Backcountry snowboarding

In the early 1960s, at the height of surfing's popularity, the first snowboard ever was created by a chemical engineer named Sherman Poppen in Muskegon, Michigan.

Poppen was inspired by watching his daughter attempt to sled down a hill standing up and so he decided to fashion his skis together and then tie rope to the nose for more stability.

His wife named his creation the "Snurfer", a combination of snow and surfer, and between 1966 and 1977, Poppen sold over half a million all around the country.

More importantly, it was banned from all ski resorts in North America, forcing any prospective boarders to look elsewhere.

In general, musculoskeletal injuries suffered in the backcountry occur at a similar rate to those in the resorts due to the fact that the riders venturing in to these areas normally have a certain level of experience.

However, backcountry snowboarders are susceptible to more environmental issues like avalanche, frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, and excessive fatigue due to the lack of snow patrol or warming huts.

When planning to ride in uncharted areas, snowboarders must follow a list of requirements to ensure their safety.

This list includes: Following these guidelines is imperative to preventing dangerous situations in the backcountry.

In addition to a helmet and snowboard repair tools, a rider should carry basic safety gear including a map, compass, headlamp, matches, food, water, extra clothing, first aid kit, and water purification tablets.

These items are ideal because they are short enough to attach to a pack without having to worry about them dragging on the ground when descending the slope.