Finally Surfing and Snowboarding Have Come Together
People who perform extreme sports are not your normal sports participants. They are masters of innovation and if something can be done differently, chances are someone will attempt it. Both surfing and snowboarding, although popular, are a little old now in some people’s eyes and could do with updating. It is no surprise then that one avid extreme sports fan gave in to curiosity and tried riding down the mountain side on his customised surfboard…and succeeded?
The sport of snow surfing is thought to have first been conceived in New Zealand when a visiting Australian surfer decided to see if he could ride his board on the white stuff.The sport was born, and others were quick to give it a go and allow this mad activity to keep on growing. Snow surfers say that the sport demands high levels of fitness and co-ordination above all else. Unlike snowboards, riders do not have any bindings to attach themselves to the board, but instead rely on aggressive carving and the use of the hands to ensure that the board stays under their feet. Stopping has also proved something of a challenge due to the lack of sharp ‘edges’ on a surfboard, but most runs incorporate a run-off area where riders can slow down.
As with all emerging extreme sports, sponsors and industry brands have been paying close attention to see if it is worth their while getting involved.There is speculation that both Ride and Volcom are getting involved in the sport and have been sending their scouts out to snow surfing events recently. Due to the sport’s relative infancy though, it may be some time before we see it publicised in the mainstream media or any specialised equipment appear on the shelves of your local sports store. That said, given the early growth of the sport, you might soon be seeing some snow surfers at a resort new you.
Don’t Become a Winter Sports Accident Statistic
Now is the season when many people head for the snowy slopes for some winter sports fun. Skiing and snowboarding have never been more popular but many people seem oblivious to the dangers that these sports can present.
The rates of accidents for skiers and snowboarders are about the same. Many have said that reckless behaviour is the main cause of many collision related accidents. And reckless behaviour is not specific to either skiers or snowboarders. Both skiers and snowboarders are equally responsible for reckless behaviour that puts others at risk.
Damage to the knees is by far the most common form of skier and snowboarder injury that occurs as a result of collisions. Every year there is a catalogue of injuries arising from the ski and snowboard slopes including serious incidents resulting in brain damage, paralysis and even death.
Here’s a brief look at the most common accidents that take place on the slopes each new season.
Collisions.
There is a skier responsibility code that snowboarders and skiers should be aware of as this indicates that people further down the slope always have right of way. Avoiding them is your responsibility. There are always people on the slopes who are oblivious to the code of skier responsibility or how to avoid collisions.
Collisions can result in minor injuries but, unfortunately, are often very serious with head to head contact resulting in broken noses, teeth knocked out and even fractured skulls. The most common injury on the slopes as a result of collisions is damage to the legs.
And collisions are not only between people. Snowboarders and skiers often run into stationary objects like trees, buildings and maintenance vehicles. A collision with a stationary object when skiing or snowboarding at speed can be particularly serious.
Falling.
Falling over is all part of what skiing and snowboarding are about. But falling is another way that many skiers damage their knees.
Avalanches.
Luckily very few recreational skiers ever encounter an avalanche. As long as you stay within the designated skiing areas you should be safe.
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If you are headed for some winters sports fun this season make certain that you have some good ski insurance or adventure travel insurance that will cover you in the event that you suffer injury on the slopes. Travel insurance should be at the top of your travel essentials list wherever you are going.