Stay Safe on the Snow: Adrenajen's Guide to First Aid in Snowkiting
Stay Safe on the Snow: Adrenajen's Guide to First Aid in Snowkiting
Hey Snowkiters! Coach Jen here:
I've just come back from the NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course, buzzing with a ton of valuable insights and tips that I can't wait to share with all of you! As a passionate snowkite coach, my goal is not just to help you ride the winds but to do so with safety and confidence. Let’s dive into what I learned and how it applies to our awesome sport of snowkiting.
Tackling the Big Three: Common Snowkiting Injuries
-
Sprains and Strains – The Unwanted Companions: Oh, the dreaded sprain! If you twist your ankle or feel a sharp pain in your knee, remember to stop immediately and evaluate, wrap it up gently, and elevate if possible. And yes, popping an ibuprofen can help, but if it feels really bad, don’t play the hero - get it checked out!
-
Cuts and Lacerations – More Than Just a Scratch: Whether it's a rogue kite line or a crash landing, cuts can happen. First thing – don’t panic. Apply pressure with a clean cloth (your spare bandana will do), clean it up gently with water, and bandage it. If it’s a gnarly one and won’t stop bleeding, it’s time to call in the pros.
-
Frostbite – The Cold, Hard Reality: We play in the cold, but let’s not underestimate it. Numbness or skin turning a funky color? Get out of the cold, warm up slowly (no rubbing!), and seek medical help if it’s severe. Prevention? Layer up, my friends, and keep those extremities warm.
Your First Aid Kit – Your Snowkiting BFF
Now, let’s talk gear. Your first aid kit isn’t just a box of band-aids; it’s your lifeline out there. Stock it with the basics – bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, a SAM splint, pain relievers, and a thermal blanket. And don’t forget some personal items like medications and a whistle for getting attention (or for impromptu jam sessions).
I highly recommend NOLS for first aid supplies. https://store.nols.edu/collections/first-aid-supplies
The med kit 4.0 is available in bag only. This bag is perfect for windy conditions to avoid your first aid blowing away when most needed.
Prevention – Because Forewarned is Forearmed
The best way to handle an injury? Don’t get one! Gear up properly, check your equipment, and stay wise to the weather. Knowledge is power, so keep learning, practicing, and respecting the sport.
Wrap Up:
Remember, folks, snowkiting is an incredible sport that brings us closer to nature and our own limits. Let’s keep it fun and safe. As your coach, I’m here to guide you, but as fellow snowkiters, we’re all in this together.
Stay safe, stay stoked, and let’s make every ride a story worth telling!
Cheers, Coach Jen