CDC: Snowboarding tops lists for outdoor injuries

By STEPHANIE NANO , Associated Press Writer, Medicine & Health / Health

(AP) -- More people are hurt snowboarding than any other outdoor activity, accounting for a quarter of emergency room visits, according to the first national study to estimate recreational injuries.

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Posted by larenard 06/11/08 11:45

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In response to the rate at which more males than females are injured while snowbaording, I am not surprised in the least. As a snowboard instructor, I have witnessed all manner of beginner and intermediate behavior, and there is definitely a difference in the way that males and females ride.

Most males simply jump on a board and go, (usually at the behest of their friends), and take the chairlift to the top of the mountain right away without knowing how to properly control it. Most females on the other hand, take the time to familiarize themselves with the equipment and surroundings, and want to learn how to control the board as well as how to stop.

It usually only takes one lesson (1-2hrs) to learn the basics, and often that makes the vital difference between having a good time and winding up in the hospital, or even hospitalizing someone else. Additionally, many bad habits can be avoided by simply taking a lesson, and if do you want to graduate to a higher level of snowboarding, it is better to learn all of the tips & tricks sooner rather than later.

- La Renard