loudly, so you won't
enter at the same time as someone else. |
|
|
Always give the person in front a
little room to move. |
| 11 |
And in general- |
|
|
The front leg must be firmly tethered
to the board by a safety strap |
|
|
It is essential to look carefully to
the right and left when changing direction, especially when starting
a turn heelside- glance behind |
|
|
Remember that the ability to ski does
not mean that you can board! |
|
|
Do not attempt the sport without
qualified instruction |
