PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Protective clothing is becoming more and more common these days, with wearing helmets becoming more normal than not. There are plenty of other items of protective clothing you can get as well though. Below is a brief description of the most common.

Helmets

There is a large choice of helmets out there now, so it should be possible to find a helmet you like whatever you are looking for. When choosing a helmet, you need to remember that it should be a snug fit, and not be able to move too much while it is on your head. This is very important as the helmet will not protect you properly if it is able to move. Some features to looks for with helmets are adjustable air vents to keep you cool on those warm days, but that can be closed for the cold days, and removable ear pads can also be a nice feature, as again if it is very warm it is nice to be able to take the ear pads off of a helmet.

Back Protectors

Back protectors now come in many forms, although generally they are an armadillo sort of construction that lies along the back of your spine. Many back protectors are now built into under jackets, that can also have padding for your chest and shoulders, some even cover the whole upper body providing elbow and forearm protection as well.

Padded Shorts

Padded Shorts protect your thighs, hips and coccyx, and can make falling in icy conditions a lot less painful. They are normally a mesh kind of construction with the pads in the places that you are most likely to hit if you fall.

Knee Pads

Knee pads are not so commonly used as with the amount of movement that is used in the knees, a lot of people find them a bit uncomfortable. Nevertheless if you are worried about hitting your knees they will definitely protect them a lot better.

Elbow Pads

As with knee pads, elbow pads are not so commonly used as they cover a key joint that moves a lot, but again if you are prone to hitting your elbows they will provide valuable protection.

On to the Basic Mechanics of Skiing section.