Chances of Getting Hurt Snowboarding

The chances of getting hurt while snowboarding vary depending on the style of competition and skill level. For example, snowboarders competing in half-pipes and jumps are at greater risk of injury. However, snowboarders who compete in giant slaloms don't leave the ground and are less likely to be injured. Snowboarding is a dangerous sport, so even a professionals should be very cautious. 

Injuries Common in Snowboarding

Snowboarding is a relatively young sport, but some mean that snowboarding is one of most dangerous. It has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. More than eight million people participate in snowboarding, and injuries are common. A common snowboarding injury is a sprained MCL (medial collateral ligament). The MCL is the ligament that connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade. A tear to this ligament limits the snowboarder's range of motion, and can be extremely painful.

Other common snowboarding injuries involve the upper extremities. These injuries commonly occur when riders fall and flex their wrists in an attempt to catch themselves. These injuries can be severe and require months of recovery. Taking precautions and learning proper technique are essential to avoid severe injuries. A good preseason conditioning program will help snowboarders build up their strength and endurance.

Many snowboarders experience injuries to their wrists, hands, and ankles. They are less likely to suffer fatal injuries, but they can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Using an athletic tape may reduce the risk of head injuries. Always wear a helmet, and make sure it is securely fastened.

Falling and jumping are two of the main causes of snowboarding injuries. The best way to avoid these injuries is to practice off-mountain and to practice proper techniques before trying them on the mountain. You should also stay hydrated and maintain a fitness level suitable for your level. It's also wise to snowboard at a mountain where you'll be able to safely use the equipment.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Hurt Snowboarding

The best way to minimize your risk of getting hurt while snowboarding is to follow a few safety precautions. First and foremost, you should always wear a helmet. If you do not, the impact of a fall could result in a concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury. The proper fit of a helmet can reduce the risk of a concussion. Other common injuries that snowboarders can sustain include hand and wrist injuries, which can be minor or serious. The fact that snowboarding involves twisting and turning on slippery surfaces can increase the risk of these injuries.

Another way to reduce the risk of getting injured while snowboarding is to learn the proper technique for falling. During a fall, you should try not to reach your arms out. This will put undue pressure on your wrists and acromioclavicular joint. A better technique is to tuck your head down. Tucking your shoulders also helps reduce the impact of a fall.

Another way to reduce your risk of getting hurt while snowboarding is to pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distracting behaviors. In addition to being aware of your surroundings, snowboarders should also make sure that their snowboard bindings are properly fitted. It is also a good idea to have your bindings checked annually by a qualified technician or snowboard shop. There are numerous organizations that provide safety messages and educational content to reduce the risk of injury while snowboarding. For example, the National Ski Patrol (NSDC) offers a safety code for snowboarders called AdventureSmart.

Trends in Injuries Between Snowboarding and Skiing

While there are some differences between skiing and snowboarding, the two sports have some common injuries. Most ski deaths are caused by collisions with fixed objects at high speed, and most snowboard injuries result from reckless tricks. Despite this, the number of injuries associated with both sports is decreasing. In the last 15 years, head injuries for both sports have decreased by 50 percent, and the increased use of helmets is partly responsible. Read how many deaths are caused by snowboarding.

Although snowboarders are more likely than skiers to sustain an injury, injuries are not as common as those suffered by skiers. Skiers are far more likely to suffer an ACL sprain than snowboarders are. Skiers are also more likely to suffer a fracture of the tibia or ankle.

The injury rates for both sports vary wildly, but a recent study shows that snowboarding injuries are more likely than skiers. During the 2003-2004 study, 384 snowboarders and 365 skiers were admitted to a hospital for injuries. Most snowboarders and skiers were male and between the ages of 15 and 34. A number of common injuries were related to the upper and lower extremities, including wrist injuries and sprains. In addition, the risk of head injuries and spinal injuries were much higher among snowboarders than inskiers.

Injure rates in Switzerland were relatively low compared to other countries. In contrast, non-traumatic injuries accounted for about a third of skiers' deaths. Overall, Switzerland's skiing and snowboarding injury rates were similar.