The Ups and Downs of Snowboarding Snowboarding has seen a phenomenal increase in popularity over the last 10 years. Snowboarders, who were once shunned and even feared by skiers now make up more than one third of all slope users. Since the late 1980’s their numbers have risen by 77% while the number of skiers has dropped by 25%. The snowboarding influence has been so pervasive that even main stream skiwear designers are embracing the radical boarder look. Added to this the success of the new shaped ski probably owes its design to the side cut of the snowboard. Let’s look at some snowboarding basics. There are two main types of board: FREESTYLE, which are shorter and used for tricks and jumps and ALPINE which are longer and more shaped for racing or doing those long sweeping “laid out” turns. Softer boots are worn on freestyle boards attached by a harness type binding. Alpine boards require hard shell boots similar to ski boots and are fastened by plate bindings. In both cases the bindings do not release with falls. Boarders use their arms and hands for balance and do not carry poles. Most riders face the right side of the board with the left foot forward. How does snowboarding compare with downhill skiing in terms of injuries? Overall injury rates are very similar at about five injuries per 1,000 visits but boarders suffer fewer severe injuries requiring hospital admission. Snowboarders tend to have fewer knee and thumb injuries than skiers but more upper extremity and ankle injuries. They also have more broken bones. As in skiing, falling and collisions with other people or objects cause most of the injuries. Fatality rates are similar in both sports. Although advanced boarders may try more dangerous maneuvers such as jumps and aerial tricks (getting what is aptly called “hospital air”), beginning snowboarders are the most frequently injured. Almost one quarter of injuries occur during a boarder’s first day on the slopes and half occur during the first season. This is not surprising since beginners go through cycles of brief rides followed by falls. In experienced snowboarders, soft boots have almost twice the risk of ankle injury compared with hard boots. Ankle injuries make up 17% of all snowboarding injuries and half of these are fractures. Hard shell boots carry a greater risk of knee injuries and fractures of the bones in the lower leg. Interestingly a significant number of injuries particularly to the knee occur while the snowboarder is waiting in the lift line or entering and exiting ski lifts. What should you do if you are contemplating taking up the sport? Wearing soft-shell boots, riding shorter softer boards and using protective equipment such as helmets, knee and elbow pads can reduce injuries in beginners. The value of wrist guards would seem obvious but there is concern that forces during a fall may shift upward causing injuries to the arm or shoulder. If wrist guards are not worn, falling onto a clenched first can protect the wrist. It is also wise to stay on less crowded gradual slopes and be extra cautious in the ski line. Finally, spending some money on lessons will get you off to a good start. Happy and Safe Boarding!!!