Like many other sports, the Snowboarding is also one of great sports with a lot of fun. I also practice and playing it regular. I will writing about snowboard injuries today.

Snowboarding can be a lot of fun however as with all sports, injuries can arise due to different reasons.

Snowboarding injuries can be quite nasty and put you out of action for a decent amount of time. Girls should take heed of the following precautions when going snowboarding.

1. Get Fit

Being physically fit is important in any sport that you are participating in. Snowboarding is a sport that can be very tasking physically particularly on your upper leg muscles. Spending time at the gym working on your core stability and leg muscles will be beneficial prior to heading to the snow.

2. Safety and protection gear

The most common snowboarding injury is breaking or fracturing wrists. Instinctively, people will put their hands out in front of them to protect themselves when falling leading to wrist injuries. Wrist guards will assist in limiting wrist injuries.

Helmets are essential so the head can be protected should you fall and hit your head. Major head injuries and concussions can be minimised by the wearing of helmets. Many countries and ski resorts are now encouraging the wearing of helmets and even making it mandatory.

3. Warming up and down

Prepare your body for a day of physical activity by warming up before you go out snowboarding. Stretch your muscles and warm them up to limit muscle pulls and tears. After a day out on the snowboard, also ensure that you warm down by doing stretches.

4. Clothing

Wearing the correct clothing whilst snowboarding is an important aspect to consider when spending a day out in the snow.

You should have the ability to move freely in the clothes that you wear and to keep yourself warm and dry as it will enhance the snowboarding experience.

It goes without saying that water proof clothing is a must as well as wearing a hat, neck warmer and gloves.

6. Boots and Bindings

Having snowboard boots and bindings that fit properly will ensure safety when snowboarding. Your bindings should be tested every day prior to going out snowboarding so you know that they are working correctly.

7. The Board

Select a snowboard that suits your skill level and the activity that you intend to do. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to hire your snowboard first before going ahead with a purchasing your own. Rental shops have the expertise to provide you with a snowboard and boots that are best suited to you.

Safety is important so it is a good idea to follow the above advice to ensure that your snowboarding season is enjoyable and injury free. Be careful on the snow but most importantly have fun! Oh, and make sure you have ski travel insurance!

The second stop of the world tour this year was held on Isla de Coche in Venezuela. I was a bit hesitant at first knowing the current situation in the country, but hey, I had to go! Luckily the organisation took very good care of us so as soon as we got to Caracas we got a free flight and car/boat transfer to the hotel.

Caracas was definitely a little bit scary, but as soon as we got to Isla de Coche, a small island off the coast, we didn’t notice a thing. This peaceful holiday island appeared to be an ideal kite location with flat water and constant wind, about the best for competition. That meant that we could go all out and show our biggest tricks.

In the first round I was up against 3rd placed Bruna Kajiya and 9th placed Helena Brochocka. I managed to get second in this first round so I was up to a local Venezuelan girl in the second round. This round I passed quite easily and I was very happy with my riding.

Then it was time for the third round and I was up against current world champ Karolina Winkowska. I knew that this heat would not be easy and I had to throw in something big. So I decided to go and try a trick that I had not landed in a year… smart thinking right? 😉 I started the heat with a few of my basic tricks and saved the big one for the end.

When it was time to go for it, I just stopped thinking rationally and went for it 100%. It’s a risky trick that can hurt when it goes wrong, but is impressive when landed. And I did!!! And that made my the first girl in the history of kiteboarding to land a “Double S-Bend to Blind” in a heat.

Unfortunately it was still not enough for the win, so I finished on a 5th place again, which for now, I’m very happy with. I was not super content with the way they scored my heat, but that’s part of the game with a judging sport. I was, on the other hand, very very proud of the way I rode and my massive accomplishment!
I will post a video of it later for you to see!

Last week marked the third stop of the tour this year. It was a really great two weeks in general, with lots of great kiting, friends, and parties, because yeah.. if you know Tarifa.. there is no getting out of that 😉

I flew to Malaga and rented a car there, where I met up with the girls, to head to Tarifa. We had rented an apartment with ocean view right on the centre of the city with 5 girls. As you can imagine, total madness.

The first couple of days before the comp there was some wind and we had loads of fun sessions with everyone that started arriving. Then, the first few days of the comp there was no wind and we were on standby. The wind was going to change direction to become Levante, so the organisation decided to move the entire competition into the town, where there is an insane spot, perfect for this kind of wind.

The next day the comp was ON. There was incredibly strong wind, and we were soon on our fives and sixes. I was first up against Bruna Kajiya once again and Rita Arnaus. I managed to secure a second place, which meant I was up against Helena Brochocka in the second round. I managed to pass here so I went to the third round against Karolina Winkowska once again. It seems like I’m against the same people in every competition so far!!!

I rode quite well considering the conditions and until the last minute I was definitely leading the heat. Unfortunately for me, Karolina managed to land a sick Slim Chance in the last minute which made the difference. Again a 5th place for me.. Either way, I’m proud of how I rode in these condtitions and am looking forward to keep fighting for that spot on the podium this year!

The big air started after the freestyle was over and the wind was even stronger than the previous days. We were literally almost flying away and I had a lot of trouble keeping my 5.5m in control! I fought hard and managed to pass a few heats, securing a 5th place as well for this discipline.

Now it’s time to focus on the next one which is only one week away! Fuerteventura, we’re coming for ya so prepare yourself!!! 😉

Next up was Germany. A place that is known for its constantly changing weather conditions. And indeed we had it all again this year! My first competition day I was competing on my 13th, the biggest kite I have. The water was quite flat as it was low tide giving me the perfect circumstances to win my first heat.

That put me immediately into the 3rd round where I was up against Hannah Whiteley. This day, however, the wind was blowing like crazy and the water was incredibly choppy and wavy. It was a very tough heat but I was actually extremely happy with my performance and I secured my spot in the semi-finals.

After that I was not able to keep the winning streak going and I kept a 4th spot for the event. I am super happy with this achievement though. It is only my second top 4 this year and that is already way better than I dreamed of in the beginning of the year!!!
So Germany is a wrap, and now it’s time to head home and on to Brazil for some serious training… I can’t wait!!!

People often ask me what the most special place I’ve been to is. Well, since recently, I have a new answer! I got invited by my teammate Susi Mai to a MaiTai event on the island of the one and only Sir Richard Branson! I couldn’t believe that I got the opportunity to visit this place. The MaiTai is and event where entrepreneurs and businesspeople come together to network, promote, and then kite all together. Susi Mai and Bill Tai host this event all around the world but the one on Necker island is definitely one of the most prestigious ones.

Luckily, my amazing sponsor Saba Rock Resort is located only 5 minutes away from Necker with a boat! So of course it was a great opportunity to combine the two. Arriving at Saba Rock I was just so exited. This island is so very tiny but is perfectly set up with new and modern hotel rooms, the best restaurant and bar in the caribbean, and a view that you can’t even imagine, you’re in the middle of multiple other islands where people come in and anchor to Saba for a nice lunch or drink. Paradise? Better!

Then it was time to head to Necker. And arriving there I was blown away. I had never seen anything like it. The luxury, the people, the beauty, just incredible. I had an amazing week meeting lots of nice people, kiting and having the opportunity to shoot with one of the world’s best photographers, John Bilderback, going to insane costume parties, and of course, meeting Richard Branson himself. If I had to describe this entire week to you know, it would be a hundred pages long of me raging about all the craziness I witnessed there. Maybe I should just write an article about it some time… (: For now, here are a few pictures. Hugs!

It was time to get ready for the next upcoming competition, so I decided to head to Egypt a week early to get some training in. With full of equipment for practice and i also don’t forget to bring my shortboard for contest.

I went to Hurghada, a town about 40 minutes from the competition area. Everyone at Tommy Friedl’s pro center welcomed me with open arms and the kitespot was amazing.

After a great week of training and experiencing the Egyptian culture, it was time to head to Soma Bay. The competition spot was amazing. The water was crystal clear and we had loads of wind. The hotel was massive and breakfast, lunch, and dinner was included every day.

The competition didn’t go as well for me as I’d hoped and I finished with a 5th place. However, I am very content with my riding that week and am motivated to keep training and get back on the podium!