Be Bold and Airboard: Snow-Stopping Daredevilry

Apr 22
21:56

2024

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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Airboarding, a thrilling blend of body surfing, tobogganing, and downhill skiing, is gaining traction as a must-try winter sport. Before you dive into this high-speed adventure, ensure you're covered with winter sports insurance!

The Rise of Airboarding

Airboarding was conceived by a Swiss snowboarder during his recovery from an injury. This innovative sport,Be Bold and Airboard: Snow-Stopping Daredevilry Articles which began to surface about a decade ago, has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past five years, especially in ski resorts across Europe and North America.

What is Airboarding?

Airboarding involves descending a snow-covered slope on an inflatable board equipped with grooves on the underside for navigation and handles on the top for stability. Participants lie on their stomachs, steering by shifting their body weight and manipulating the handles. The design of the board allows for exhilarating speeds up to 50 km/h (about 31 mph).

Safety and Equipment

Despite the high speeds, airboarding is considered safer than traditional skiing or snowboarding due to the cushioning provided by the inflatable board. However, it's essential to wear a helmet and have proper winter sports insurance in place. Stopping techniques include digging in your feet, turning sharply, or simply letting yourself fall into the soft snow.

What to Wear

To enjoy airboarding, you should dress similarly to how you would for skiing:

  • Warm, waterproof clothing
  • Proper ski gloves
  • Sturdy, waterproof boots

Where to Experience Airboarding

While airboarding is still a niche activity, it's available at an increasing number of resorts. In Europe, notable locations include Courchevel, Val Thorens, Valmorel, and La Plagne. La Plagne stands out with a dedicated five-kilometer airboarding route.

Learning to Airboard

Most resorts offering airboarding provide introductory sessions with instructors to help newcomers learn the basics of maneuvering and stopping safely.

Importance of Insurance

Like any winter sport, airboarding comes with inherent risks. It's crucial to have comprehensive winter sports insurance to cover potential injuries, equipment losses, or other unforeseen incidents. Companies like InsureMore offer tailored policies that cater specifically to the needs of winter sports enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Airboarding is a thrilling, fresh way to experience the slopes, combining the rush of speed with the joy of winter scenery. Whether you're a seasoned snow sports enthusiast or looking for a new adventure, airboarding offers a unique blend of excitement and challenge. Just remember to check that your chosen resort supports this sport and always prioritize safety by being well-prepared and insured.

For more information on winter sports insurance, visit InsureMore. For details on airboarding locations and tips, check out resources like La Plagne's official site.