Skiing safe is simple

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 447, 4 August 1992, Page 13

Skiing safe is simple

BY

MICHAEL

LAMONT

A weekend's fun on the ski slopes may turn into a painful experience for an increasing number of New Zealander's this winter. The sport's popularity is growing rapidly with total numbers increasing by around one fifth every year. However, statistics show that beginners will be injured most often and for many, this may be the last time on a pair of skis. Analysis of recent figures shows that injuries are most likely to affect learner or intermediate skiers between 15 and 25 years of age. The causes of injuries come under three main categories: skier error, collision, and poorly adjusted ski bindings. Skier error and, to a

certain extent, collisions can be avoided by taking lessons. At present, almost 50 percent of learners have received no ski school instruction. Newcomers to the sport are asking for trouble if they do not take tuition from an experienced instructor. Skiing is a skilled sport and the correct technique must be learned. Even experienced skiers benefit from refresher lessons to make difficult runs more enjoyable. Lessons are only the first step however, and it is import ant to remember to ski to your ability. You should always check the classification of a slope before skiing down. If it is too difficult for you, you will be causing unnecessary danger to yourself and others. For example, you should never venture near ice unless you are totally

competent. A fall on ice is difficult to arrest - already several people have slid great distances and finally catapulted over bluffs. If you become afraid on an icy slope don't take your skis off - edge your skis into the slope and call for help. You will not stand in ski boots on an icy slope. To ski on ice your ski edges need to be very sharp - they need sharpening at least once a season. However, with sharp edges there is an increased likelihood of self laceration, particularly the lower leg. Other key safety habits are fitness and adequate nourishment. Skiing places

tremendous pressure on joints and muscles and often these are very different to those encountered in everyday life. Even weekend skiers should take time to build up strength in muscles and joints before heading for the mountains. Jogging and exercises which keep the ankle, knee and hip joints in trim are the best way of building up the body's natural defences to sprains and strains. Michael Lamont is one of only three honorary members world-wide of the International Society of Skiing Safety, team physiotherapist for the New Zealand Olympic team in Albertville, a ski patroller for 24 years and Secretary of the Private Physiotherapists' Association for 22 years.