While many people enjoy the summer for its plethora of activities, winter also brings a new layer of adrenaline and fun. Things like snowboarding, sledding, and snowy hikes are all fantastic winter activities. Due to unpredictable elements, it’s vital to stay safe whatever activity you decide to do in the winter.
Here are five winter sport safety tips everyone should know!
Number One: Wear Appropriate Layers
Keeping your body warm helps your overall performance. But it’s essential to remember that if you’re going to sweat, wearing moisture-wicking layers can play a significant role in how well your body stores heat. Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling off. Wearing the layers provide warmth to keep hypothermia at bay.
Number Two: Warm Up
Warming your body up and circulating the flow of blood through your muscles is critical to any sport in any season—but especially in winter! A winter sport safety tip everyone should know is not to skip warm-ups. You risk injuring yourself much faster if you don’t use them to tell your body it’s time for rigorous activity. This is especially true for sports like rock climbing and skiing.
Number Three: Follow the Rules
Sometimes you can bend the rules of a sport or take shortcuts if you’re with your buddies. When there are extra layers of snow and ice or colder-than-usual temperatures, it’s critical to follow the ground rules for the sport you’re doing. The guidelines are in place for a reason, and you risk injury when you don’t adhere to them.
Number Four: Wear Protective Gear
Due to extreme levels of elemental conditions, you need to invest in adequate protective gear. If you’re going to go snowboarding, wear sturdy boots and proper outerwear. If you have an eyeglass prescription, always remember to wear protective eyewear when you do a winter sport. Wearing the proper protective gear will keep you safe so you’ll be able to enjoy yourself completely. Ensure you choose the right color lenses to enhance your performance in your chosen winter sport.
Number Five: Know Your Limits
It’s vital to know and trust your limits. If you see a friend exceed at a winter sport you’ve never done before, you might be tempted to try it, too. But if it’s outside of your ability, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. It’s okay if you’re on a different level as your friends; everyone moves at their own pace.
