Hydrate!
When you’re outside in the heat and you can’t help but see the sweat beading down your skin, you know you need to stay hydrated. But when you’re skiing in colder weather, sometimes more concerned about remaining warm rather than staying hydrated, it can be easier to ignore your body’s need for water. Well, it’s time to stop ignoring the need for hydration while you’re skiing – these four tips should help.
Tip #1: Have quick access to water throughout the entire skiing session. If this means bringing your own bottle of water, that’s what you’ll want to do. Skiing can be a physically demanding sport, and it’s easy to sweat underneath the layers of insulation you provide yourself. Make sure you have quick access to water and take swigs of it throughout a skiing session – this will keep your body’s water supply more stable and will help prevent dehydration because you won’t leave your drink until later.
Tip #2: Listen to your body. As you take a water break, pay attention to how it feels. Sometimes, a ski session might not take a lot out of you and you might not need to drink so much; if that’s the case, you should feel it as you drink. But if you find yourself guzzling down your water bottle, it would be a good idea to find a source of water that you can fill the bottle up with.
Tip #3: Eat right. The more water-rich foods you eat as opposed to dense foods, the better. Water-rich foods include fruits and vegetables, which are easy on your digestive system and will make you feel less sluggish when you’re on the slopes. The easier you can make it on your body, the better. Avoid energy drinks completely, and don’t use a special drink like Gatorade unless you’ve been exercising a long while and need to replace electrolytes as well.
Tip #4: Don’t let yourself get carried away in a ski session. If you find yourself out-exercising your water supply, stop. It’s better to simply stop and get water; it’s easier on your body. This isn’t to say that you need to be tied to a water bottle all the time, but you’ll want to at least know there is water available when you need it.
Water is a beautiful thing: refreshing and zero calories. Remember that your body also needs it, so take it seriously!
Photo Credits: Erazo-Fischer
Originally posted 2009-11-24 03:20:15.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 16, 2010 in
health, ski tips
Stay Safe While Skiing
Some people believe there is no thrill quite like the one that they get when they are strapping those skis to their feet, holding a pair of ski poles and preparing to head down a steep slope. For these people this is not a vacation, these are thrill seekers that love action packed adventure. Even for the beginner skier, safety always has to be the most important factor because skiing can be very dangerous no matter how experienced one is at it. Skiing can also be very safe at the same time if the right precautions are taken and you don’t over do yourself.
One very wise idea is that you shouldn’t attempt to take on slopes that you are not prepared for. If you are a beginner, take lessons before hitting the slopes. This might not be a bad idea if you haven’t been skiing in a while too. Always watch the weather because those Alberta clippers can come out of no where and before you know it you are stuck in a blizzard. This can happen very quickly too.
One of the biggest factors that many skiers overlook is safety equipment which is very unfortunate because that is likely the most important factor of all. For starters the worse thing that a person can do is head to the slopes without wearing a protective helmet that fits well. Without a helmet, in the event of an accident, you will likely be in serious trouble. Another important factor is appropriate gloves as well. Consider the boots that you wear too because if they are the wrong size then there is more of a chance that you will be involved in an accident.
It is really important that when you get to the slopes that you don’t over do yourself because you will pay for it later. Estimate on the low side how long that you believe that you will be able to ski because if you are a casual skier and are paired up with one that skis often, you may be in trouble. Before you engage in a full blown skiing trip you should gradually work your way up to that point. Perhaps start out on some smaller slopes and stop often to rest.
Finally, you might want to consider buying some skiers insurance which can be offered as a rider off of any travel insurance policy that you may have purchased. At least if anything does occur then you will likely be covered. The biggest factor to consider when trying remain stay safe on the slopes is to use some common sense. Preparation is the key to everything when it comes to skiing by making sure that you don’t take on more than you can endure and also locating a place for your trip that fully meets your needs and wants. Skiing is a very physical sport and one that is so much fun if it is set up and planned for carefully.
Further reading: Snowboarding Safety 101
Photo Credit: danielgebhart.com
Originally posted 2008-11-05 04:55:17.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 15, 2010 in
ski safety
Skiing Form.
At some point during your introduction to skiing, you notice that your muscles adapt, your core gets stronger, and you no longer get sore after a good long day of skiing. But if you continue to have pains or soreness in areas that might not even include your muscles, you might want to think about fixing the way that you ski. This means fixing your form. If it sounds like a cumbersome process, these tips should help you get started.
Get an outside perspective. You go to the doctor so that they can diagnose your problem – not only do they bring an outsider’s perspective, but they’re better at diagnosing illnesses than you. The same holds true if you have a problem with your skiing form – ask someone more knowledgeable with skiing (preferably an instructor or a professional) to watch you ski once or twice to see what you’re doing wrong.
You can’t fix what you need to fix if you don’t know what’s been hampering you, so do your best to show them how you naturally ski and you should get some crucial advice that helps you move forward – or, in this case – down the hill!
Concentrate on proper form, not “fixing” bad form. Huh? Don’t fix your bad form? What kind of article is this? Yeah, you heard me: if you concentrate on the proper form, your bad form should hopefully go away naturally as the result of two particular phenomena. First, of course, is that practice makes perfect, and the second: when you become aware of a problem and simply move forward in your practice, you sometimes automatically correct it. So don’t think about your old form; that doesn’t serve you much. Instead, concentrate on doing the right form the correct way; you’ll naturally get away from your bad form before.
Treat it like taking on a new skill set. When you started skiing, you took on a new skill set that wasn’t always easy. In fact, it might have been downright frustrating. Unfortunately, you’ve got to go through these growing pains again as you fix your form. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time; persistence and faith are the most crucial elements in your success. So even when you feel frustrated, keep going – eventually you’ll get there.
Photo Credits: jawcey
Originally posted 2009-11-17 03:17:43.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 14, 2010 in
ski basics, ski tips
Unfortunately many people that adore skiing are unable to join in the fun because they have suffered a knee injury in the past. However, today there are many very effective knee braces on the market today that are of special interest to the avid skier. These braces are designed to accommodate your particular injury level, they address both stability and protection and they can have you back on the slopes in no time.
Without using a brace similar to the ones mentioned it can be a disaster attempting to ski. It can be downright painful and awkward but it can also be extremely dangerous and often will cause a greater degree of damage to the already injured knee. Be confident in using a knee brace but also use good judgment when selecting one. These were designed with those that can not stay away from the slopes in mind. Look at the brace like you would a pair of shoes in terms of a comfortable fit. If the brace is uncomfortable or bulky, it will not suit your needs at all. It could also cause even greater injury. Contrary to what you may have heard in the past, knee braces are not standard or one size fits all. These braces are specifically designed for specific knee injures for people that will be skiing.
Often the braces will be ranked from mild to severe knee injuries and obviously the greater the injury the more support the knee is going to require. Sometimes the knee will respond nicely with just a knee sleeve. If the injury is greater than you might have to consider wearing a more serious knee brace such as ones that protect the knee while it is in motion. The final choice of knee braces should include one that fits snug but know now that if you start looking for custom braces these is in the higher price range. These are usually only necessary with very severe injuries. Knee braces will actually help to heal your injury too and there will be no reason to miss out on some skiing as long as you are willing to invest a bit of cash and the time that it takes to find one.
An important factor to also consider is when to finally break down and get that knee brace. The best advice there is to get one at the very first sign of trouble. Don’t wait until the problem is out of control. The knees and the back are the two biggest spots for injury with a skier. Support the knees as well as the back. Don’t ignore that sudden pain or discomfort or play it off as something simple because before you know it this problem can become very serious. While some knee injuries won’t take you off of the slopes they do have to be addressed. If you can remember this then you will likely have many good years of skiing ahead of you.
Originally posted 2008-10-29 04:55:53.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 13, 2010 in
ski safety
Skiing Trick.
If you’ve ever come across a
downhill skiing event on television, then you’ve probably seen some amazing feats. You’ll see professional skiers zipping around flags with amazing speed, or skiers take long jumps with great confidence and balance. But what about those interesting “tricks” you see? How does one exactly get involved with that type of skiing? If those questions are on your mind, then you’ve come to the right place.
First, if you’re new to skiing, then you have to embrace the fundamentals before you can handle the tricks. This can be frustrating and can even lead you to quit, but if you approach the skill of skiing with patience and persistence, it can really pay off. There are no quick-fixes, but trick skiing is definitely a possibility for most people if they simply apply themselves.
You’ll have to crawl before you can walk. If you can’t handle skiing downhill in its most straightforward form, you’ll never be able to attack a trick. It’s recommended that you work with a ski instructor who can help you develop solid form and technique for traditional downhill skiing. After plenty of practice, once you have this mastered, you can move on to more advanced forms of skiing.
Next, remember to incrementally challenge yourself. Your skiing should always be working towards something. If you wanted to learn how to throw darts, you could improve simply by throwing a lot of darts on a board. But you’ll really improve if you give yourself goals to work for and track your progress, making adjustments as necessary. As you incrementally improve your form on the ski slopes, you’ll slowly realize that you’re gaining the confidence and competence necessary to tackle the more advanced “tricks” you’ve always been after.
When it is time to learn tricks, make sure to ask someone in the know about how to start developing your skills. Ask them how they initially went about learning, and try to model their success, with an emphasis always on safety, of course.
Remember, it’s not simply by learning “tricks” that makes you a good skier. When you see someone ski and it dazzles you, remember that those skiers have been working on their skills for a long time. There’s no “magic bullet,” but if you really want to achieve your goals, you’ll be able to. Give it time, and give it patience, and eventually you’ll be an ace skier as well.
Photo Credits: jeremyeanlittle
Originally posted 2010-01-12 03:51:07.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 12, 2010 in
ski safety, ski tips
Stay dry while skiing.
On one hand, the question that the title of this article poses seems like a bit of a self-answer-er. Dryness is crucial during winter sports, is it not? Well, yes, but how many of us not only understand this lesson, but put it into practice when we actually venture into the outdoors?
Too often, people will not enjoy a winter sport like skiing or snowboarding because of the unpleasant experience that cold snow brings with it. Even if you don’t find yourself face-washed in the snow, there’s a decent chance that if you’re under-dressed, you’ll end up with snow in your boots, on your ankles, and freezing up your wrists. You have to ask yourself if this is really the kind of experience that you want to create for yourself.
With these points in mind, here are some specific reasons that staying dry is so important for enjoying a winter sport.
#1. Heat retention.
If you’re going to keep your natural body heat, “leaks” into the open air won’t suffice. These leaks in your clothing left exposed will allow snow to creep in, not only making you cold, but making you wet. In case you haven’t noticed, once you’re wet, it can be hard to get dry again if you’re out and about in the snow.
Moisture is devastating to heat retention because cold water will only serve to lower your body temperature, even if the clothing still protects you from the outside air. Sometimes, it’s better to sacrifice the clothing for dryness – and change your clothes – in order to raise your core body temperature. In survival situations, this is especially true. If you’re going to retain your heat, you’re going to have to let dry clothes – the only kind that will trap your body heat – do their work.
#2. Undressing again.
One not-so-popular aspect of winter sports is the preparation that goes into making the trip happen. For many, this is well worth the rewards, but what about taking off all of your snow equipment afterwards? It’s a little less pleasant if all of your clothes are wet and you don’t know what to do with them. If, however, you kept yourself dry with a nice under-layer of long underwear, you know how pleasant it can be to return to some heat indoors with clothes that are still dry and wicked off much of your body’s own natural moisture.
Staying dry is nearly as important as staying warm, and it will help you prepare for feeling like you’re exercising during the Spring or Fall.
Photo Credits: 416style
Originally posted 2009-06-16 05:18:12.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 11, 2010 in
ski tips, snowboard tips
Snowboarding Basics
Okay, so you’ve played enough snowboarding video games that you could be considered an expert by now, but you’ve never actually hit the slopes. Sure, it seems easy to press “A” and “X” and stroll your way down an incredibly daunting virtual hill, but now you want to go the extra mile – actually snowboarding! If you’ve gained an interest in snowboarding but have no idea how to get started, or are even nervous about taking that first leap into an entirely new hobby, this article is for you.
First, you should know your snowboarding equipment.
You’ll need a board, boots, bindings, and the appropriate winter gear for being out in the cold. Do a little bit of research and, if possible, try to buy some used equipment for less money. You don’t necessarily want to make a huge investment up front if you’re not even sure you like the sport yet.
When you’re looking for snowboarding clothes, you’ll have to keep a number of things in mind. You’ll want to create your snowboarding “outfit” in layers – an outer layer that breaks wind and locks out water and an inner layer that keeps you warm and doesn’t absorb your body’s moisture. Make sure that your skin shows in as few areas a possible. If you’re just starting to snowboard, it’s inevitable that you’ll have a few bumps and bruises. You don’t want to add to your pain by having snow leak into your wrists and ankles.
Next, you’ll want to shorten your learning curve by taking some lessons.
Swallow your pride for this, and go in with an empty mind – allow the experienced snowboarder to mold you like a piece of silly putty. The more resistance you put up, the harder you’re making it both for your instructor and yourself. Don’t fret that you aren’t taking on huge jumps and sick turns right away; you have to address the fundamentals before you start bringing out the tricks.
Don’t look at your progress at first. Progress is very hard to discern, especially early on. What you want is an instructor who will push you out of your comfort zone without risking your safety. If you feel like giving up, you’re doing it right. Why is that? Because without the frustration of growing pains, you won’t be improving much. If your instructor isn’t challenging you, it’s time to find a new one.
Essentially, you’ll want to concentrate on the fundamentals when you start snowboarding because the fundamentals are the most important aspect of your game. You can’t build a skyscraper without digging a huge hole in the ground first – and you won’t be able to look like an expert snowboarder until you’ve paid your dues. If you enjoy paying your dues, you’re a snowboarder.
Photo Credits: pincusvt
Originally posted 2009-04-28 05:37:13.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 10, 2010 in
snowboarding
We always view skiing as a “winter” sport, but we also forget that there’s no such thing as a “Spring” or “Fall” Olympics. There aren’t any events for running in the residual mud after a particularly snowy winter, and there aren’t any gold medals doled out for the fastest lawn-raker. But what if you really do want to take a winter sport like skiing and extend it into the spring? Are there ways to do it, and are there things you should know before giving it a try?
Sure there are, and here, you’ve found them. Here are some quick tips for skiing in the spring and making it as enjoyable as skiing all winter long:
-Water, water, water. As always, stay hydrated –
This is true during the winter, but when you’re wearing winter clothing on a Spring day that might see temperatures rise beyond what you’ve been used to over the past few months, then suddenly your need to keep cool and hydrated increases even more. Even though it feels like the air is cold, that doesn’t mean your body is cool enough to not need water – it always needs water, so keep an eye on your hydration, and make sure you prepare beforehand by getting plenty of water in you before even strapping on the skis.
-Have goggles/sunglasses handy. -
During the Spring, the sun is out longer, and many times, it breaks through the clouds on a more frequent basis. This means that you’re going to want to have goggles and sunglasses handy – just in case the sun decides to make its first appearance in what seems like months. Since this isn’t always the case (protecting your eyes from light) during the winter, you might have to give yourself a reminder.
-Keep an eye on the weather forecast.-
Knowing the weather forecast will help you dress appropriately, and it will also help you decide what days are still quite winter-like to make the most ideal days for skiing. The closer an eye you keep on the weather, the better prepared you will be for the outdoors.
-Sunscreen. -
I know: sunscreen to a ski hill? What’s next, a warm wool cap to the beach? Well, you’d be surprised: the less you wear during the warmer spring months, and the more frequent the sun appears, the more you realize that you haven’t been getting much sunlight at all through the winter. You don’t necessarily want to go from 0 to 60 right away in terms of your sunlight, so a couple of applications of sunscreen on the exposed parts of your skin is enough to at least be prepared for all of the Vitamin D that’s headed your way.
Photo Credits: dvs
Originally posted 2009-03-10 05:37:25.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 9, 2010 in
ski tips
Start with the gear.
During these difficult economic times, the first things we cut out from our lives are the extracurriculars that require too much time and money – snowboarding being one of them. A snowboard is expensive, clothes will have to be bought, and winter passes can be great deals but still require upfront investment. Life is tough, huh?
It doesn’t have to be that way. You can save money on snowboarding without sacrificing your safety or enjoyment: it just takes a little common sense and a little know-how. This article will help explain some quick ways to save money on snowboarding next winter.
Equipment:
To start saving money on snowboarding, you’ll have to worry about the equipment first: if you don’t own any snowboarding equipment, this can be a little intimidating. For people with dwindling bank accounts, this might seem like a luxury. Even so, you’ll be able to find deals on used snowboards at ski shops that will cut your expenses way down.
There are plenty of ways to buy used snowboards – using the Internet, checking local stores, shopping at thrift stores, or asking people you know. If you have any snowboarding friends, they might even be willing to donate you an old snowboard outright. The key is to investigate before you buy – make a fun goal out of seeing how little you can pay for a snowboard.
It will also be helpful to buy your equipment during the off-season. In summer, snowboarders are more willing to part with old snowboards that haven’t done much but take up space. You’ll also fetch cheaper prices at local ski shops on everything from snowboards to visors. If you can’t wait until the off-season, just look for more used equipment that you can inspect before purchasing.
Timing will be crucial in order for you to save money on snowboarding. Buying holiday passes for snowboarding season at the wrong time might mean you’re missing out on a deal that was better during the off-season. Constantly be on the lookout for great ski lift passes that will save you money and time, even if you think you won’t use the pass for another few weeks. Saving money on snowboarding will require some outside-the-box thinking on your end, so make sure that you’re always looking for snowboarding opportunities.
Snowboarding doesn’t have to be a drain on your wallet if you know how to shop. The key is to keep a scrutinizing eye on every deal you come across. Ask yourself “can I get cheaper than this? How much am I saving here?” Keep your eyes peeled and your mind alert, and you’ll be able to snowboard on a budget in no time.
Photo Credits: Matt Biddulph
Originally posted 2009-05-05 05:12:34.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 8, 2010 in
snowboard tips
snowboarding safety
Nothing can ruin a perfect holiday getaway more than a painful physical injury. Every year, thousands of snowboarding accidents occur on the slopes. Over 92% of these accidents involve crashes into stationary objects, while some involve collisions with other snowboarders.
It is interesting to note that more than 50% of these accidents happen during the first season of snowboarding, and 25% of these accidents involve beginners. If you are planning to try your hands (or rather your feet) on snowboarding for the very first time, or snowboard for the first time in many years, your chances of becoming a snowboard accident statistic are pretty high.
Beginners who have yet to get used to the snowboard stance tend to fall often. Many have also yet to learn how to ‘fall properly’ in the event of an accident, which often cause severe wrist injuries.
Wrist injuries are the most common of all the injuries sustained in snowboarding. Instinctively, when we loose balance, we automatically stretch out our hands to break the fall. Our wrists are not designed to absorb high impacts so such reflexes often result in torn muscle, ligaments, and wrist fractures.
When you fall backwards, tuck in your hands inwards to distribute the impact over other parts of your body. Point your elbows backwards to break the fall as your elbows can absorb much more impact compared to your wrists. As pointing your elbows backwards during a fall is a unnatural reflex, it will be advisable for you to ‘practice falling’ this way before you hit the slopes. It is also recommended that all beginners wear wrist-guards to minimize injuries during falls and crashes.
Ankle injuries are also common in this sport. In snowboarding, the feet are securely attached to the snowboard, placing severe pressure on the ankle and calves during jumps and sharp turnings. Expert snowboarders often sustain such injuries due the high impact stunts.
The easiest way to avoid ankle injuries is to wear hard shell snowboard boots. Hard shell boots, protects the joints by restricting excessive ankle movements. Despite being the best boots to prevent ankle injury, many still opt to wear soft boots as they are much more comfortable and are less restrictive. When you wear soft boots, your chances of sustaining ankle injuries are two times higher then if you were to wear hard shell boots.
Other types of snowboarding injuries include, head, knee, and impact injuries. Wearing protective gears like knee guards and helmets will help reduce the risk of such injuries.
Avalanches are also a serious threat to snowboarders. An avalanche can travel at speeds of more than 100 mph, which is enough to knock anyone out at impact. Even if you survive the impact unscathed, you may find yourself buried under tones of snow after the avalanche. For beginners, it is best to stay away from steep slopes and if you are unsure, always check with local guides about the weather (which is a major factor in causing avalanches), and high-risk slopes.
In the event of any accidents, a little knowledge in basic first aid goes a long way. The first thing to do is to make sure that your surrounding is safe. Make sure that the cause of the victim’s injury is no longer present to avoid further injury to the victim and also to prevent you from becoming a victim yourself.
The next step is to check the victim for response. If your victim is conscious, ask if he has sustained any other forms of injury. If unconscious, make sure that the victim’s airway is open and check if he is experiencing any difficulty breathing. If there is no breathing, proceed to perform CPR.
If the victim has been exposed to the cold for a prolonged period of time, check if he or she is suffering from hypothermia. If so, it is imperative that you keep the victim as warm as possible while you wait for rescue services to arrive. An effective way to do this is through the inhalation of warm, water-saturated air (the steam from warm water).
If the vital signs of the victims are stable, contact rescue services immediately (if you are not alone in attending to the victim, this is to be done immediately upon the occurrence of the accident).
Photo Credit: dziner
Originally posted 2008-10-28 04:55:50.
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Posted by Ski Snowboarder on March 7, 2010 in
snowboard tips
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