iRide
Zaskoda’s Snowboarding Journal

So someone was paid to study the effectiveness of a helmet and the Denver Post is proud to announce: “Study: Helmets cut risk of head injuries in skiing“… Who would have thought? I wonder if the study was sponsored by a helmet manufacturer?

Since I started riding, I’ve never - not once - worn a helmet.  The only time I’ve ever hit my head is on that bar that you bring down over your lap while you’re riding the lift. I’ve also avoided head gear while mountain biking - something I’ve taken a lot of criticism for (and probably rightfully so). Unlike snowboarding, I have tried wearing a helmet while biking. I’ve found it to be a horrible distraction. A friend of mine claims that wearing a helmet will increase your chances of having an accident. We’ve also discussed the notion that the sense of security from wearing a helmet will train you not to properly protect your head in the event of a fall.

All that said, I’m starting to take bigger air and I’ve finally seen the inside of a big pipe. One thing about the surface of the pipe - it’s not soft. I’m starting to wonder, is it time I get a helmet? Remember that crack in my board from a tree? I wouldn’t want that kind of crack in my skull. Still, I can’t imagine enjoying having a heavy piece of molded plastic attached to my head.

I looked around at some studies on snowboaridng injuries. I thought it interesting that this one said about 10% of injuries are to the head. That’s actually higher than I expected. If you read further, it sounds like those injuries are from falling backwards on hard pack conditions and not from hitting objects such as trees or pipes. I also read a bit on The ABC’s, but they didn’t give much more than ” Although there’s little doubt about the importance of wearing a Snowboard Helmet”… which was followed by a link to where they sell them.

If I know me, I probably won’t pick one up before the next trip. However, if I wreck my skull, I’ll be eating crow instead of turkey for thanksgiving.