Skid lids for kids grow in use, adults too

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 599, 15 August 1995, Page 2 (Supplement)

Skid lids for kids grow in use, adults too

By

Rachel

wllliams

It's only a matter of time before helmets are compulsory for skiers, speculates Linda Netton from The Junction Ski Shop. Ljnda says the pressure is likely to come from the Accident Compensation Corporation, who will want to see a reduction in the number of head injuries from skiing. Ruapehu ski fields could be a place to start as the volcanic nature of the terrain means there is a high percentage of rock outcrops near to ski runs, especially in low snow years. Skiers can go faster than bicycle riders and rocks are obviously just as hard as the pavement. Most head injuries in children occur when an adult skier crashes into them. Fortunately kids have a good attitude towards helmets and education about bicycle helmets has helped eradicate the "It's not cool" attitude. Also, ski race teams wear them which helps the image of skiing with a helmet. If you hire children' s ski gear from The Junction Ski Shop for three days, the Junction Ski Shop will throw in a helmet for free (for one day) on the third day. Alternatively you can hire adult and children' s helmets for $2 per day. To buy a helmet can cost from about $80 for a children' s helmet to over $300 for a top-of-the-line race helmet.