Avalanche Awareness: Safety in the Backcountry Video

Banff's Delirium Dive

The first time I went backcountry riding was no other than Banff’s Delirium Dive. We were instructed to get transponders & shovels, and having a buddy was mandatory. I kept thinking that they made such a big fuss about the whole thing, but when I looked over the top of the cliff, I quickly realized why. The ride was exhilarating and I recommend it to everyone, but it’s not hard to see why all that safety precautions were needed. You’re in the hands of mother nature’s very unpredictable environment. In fact, by the time I went back up the lifts, Delirium Dive was closed due to 2 injuries.

So in the spirit of practicing safe snowboarding, Roxy has created a great video on backcountry snowboarding safety. To the folks at Roxy, thanks for your concern and effort.

If you have any other tips/stories, feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Snowboard Safety

Snowboard Safety - Ride Smart

Snowboard safety is very important.  Especially so, when you’re just learning to snowboard.  Over 25% of injuries happen to beginners and often on their first run down the mountain. Luckily, I didn’t fall victim to that statistic, but my friend did and it wasn’t pleasant.

Beginners usually don’t spend enough time practicing and have a false sense that they are ready for the trip down the mountain. While you should be practicing more, you can protect yourself with some of these safety equipment.

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  Snowboarding Helmet

  Snowboard Helmet: A good snowboard helmet should be your first safety purchase. The reason is this; your wrist will heal but a head injury can kill you. That is a stark comparison but it is true. You must protect your head. Many snowboarders refuse to wear helmets. It is a macho thing for them. Do not be that stupid. There is no forgiveness with head injuries. More resorts and parks require head gear to ski their slopes. Protect the most important part of your body, your head.

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  Dakine Wrist Guards

  Wrist Guards: Wrist injuries are the most common snowboarding injuries. We catch ourselves with our hands. It’s my natural instinct and believe me when I say it’ll be yours too. Wearing wrist guards help eliminate the injuries to your wrist when falling. They are inexpensive and can save you a great deal of pain. Again, beginners should always wear every piece of safety equipment they can. It is the beginner that usually gets injured, however, 5 seasons on my belt, and I still wear one every time I’m shredding with mother nature.

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  Kneepads

  Knee Pads: Knee injuries are not as common for snowboarders compared to skiers. When they do happen it is usually from impact with an object. These impacts are usually trees or rocks, and even the nasty ice patches appear out of no where. I banged my pad-less knee 2 years ago on an ice patch and it still hasn’t fully healed. Kneepads do help eliminate injury from impacts. Plus they help you remember to keep your knees bent.

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  Tailsaver

  Hip Pads/Tailbone Pads: Hip pads are worn like bike shorts. Extra padding is provided in the hips and tail bone areas. When you fall on your backside the hip pads will help you eliminate injuries. Beginners should wear hip pads because they will fall a lot when learning. Check out our take on the Tailsaver, which is a convenient way to protect your ass.

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  Safety Leash

  Safety Leash: The safety leash really provides protection for other snowboarders. If your snowboard comes loose of your bindings and shoots down the mountain it is very dangerous. It becomes a fast moving projectile that and kill or maim an unsuspecting snowboarder. The leash is attached to your leg and keeps your board close to you if it were to get separated. It also keeps you from searching for your board.