Snowboarding is an exciting activity. The thrill of sliding downhill and hitting jumps creates amazing memories that other hobbies simply can’t match. But snowboarding can cause serious problems with your knees that could result in long-lasting damage. The snow safety experts from ASO Mammoth, the premier place to buy safety gear, get high-quality repair service, and rent snowboards in Mammoth, offer these tips for keeping your knees protected while boarding so you get the most out of your experience.
Do Some Warmup Exercises
Stretching before any activity is important, and snowboarding is no exception. You should warm up for about 10–15 minutes with some light activity like jumping jacks before hitting the slopes. Follow up with some stretching before you start your snowboarding adventure. Focus on stretching the legs to prevent injury to the knees.
Wear Protective Equipment
No matter how experienced you are, there will be times when you lose your balance and crash into the snow. If you’re lucky, these will be light falls, but there may be times when hidden ice or hard-packed snow can cause some damage. Wear clothing that allows you to comfortably include knee pads to provide some extra cushion. Knee pads dampen the blow to the bones by absorbing the impact.
Take Lessons
Not knowing how to board properly can lead to knee injuries while snowboarding. If you aren’t experienced with snowboarding, you should take lessons. A few lessons can teach you about proper board stance, how you should approach obstacles, and even the correct way to bail out in the event you’re starting to lose control.
Understand Your Route
Knowing your course is important for avoiding obstacles and preventing situations where you could hurt yourself. Taking a practice run through your course can help you plan your ride and avoid any situations that could cause an unfortunately timed bailout.
Take Care of Yourself Post-Ride
Many of these tips focus on being prepared before and during your ride. This section focuses on what you can do to prevent pain after coming down the mountain. Snowboarding is physically demanding. It’s vital to take care of your body afterward to prevent injury from lingering soreness. Try to avoid heavy activity the day after a snowboarding trip. Ice down your knees if they’re sore, and try to avoid bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects until the soreness goes away. Injuries from boarding are just as likely to happen after you’ve already come down the slopes if you don’t take care of yourself in the days that follow.
Snowboarding is a fantastic way to enjoy your time on the slopes, so don’t ruin it by getting injured because you didn’t follow proper safety procedures. The first step is to make sure you start with high-quality equipment that’s fitted properly. ASO Mammoth is your one-stop shop for Mammoth snowboard rental, safety gear, and tips from the snow sports experts. We have everything you need to have a blast, including sage advice on how to head home injury free. Drop in or give us a call at 760-965-3444.