Snowboarding and Wearing Helmets

     I know you've heard it a million times "wear your helmet."  That right there is part of why people don't wear helmets when snowboarding.  I mean when you've heard something that many times, it actually becomes annoying, right?  Promotions to wear helmets also suck and they are afraid to discuss the real issues.
     You don't wear a helmet because you suck, or are a beginner.  I wear a helmet every time I ride so that I don't crack my skull and die, or worse end up having to wear diapers and get tube fed all my life while consistently slobbering.
     Right I know, you have a style, and "Yo, I can't lock into my steeze with a lid, bro..I need to feel free."  Don't you dare be that guy.  That is the lamest thing any real snowboarder, or human for that matter has heard.  Just get used to it and expand your steeze.  At a minimum it's more sticker space.  You are doing it for yourself so that you can ride tomorrow, remember that.
     Now if you don't wear one because in all honesty you can't afford one or it is not in the budget you are lying. A one day lift ticket is more expensive than a lot of helmets out there.  So is a night at the bar.  Next time you see a helmet for a wicked deal think about that.
     I've experienced two concussions, while wearing a helmet both times.  I had a headache that felt like a boulder was using my head as a punching bag for a week.  Not cool.  I was lucky, because I think to myself, what if I didn't have a helmet?  Well pretty much every day of riding after that might not have happened.  Scary, but that is the truth.
     If you are boarder that people watch, and especially if you are taking shots and video, wear a helmet, because kids love you.  Knowing little Maxwell is sitting in a hospital saying "but Your Name Here doesn't wear one probably won't feel to great.

"Let's all stop making excuses and live to ride another day"

Here is a great article on a new update on the statistics that was in the LA Times. Take a read it's worth your time, and good job fellow riders/skiers stepping up and doing the right thing!

Waterproofing your Snowboarding gear and clothes: Nikwax

     Besides GORE-TEX®  and other waterproof or water resistant materials, sometimes there is a need for more waterproofing.  Or maybe you just don't have all this cloud nine tech material.  Either way if you are looking for the easiest and most versatile way to waterproof things, Nikwax is the way to go.
     From my experience this stuff is pretty much the easiest to apply, and there are a few options on application also.  For footwear (your skate shoes, snowboarding boots) you can choose either a spray on or sponge on application.  For your clothes and other outerwear they make a laundry detergent and you can use the spray on as well.  I personally use the spray on for everything I own from my backpacks, gloves, & boots to my jackets and hoodies (sometimes even my boxers).  
     If you wash your jackets and pants a lot it is a good idea to use their laundry detergent.  Regular detergent actually deteriorates waterproofing and breathability in your gear.  I'm sure we have all noticed how your gloves are watertight the first few days and then they become a frostbite trap.  Even just from simple usage gear loses its  protective qualities though.
     What I do is bring a bottle of Nikwax with me on trips and then spray it on my gear if needed at the end of the day.  Usually by the next day it is ready to ride but your best bet is to let it set in for at least a day and a half though.  I think you will find the most help from this stuff when using it on your gloves.  They always tend to leak water so any help keeping water out I'll take!
     When applying the spray though, I would advise outdoors or in the garage/shed with minimal wind.  This stuff is sticky and will probably ruin clothes so watch yourself.  Other than that you can figure the rest out on your own.  
     Nikwax is definitely cheap considering that it delivers.  There are other waterproofing alternatives out there but I'm telling you don't waste your money.  A bottle of Nikwax spray costs about $12.00 and it is enough to cover pretty much all your gear with spray left over.  Now that you will stay dry the excuse to be lazy of "I need to go in and dry off" is  off list.  

Nikwax Website