Groveland Twp. – For Nick Compeau, winter snow means hitting the slopes. And the jumps.
Snowboarding is a favorite powder sport for Nick, 17, of Goodrich. Although he’s been skiing longer, Nick finds snowboards more of a kick.
‘It’s just something different,? he said. ‘I like it better than skiing.?
Nick’s not alone.
‘There’s a demand for snowboarding much more than skiing,? says Kurt Payne, a snowboarding instructor at Mt. Holly Ski Area.
‘It’s mostly a younger crowd, but I’ve taught lessons with students 55 years old,? said Payne, who has snowboarded for 13 years. ‘It’s not really as difficult as people make it out to be.?
Skateboard and wakeboard experience can be useful in snowboarding, a snow sport in which a single monopod-like board is attached to snowboard boots via bindings.
A skiing background isn’t necessary to learn the sport.
‘There’s a lot of crossover in both directions,? said Payne. ? It can be helpful or confusing.?
Although snowboarding represented only 28.1 percent of total ski visits nationally last year, the sport’s jumped 5.1 percent over the previous year, according to the National Ski Areas Association.
A growing sport means dealing with different injuries. Snowboarders typically hurt wrists and ankles, while skiiers often injure knees. Overall, skiing has become safer during the past three decades, with injuries declining 50 percent.
Snowboarding injuries, however, are on the rise, up from 3.37 to 6.97 per 1,000 visits over the past 10 years (see http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa2002/_ safety.asp’mode=the_facts).
Of emergency runs made from Mt. Holly to Genesys Regional Medical Center by the Groveland Township Fire Department, 80 percent involve snowboarders, said Groveland battalion chief Pat Stamper.
In terms of fatal injuries, snowboarding is safer than skiing, with a fatality rate of 0.46 deaths compared to 0.70 deaths per million days of participation for skiing, according to the NSAA.
Along with high risk behavior, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission attributes snowboard injuries to lack of skill or instruction among novice boarders.
Although Nick is mainly self-taught, he completed classes to allow him to snowboard on different hills.
Beginners at Mt. Holly don’t need a tow rope or chair lift, says Payne.
‘We go up far enough to have 20 to 30 feet of sliding room, and progress as they gain ability.?
‘It’s really frustrating at first, but once you get the hang of it it’s really fun,? said Nick.
For more information on snowboarding, log on to the American Association of Snowboard Instructors Web site at www.aasi.org, or to the site for the Professional Ski Instructors of America at www.psia.org.

The right stuff:
Want to snowboard? Here’s what you’ll need:
‘Good quality snowboard, boots, and bindings, professionally fitted
‘Inner clothing layers: start with polypropylene, covered with a turtleneck and sweater.
‘Outer clothing layers: a hat or headband, gloves or mittens, and outerwear that’s water- and wind-proof, fits well, has a windflap, snug cuffs, and a collar that closes up to the neck.
‘A good-fitting helmet is always recommended.
‘Sun protection: Sunglasses or goggles, and sunblock.
‘For children: Keep list in waterproof pocket with trail map, instructor’s name, your contact information and a pre-designated meeting point in case you’re separated.
‘Work necessary muscles ahead of time.

Safety tips:
‘Stay in control
‘Those in front of you have the right-of-way
‘Stop in a place that’s safe for you and others
‘Look uphill and yield when starting a run or merging
‘Use devices to prevent runaway equipment
‘Observe signs/warnings and keep off closed trails
‘Know how to use lifts safely