Snowboarding Helmets and Protection

Head injuries remain the biggest cause of death and impairment to snowboarders.   Snowboarders should therefore wear a suitable snowboard helmet as a safeguard to reduce the risk of head trauma and fatality while riding.   Snowboarding helmets protect the wearer by assisting to absorb the shock of an impact to the head, and reduce the jarring of the brain against the skull during impacts with the ski slope or other objects, such as trees or other riders or skiers.  Selecting and wearing the right snowboarding helmet can significantly lessen the risk of concussions and other serious head injuries.

When selecting a ski or snowboard helmet be on the lookout for a helmet that meets ski and snowboard helmet standards from the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), European Committee for Standardization (CEN) or Snell.   Helmets should carry a label or sticker on their inside to designate whether it meets such a standard.

You will have to measure your head to know the proper size helmet to buy.  To do this, you can wrap a tape measure around your head to measure the circumference.   If you need help with this ask a family member or friend to assist you.   Alternatively, a sales assistant at the snowboarding shop will most certainly be able to help.

Once you’ve established your correct size, try on a range of snowboarding helmets that you think may suit you.   Pull the helmet on your head by holding the straps on either side.   The front of the helmet should ideally sit down onto your forehead just above the eyebrows.   You will know if the helmet is too big if it falls over your eyes or onto the back of your neck.   There should be no gaps between the helmet and your head, and it should not wobble while you have it on.   If it is nice and snug, you have the perfect fit.

Correct snowboarding helmet fit is extremely important.   If it’s too loose it will leave room for injury if it's not centered properly on your head, regardless of how tight the chin strap on your snowboard helmet is.   A snowboard helmet that’s too small won't give you the proper amount of coverage needed and will feel tight and uncomfortable.

Helmets for skiing and snowboarding are insulated for cold weather.   They should provide complete head coverage and high-impact protection.   They should also allow ski goggles to fit snugly within the helmet.   In this regard, make sure there’s room to fit a pair of snowboard goggles or sunglasses about a half inch between the sides of the helmet and your head.

To reiterate, a soundly made helmet can save your life and be your best friend on the slopes.   With a wide range of styles, colors and designs available on the market nowadays, there is simply no reason not to wear one.

While you're at it don't forget about the importance of using proper snowboarding knee pads, wrist guards, hip pads and safety leashes as well.   They all play an important role in offering vital protection for your critical bodily parts out on the slopes and keeping you in the land of the living.  

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Snowboarding Helmets & Protection