Find out more about: Skiing / Sledding/Tobogganing
Skiing & Snowboarding
Downhill skiing has evolved into a faster sport than it was in the past and snowboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the Canadian Ski Council, in 2004 about 3.8 million Canadians aged 12 and over participated in skiing, (alpine or cross country), snowboarding or a combination of those sports.
More and more skiers and boarders recognize the safety benefits of wearing a helmet. It is no longer a rare sight to see people wearing helmets on the slopes.
- A two-day 2006 TBDHU survey showed that helmets were worn by 53% of skiers and boarders at two local ski areas.
You need to know:
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is an extreme winter sport with a considerable risk for injury ranging from innocent little slips to high impact crashes. Beginning snowboarders are injured most often, even though they attempt less dangerous maneuvers than advanced snowboarders. The reason for this is that they haven't yet learned how to maintain a stable stance on the snowboard and are thus more likely to lose balance and fall. In fact, nearly 25% of injuries occur during a snowboarder's first experience and almost one-half occur during the first season of snowboarding.
(Safe Kids Canada, 2005)
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Skiing
Downhill skiing remains a popular winter sport for all ages in Thunder Bay. It brings with it, however, some level of risk for injury. Below are some tips to help lessen the chance of injury when you’re out on the slopes.
(Safe Kids Canada, 2005)
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Sledding / Tobogganing
Tobogganing is one of several great outdoor sports that make Thunder Bay’s cold, snowy winters more bearable and enjoyable. Every year however, people are injured on the slopes. Whether by falls or collisions, sledding injuries do occur and many suffer head injuries, abrasions, cuts and sprains.
To minimize the risk of injury while having fun, learn how to toboggan and sled safely.
Wear a helmet: There is no specific helmet designed for sledding. Use properly fitted ski, hockey, bicycle, or snowboarding helmet.
Remember:
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Inner tubes, Crazy Carpets, garbage bags, or cardboard boxes are difficult to control, so shouldn't be used to slide on.
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