Snowboarding is one of the most physically demanding off all the winter sports. While falls and slide outs are an inevitable part of the learning process, you may have to spend some time recovering from minor injuries. As tricks and maneuvers have continued to progress, the number of snowboard-related injuries steadily have continued to rise.
Stretching
Perform a few basic stretches to recover from a long day on the snowboarding slope. This will help to prevent your muscles from feeling sore in the upcoming days. As snowboarding engages your thighs and knees, you'll need to perform a specific stretch to keep these muscles loose. Transworld Snowboarding recommends balancing on your left foot while pulling your right foot toward your butt. Hold this stance for a brief moment and then perform the stretch with your opposing leg.
Wrist Injuries
Wrist injuries are the most common among snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. According to All Sports Protection, snowboarders are at a serious risk of sustaining a wrist fracture as the natural instinct is to break your fall with an outstretched hand. While minor sprains and bruises may only take a week or so to recover from, wrist fractures will require you to wear a cast for an extended period of time. Some physical therapy may be required to retain full wrist motion.
Knee Injuries
Although knee injuries are not as common among recreational snowboarders, slope-style riders often damage their knees during high-impact jumps. Overshooting the landing ramp may cause you to land on a hard-packed terrain that features a level surface. The brutal force of the landing may injure your anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus. Serious knee injuries generally have the longest recovery as surgery is often a necessary step in the process. A few months of physical therapy may be required before you can step foot back on the snowboarding slope.
Learning to Fall
When learning the basic turns and maneuvers, you may lose your balance while transferring your body weight between the opposing edges of the snowboard. Recovering from a loss of balance will allow you to fall without sustaining a serious injury. During a forward fall, allow your knees to make contact with the snow. Extend your elbows toward the ground to break your fall. In the event of a backward fall, pull your chin toward your chest to avoid hitting your head. Extend your forearms toward the snow to break your fall.
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