While some riders may prefer to keep their boards on the snow, other snowboarders spend their time practicing high-altitude tricks. Depending on the discipline of snowboarding you participate in, your knees could be at risk for minor to serious muscle damage. Employing the proper riding techniques will help you to avoid snowboard-related knee injuries.
Recreational Snowboarding
Snowboard instructors generally teach a variety of recreational maneuvers, including stopping and carving. When starting out, novice snowboarders usually practice these techniques within the confines of a mountain resort. Slopes designed for snowboarding are groomed on a regular basis to ensure optimal turning efficiency. The hard-packed terrain and smooth surface helps to prevent you from sliding out during high-speed turns. Performing these elementary maneuvers on a manicured snowboard slope does little to no damage to your knees.
Downhill Snowboarding
Downhill snowboarding is an adrenaline-pumping riding discipline that involves high-speed races on steep courses. Often referred to as boardercross, downhill snowboarders can hit speeds in excess of 30 mph. While the maneuvers of downhill snowboarding do little detriment to your knees, the falls associated with this riding style could have damaging effects. Catching an edge at a high-velocity may cause your knees to twist unnaturally, resulting in painful injuries. Collisions with fellow racers could lead to knee injuries as well.
Freestyle Snowboarding
While freestyle snowboarding may be one of the most exhilarating riding disciplines, it is also one of the most dangerous. According to ABC-of-Snowboarding, freestyle snowboarding generally consists of aerial tricks that involve flips and spins. Performing a freestyle trick off an inclined ramp will put increased pressure on your knees. Losing control in the air for a brief moment may cause an unbalanced landing. Failing to keep your weight evenly distributed may result in debilitating knee injuries.
Knee Protection
Regardless of the snowboarding style you participate in, there are a few simple precautions you can take to avoid knee injuries. Wearing a pair of knee pads under your snowboarding pants will keep your knees protected from the sharp edges of rails and boxes. Knee pads designed for snowboarding feature an elastic sleeve that allows you to maintain your range of motion. To cushion high-impact landings, ride a snowboard that features a soft, pliable deck.
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