SNOWBOARD - PROTECTIVE GEAR
Snowboarding is an extreme winter sport with a considerable chance of injuries ranging from innocent little slips to high impact crashes. Beginning snowboarders are the ones who normally get injured even though they attempt less dangerous maneuvers than advanced snowboarders. This is because they haven't learned how to maintain a Stable Stance on the Snowboard yet and are thus more likely to lose balance and fall. In fact, nearly 25% of injuries occur during a snowboarder's first experience and almost one-half occur during the first season of snowboarding.

To avoid unnecessary Snowboarding Injuries, snowboarders, especially first-timers, would be wise to avail of some Safety Gear. What follows is a list of Snowboard Protective Gear to help you minimize your chances of sustaining an injury, at the same time attain a more pleasurable day on the slopes:

Snowboard Wrist Guards
Wrist injuries are by far the most common Snowboarding injuries. Slipping backwards and landing on your hands is a common occurrence especially for those who are just learning how to ride. Hard impacts of those slips can cause sprains or even fractures.

Snowboard Specific Wrist Guards are the best method of injury prevention. Using wrist guards are especially important during your first week of learning to snowboard since it can ease the force of falls on the joints of your upper body. However, keep in mind that using wrist guards does not guarantee you against all upper body injuries - it's just a precaution.

Snowboard Knee Pads
Most knee injuries in snowboarding are caused by extremely hard collisions (such as when you hit a tree) or impacts from unexpected angles or turning motions. Knee pads, which can also be worn between long underwear and Snowboard Pants, help prevent contusions.

Still, to avoid such injuries, make sure you know your limitations. Keep in mind that as your snowboarding technique improves, your ability to absorb harder impacts will also intensify. Also, while snowboarding, make sure you keep your knees bent at all times, especially when performing Snowboarding Tricks or jumps.

Snowboard Hip Pads
Hip pads are used to cushion your falls and keep your seat warm and dry. They are stretchy and pull on like biked shorts. Snowboard Hip Pads also have extra padding in the backside to prevent tailbone bruises. For beginning snowboarders, you can opt to rent snowboard hip pads for the First few days of Riding On the Slopes. Remember, even pro riders use hip pads when trying new moves in the Halfpipe and terrain park. So do wear hip pads.

Snowboard Helmet
   Crashes with natural objects, such as Hard Snow or Ice Surface Conditions, rocks and trees, or unnatural objects such as rails and boxes in snow parks, can cause serious head injuries. As a result, helmets are an essential component of any snowboarder's protective gear. Regardless of your abilities and level of expertise in Snowboarding, it is essential that you wear a snowboard helmet at all times. Remember that even a low speed, back slip on the back of your head can already cause serious head injury.
   
    With each year, improvements in design of Snowboard Helmets have made them less bulky, more stylish and better ventilated. As a result, helmets are becoming more commonplace on riders. If you plan to spend extra money on the best Snowboard Equipment, this is where to do it. Opt for the warmest and most protective style - the full helmet.

Safety Leash
For any Style of Snowboarding, wearing a leash is simply a safety must. The Safety Leash is a non-releasing strap that is wrapped around your leading leg to keep your snowboard from accidentally getting away. This Snowboard Protective Gear is designed to keep your board attached to you in case of a binding release since snowboards can accelerate very quickly because of their large P-tex base surface area.
While both skiing and snowboarding are done on the snow on a mountain, remember that they are very different in terms of technique. Being a Good Skier does not guarantee that you will be an expert on a snowboard. In fact, taking a lesson is always the best way to start snowboarding, to develop proper technique, and even to reduce the risk of injury. Experienced snowboard instructors can teach beginners how to stay up as well as how to fall - both are essential skills to have for a pleasurable day on the slopes.