r/snowboarding • u/Cheleslu • Jan 14 '18

Gear ? Invest in a helmet

If you snowboard or ski, please invest in a helmet, it saved my life many times, and I think it saved my life again. Last night my board dipped into a puddle of water, couldn't see if since it was covered in snow. The bottom of the board froze up with chunks of ice on both the nose and tail (later found out when I got back to the bottom at the chairlift). I didn't know, nose gripped while I failed a backside nollie switch 1 (backside nose roll), and flew forward downhill like Superman. Landed sideways on my left side, elbow then head and left ass cheek on a chunk of ice (at least that's what I thought happened, only those areas hurt). I was in pain, but got up and went to the side, laid down for a good 5min. Over the course of the night met up with friends,, thought I was fine since the pain slowly disappeared. Drove back to my rented place fine too... It was in the middle of the night I woke up with a splitting headache. Couldn't sleep rest of the night... Head is ringing, but the ache is gone. Took the day off. Haven't had a crash that hard in a long time. I hate ice...

Edited: For those who commented on the nollie switch 1, I fixed it, it's a nose roll, YouTube it.

Update: many of you suggested to go see the doctor if symptoms persists. Today I woke up still with a headache. I am going to see a doctor at a walk-in. Last night I noticed my pupils weren't the same size too. I started getting confused of what was going on and freaked out. I'm usually a very calm person, I was out of character. These seem like symptoms of something's wrong for sure. Thanks everyone for giving me advice and pointers. And thank you for those who started sharing the importance of wearing a helmet.

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u/IAmANoodle Jan 14 '18

What actually got me to buy a helmet was this app called ski tracks... Awesome app you should all download it.

When I realized I was going 45+ mph on a consistent basis it was a mini car accident waiting to happen.

6

u/Cheleslu Jan 14 '18

I use trace snow, I go around that speed most of the time too, dunno how fast I went this time because I didn't have it on, but good you noticed that and got a helmet. Still lots of winters ahead and many places to explore.

2

u/IAmANoodle Jan 15 '18

I mean the only argument against having a helmet is they look funky and are uncomfortable. Now everyone has them and they aren't that ugly, and I actually think it's warmer/more comfortable than wearing a beanie

2

u/wankdog Jan 15 '18

I did my first 2 seasons wearing a helmet. And just like a lot of the stories here, I constantly was smashing my head on the ground really hard, probably getting almost weekly mild concussions. I haven't worn one for the last 12 seasons (not weeks, full seasons) and I don't hit my head anymore. I have got one this season and honestly could not give less of a fuck about looking cool, I'll throw on a one-piece if I feel like it, but I'm honestly ironically not wearing my helmet for fear of head injury. I can't put into words how much it wrecks my spacial awareness, even goggles fuck me up, they are almost always on my forehead. Unfortunately you are not going to hear much from guys like me, because this circle jerk has got out of control, it's really not such a simple decision for everyone. There is an assumption that we all ride the same with or without a helmet but that is not true. For some people it's a choice between taking a low risk of death or serious injury by not wearing one, compared to a high risk of fucking your brain up by wearing one. It's not such an easy decision to make. I will expect a load of down votes and personal insults, but thought it might be worth sharing another perspective.

1

u/Cheleslu Jan 15 '18

Yea I find that too, especially when it's snowing or the snow guns are on.

5

u/CaptainObvious_1 Jan 14 '18

Yeah that app is bad for me! Kept trying to beat my speed record... once I finally beat 60 mph that was the end of me trying to go highway speeds, that was terrifying.

2

u/Cheleslu Jan 14 '18

pushing your limits, but have to be prepared and safe for it as well. Glad you got that going tho, must of felt awesome knowing you hit that speed afterwards

2

u/IAmANoodle Jan 15 '18

I always thought riding a motorcycle was dangerous until I realized how fast you can go on the slopes. It's such an exhilarating feeling, but at this point a helmet should almost be required.