snowman123456

Is it really necessary to wear a helmet while snowboarding?

I've never been snowboarding before.

From most of the pictures I've seen it seems like most snowboarders do wear helmets while snowboarding.

Since your feet are pretty much locked into your snowboard at a fixed angle I can see how you might fall at weird angles where it would be hard to fall gracefully.

Does the snow tend to ice over at times where you could crack your skull on it? Has a helmet ever saved your skull while snowboarding?

This will be my first time snowboarding but I don't plan to do anything more advanced then beginner slopes.

NWBoarder

I always say wear one. Especially if it's your first time.

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Milo303

You dont have to...

Try riding with no goggles though, see what happens

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"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion." - Abraham Lincoln

rainboarding

I bought a helmet for this coming season because I am getting into park seriously. Previous to that I had free-ridden on groomers (greens blues and blacks) for four seasons w/o a helmet. I never had a fall that caused a head-related impact. I would say it's always a good idea to wear one as it's like insurance, but I wouldn't really be worrying about it if I wasn't doing park/anything more than groomers.

MistahTaki

It's not necessary but it's highly recommended. Most people think that it's safe because it's "snow". It can still crack your skull open if you hit your head hard enough against hard packed snow. I personally don't wear a helmet and I've hit my head many times and it hurts. Unless you're riding in deep pow it's good to take precaution. Since it's your first time I think you should wear one.

thugit

reasearch kevin pearce.

roremc

I look at it this way. I only have one head. My brain is soft and easily damaged. Dr's for the most part can't do much if you fuck your self up head wise. Have a look at Natasha Richardson. She died last year in Quebec in a freak accident. She was on a bunny slope. You don't need to be doing a cliff drop on a double black to hurt yourself.
Natasha Richardson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

As for the snow. It can get rock hard especially if its man made. If you are new to it wear one. Mine has saved me a few times from clipping branches in the trees.

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Tarzanman

Better to wear a helmet when snowboarding, if for no other reason than ice patches.

If you happen to be turning hard or carving over an ice patch then you are going to hit the ground very hard and too quickly for you to react. Helmets will keep incidental knocks from ruining your day and keep hard hits from ruining your trip (or entire season).

I have tried an outing once or twice without a helmet. Sometimes it is more comfortable to just wear a beanie, i do feel more vulnerable without a helmet.

tprior

I wear one now. I've never had a fall where one would come in handy, but you never know. Plus it actually has pretty good insulation to keep the heat in.

snowman123456

Yes - but I'll be sticking to the beginner slopes - no crazy tricks on the half-pipe....