Backcountry snowboarding offers a thrilling, fun way to explore untouched powder and protect yourself from avalanches. However, it requires a high degree of skill and a lot of training to master the basics before heading out on the mountains.
First things first: know your gear
Before you head out, familiarize yourself with the equipment in your pack and make sure it all works correctly. You can learn to change bindings or put on skins. You may need several tries to feel comfortable using the bindings on the slopes.
Always take a compass with you when you ride in the backcountry. You should do this to prevent yourself from getting hurt and to make sure you are able to safely return home.
Check the weather forecast and avalanche warnings before you head out. This will allow you to decide whether or not the snow conditions are suitable for your experience level.
If you are not confident riding in the backcountry of a resort, take a tour that is accessible by lift. Then, you'll be in a controlled environment with ski patrol to protect you and your friends from hazards like avalanches.
Get educated
A course on avalanche awareness and rescue is the best way to get going in the backcountry. It is usually offered for free or at a cost of $50 by local outdoor groups and snowboard clubs.
Certification is the first step in ensuring your safety while backcountry snowboarding. Taking AIARE's Avalanche Awareness, Avalanche Rescue, and Avalanche 1 courses will give you the knowledge and skills you need to ski a variety of terrain and understand the potential dangers of avalanches.
Start off small and then work your up to the more difficult terrain. If you are planning on riding the backcountry with a buddy, it's a good idea for them to do so in a controlled area at the same resort.
Discover your backcountry gear
Before you leave the resort, make sure you're comfortable using the avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe that's included in your pack. You can also find a few local snowboard clubs that offer these items for rental so you can practice in a controlled environment before going out on your own.
Bring extra gloves or layers (a liner, waterproof mittens and/or a hat are usually enough) to protect your fingers from the chill. Also, bring sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun.
Be aware of the surroundings. Even with the best gear, you still run the risk of being struck by another rider or falling. To avoid this, it is important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Consider the possibilities - it's tempting, on a powder day, to try every face shot that comes to mind. However this can be dangerous in the backcountry. If the forecast indicates a high avalanche probability, choose faces and lines that are low in avalanche danger.
FAQ
Why do people enjoy extreme sports?
Extreme sports can be enjoyed for many reasons.
They offer thrills.
Second, extreme sports are exciting. They are often unpredictable and can even be frightening.
They give people the chance to push their boundaries. It's impossible to predict what might happen next.
Fourth, they allow people to get away from everyday life.
Fifth, they let people express their creativity through innovative forms of art. Some extreme sports are artistic expressions, such as surf carving.
Sixth, they help people remain fit. Many extreme sports are good for your body. For example, skydiving helps improve coordination, balance, and strength.
Extreme sports are fun. Being part of a team is a lot of fun, especially if everyone is having a great experience.
What makes a sport extremely extreme?
Sports have been around for thousands of years. Sports have evolved from being just a sport to full-fledged entertainments. Some sports are so beloved that they are now part of our culture.
Extreme sports may be due to the intense competition. For example, professional basketball players play against each other almost daily for many hours. Some sports require special equipment. Snowboarding is a sport that involves riding downhill on two wheels attached at the bottom.
Others sports are considered extreme due to their different rules. For example, American football is played differently in soccer.
Some sports are considered extreme because their participants are required to perform feats of athleticism. Gymnastics, for example, can be very difficult as the athletes balance on different objects and avoid falling.
Who is willing to go to the extreme?
Extreme sport is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability. Extreme sport is equally appealing to children as for adults.
You can play tag, dodgeball and capture the flag with younger children. You can also join a team and compete against other kids.
Adults are able to participate in both individual and team sports. There are many ways to find a team.
It's likely that you'll need to ask someone who has done it before to help you get started.
What happens to someone who falls off a cliff while participating in extreme sports?
Participating in extreme sports could cause you to fall off a cliff and break bones, or even your neck.
This injury would be very serious. You could die if you fall from a height greater than 30 meters (100 feet).
What could go wrong in extreme sports?
Participating in extreme sports can lead to many different scenarios. There are many possible outcomes, including falling off cliffs, injury, and being captured by the media.
You can avoid problems if these risks are known and you take preventive measures.
It is enough to have the correct equipment and to know how to use it.
If you get hurt while participating on an extreme sport, someone will be there to assist you. Medical attention will be given to anyone who is injured.
Sometimes injuries happen without warning. Sometimes, poor judgement can cause injuries.
For instance, climbing too close to a cliff edge may slip over the side. Hypothermia could also result from jumping into icy water.
Sometimes accidents happen because of the mistakes of others. In some cases, injuries can be caused accidentally by other parties.
And sometimes accidents happen because of bad luck. You might fall on a rock, or you could hit it. You might also be struck with lightning.
Statistics
- Boxing— 90% of boxers suffer brain damage over their careers, and this is not surprising in the least, considering that they are throwing punches at each other's heads. (rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com)
- According to the United States Parachuting Association, about 21 people die yearly from skydiving. (livehealthy.chron.com)
- Overall participation has grown by more than 60% since 1998 - from 5.9 million in 1998 to 9.6 million in 2004 Artificial Wall Climbing. (momsteam.com)
- Nearly 30% of all boardsailors live in the South, and more than 55% of all boardsailors live in cities with a population of more than two million people (momsteam.com)
- Nearly 98% of all "frequent" roller hockey participants (those who play 25+ days/year) are male. (momsteam.com)
External Links
How To
How do I get started with Base Jumping?
Base jumping (also called free-fall Parachuting) allows participants to jump from fixed objects (usually cliffs), including bridges, towers and buildings, with no equipment attached. To land safely, the participant must jump off the object. The process is very similar to skydiving. However, you do not need to wear a parachutee and don't have hold your breath while waiting for the parachute to open.
A wingsuit-type base jumper, is the most commonly used. A wingsuit is two pieces of fabric joined together. One piece covers the chest and arms, and the second piece covers the legs. Special boots are worn by the jumper that allow him/her stand upright in flight. Jumpers pull the straps that attach to their feet tightly during descent. The material covering the legs will bunch up and create a large pocket under the body. When this air pocket becomes big enough, the jumper opens his/her parachute and lands safely.
Some base jumpers use powered suits to help propel themselves through the air faster. A backpack containing batteries and an under-cloth jet pack are the two main components of powered suits. These small rockets shoot hot gas jets at high speeds from these packs. This creates thrust which propels the jumper forward. These suits can be noisy and heavy.
BASE jumping can be a dangerous sport. If you decide to learn how to BASE jump, make sure you understand the risks involved. You could fall off a cliff or hit an obstacle upside-down or head-on. Or you could collide with another jumper. Even though BASE jumping is not always dangerous, it can be very dangerous when done incorrectly. You can avoid injury by following these safety tips before trying to BASE jump.
Begin by learning safe BASE jumping techniques on a smaller hill. It is important to take some time to get used to the terrain before you attempt to jump off of a higher hill. Second, watch out for weather conditions. You should not jump when the wind blows in your face. Foggy skies are another danger. If you can see more then 10ft ahead of you, you may need to wait for the clouds to clear. You should also ensure you have the correct gear. A helmet, goggles, gloves and a full-suit with a harness are all essential. Fourth, have a plan. For any problems, have someone else follow you. Never jump by yourself. Always have someone to watch over you.