Listen, if you’re about to hit the slopes and you don’t have your snowboarding helmet on, you might as well be jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.
It’s that serious. The cold wind blowing in your face, the sound of snow ripping beneath you, the untouched hills all around you – exhilarating, yes, but also incredibly dangerous. One wrong move and you can end up in a hospital bed, or worse. That’s why we’re here to tell you that the snowboarding helmet should be your new best friend on the mountain. Buckle up, because we’re going to teach you everything you need to know – from which helmet to choose, how to maintain it, and some tips and tricks for staying safe out there. Trust us, you won’t make it down that mountain in one piece without this essential piece of gear.
Types of Snowboarding Helmets Available
When it comes to snowboarding helmets, there are a variety of types available on the market. The most popular ones include half-shell, full-shell, and full-face helmets.
Half-shell helmets are the most commonly used helmets among snowboarders. They provide decent protection to the top of the head, forehead, and side of the head. They are lightweight and comfortable, making them a great choice for beginners and intermediate riders.
Full-shell helmets cover the entire head, including the back of the head and sides of the face. These helmets offer increased protection compared to half-shell helmets, but they are also heavier and less breathable. They are ideal for advanced snowboarders who are more likely to take risks and ride at higher speeds.
Full-face helmets are the most protective type of helmet available for snowboarders. They offer complete coverage, including the chin and jaw, and are popular among freestyle and big mountain riders. They are heavy, but they offer the most amount of protection in the event of a fall or impact.
No matter what type of snowboarding helmet you choose, make sure to try on different sizes and styles to ensure proper fit and comfort. Your helmet should fit snugly and comfortably, without any discomfort or pressure points. Finding the right helmet will provide you with the confidence to take on any slope or terrain.
What to Look for in a Snowboarding Helmet
When it comes to choosing the right snowboarding helmet, there are a few important factors to consider. First and foremost, the helmet needs to fit properly. A helmet that is too loose or too tight will not provide adequate protection in the event of an impact. It’s important to try on several different helmets to find one that fits comfortably and snugly.
Another important factor to consider is ventilation. A helmet with good ventilation will help keep you cool and prevent your goggles from fogging up while riding. Look for a helmet with multiple air vents to provide maximum airflow.
Impact resistance is also key when it comes to choosing a snowboarding helmet. Look for a helmet that is rated for high impact protection, such as those with an ASTM F2040 or CE EN 1077 safety certification. This will ensure that your head is protected in the event of a collision or fall.
Finally, it’s important to consider goggle compatibility when choosing a snowboarding helmet. Look for a helmet that has a goggle strap or clip to securely hold your goggles in place while riding. This will help prevent your goggles from slipping off or getting lost while riding.
Tips for Maintaining Your Snowboarding Helmet
Your snowboarding helmet is not only an essential piece of equipment that can save your life, but it’s also an investment. Maintaining your snowboarding helmet will extend its lifespan and ensure that it continues to provide optimal protection.
The first step in maintaining your helmet is cleaning the exterior. Use a mild soap and water solution to gently scrub away any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, as they can damage the helmet’s shell and decrease its effectiveness.
Once the exterior is clean, it’s time to dry the interior. This is especially important if you’ve been sweating heavily while riding. Moisture and sweat can cause bacteria to grow inside your helmet, leading to foul odors and potential health hazards. Remove the helmet’s padding and air-dry it in a cool, dry place. Avoid using heat to dry the padding, as it can cause the foam to become misshapen.
Proper storage of your snowboarding helmet is also important for maintaining its integrity. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, or cold temperatures. Avoid storing your helmet in your car trunk, as the extreme temperatures can cause it to deteriorate quicker. Additionally, avoid hanging your helmet on a hook or rack, as it can cause the padding to become misshapen.
Finally, it’s important to replace your snowboarding helmet if it becomes damaged. Even small cracks or dents in the shell can compromise the helmet’s effectiveness. Additionally, helmets have a lifespan of around 3-5 years, so it’s important to replace it after that time as well.
With these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your snowboarding helmet and ensure it continues to provide optimal protection for your noggin.
Safety Tips for Snowboarding with a Helmet
When it comes to snowboarding, wearing a helmet is not something to take lightly. While it may seem like an inconvenience, it’s the only thing standing between you and a serious head injury. But simply wearing a helmet is not enough – you also need to take certain precautions to ensure your safety on the slopes.
First and foremost, always keep your helmet buckled at all times when riding. It may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people forget to do this. A helmet that is not properly secured can shift or even come off during a fall, leaving you completely unprotected.
Second, check your helmet regularly for any signs of damage. Even if you haven’t had a major wipeout, a small crack or dent can compromise the helmet’s effectiveness. If you do notice any damage, replace the helmet immediately.
Which brings us to our next point: always follow safety guidelines. This means sticking to designated trails, avoiding closed areas, and being cautious around other riders. You may think you’re invincible, but nobody is immune to the laws of physics – at high speeds, collisions can be devastating.
Finally, don’t forget to replace your helmet after any impact. Even if it looks fine, there may be hidden damage that could put you in danger. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and invest in a new helmet, rather than risking your safety.
In short, a helmet is an essential piece of gear for any snowboarder. But it’s not enough to simply slap one on and hit the slopes. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your helmet is doing its job and keeping you protected from harm.
Snowboarding Tips and Tricks
When it comes to snowboarding, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference. First and foremost, finding the right stance and balance is crucial. You’ll want to keep your weight centered and over the board, with your knees slightly bent. This helps you stay in control and ready to react to any obstacles that may come your way.
When it comes to turning, there are a few techniques you can use depending on the terrain. On steeper slopes, you’ll want to carve your turns by shifting your weight from your toes to your heels. On flatter terrain, you can use more of a skidding motion to turn.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to start jumping, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have plenty of speed and momentum before approaching the jump. As you approach the lip, bend your knees to compress your board, then extend your legs as you launch off the jump. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to land and aim to absorb the impact with your knees.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different tricks and techniques. Whether it’s riding switch, trying a 180 spin, or hitting a box or rail, the more you push yourself outside your comfort zone, the more you’ll improve and grow as a snowboarder. Just always remember to stay safe and have fun!