You are hitting the slopes on your snowboard, the glistening snow crunching beneath you, the icy wind whipping past your face, and one thought occurs – do I really need goggles for this? In this article, we’re exploring that critical question for every snowboarding enthusiast. While goggles might seem like another accessory to think about, they offer practical benefits that can make your snowboarding adventure more pleasurable, safer, and less hindered by the elements. Some are skeptical, while others swear by their goggles – so let’s uncover the truth on whether you need to add goggles to your snowboarding gear.
When you’re shredding down the slopes, the last thing you want is an impediment to your vision. Snowboarding is an exciting sport, but it also requires your full attention and clarity of sight.
Understanding the basics
Snowboarding demands a balance of skill, precision, and awareness of your surroundings. Sun, snow, wind, and occasional debris can disrupt your visual field and snowboarding experience. Therefore, protecting your eyes is critical in the same way as wearing the right boots or helmet.
Effects of UV rays on eyes
The mountains’ high elevations and the snow’s reflective nature make your eyes more vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Continuous exposure to UV rays can lead to conditions like photokeratitis, a painful eye condition that’s essentially sunburn to the eye, and even long-term damage such as cataracts or cancer.
Potential hazards while snowboarding
Besides UV rays, you’ve got various hazards on the slopes to consider. Unexpected gusts of wind, sudden snowfall, or ice particles can create discomfort or even injure your eyes. Not to mention branches or other natural elements that might cross your path. High-speed impacts can lead to serious injuries if your eyes are not properly shielded.
The Role of Goggles in Snowboarding
Where sunblock and helmets take care of your skin and head, snowboarding goggles are your eyes’ best ally.
Vision clarity
The best snowboarding goggles enhance your vision clarity by reducing glare and improving contrast. They allow you to distinguish elements in your path much more accurately, hence preventing accidents.
Shielding from external elements
Wearing goggles provides a protective barrier against external elements. They shield your eyes from cold wind, snow, ice, and the sun, giving you more comfort and the ability to focus on your run.
Safety from injuries
Snowboarding goggles are also designed to protect against possible debris or branches on the slopes. If you have a fall or collide, they can help reduce the risk of direct eye injuries.
Comparing Goggles and Sunglasses for Snowboarding
While both goggles and sunglasses offer certain levels of protection and comfort, their suitability may depend on conditions and personal preference.
Pros and cons of goggles
Goggles offer exceptional shield against elements, better peripheral vision, and generally more comfortable fit over the face for prolonged use. However, they can be bulky and may fog up if not well ventilated.
Pros and cons of sunglasses
Sunglasses are simpler, lighter, and may provide a more ‘natural’ perspective on the run. They are great for sunny days with little wind. The downside is they offer less coverage, less protection from wind or particles, and may not fit securely during dynamic movement.
Factors influencing choice
When choosing between the two, consider factors such as weather conditions, your level of activity, and comfort preferences. Other factors could include helmet compatibility and the kind of vision enhancement they offer.
Key Features to Look For in Snowboarding Goggles
When selecting goggles, some features add more value to your experience.
UV protection
At high altitudes, a higher percentage of harmful UV rays reach the ground. Look for goggles that provide 100% UV protection, shielding your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays.
Ventilation and fog prevention
Well-ventilated goggles help minimize fogging that can blur your view. Some have fog-resistant coatings or electric fans; others have design elements like vents that prevent fog build-up.
Lens color and light transmission
Different lens colors and tints offer varying levels of light transmission and contrast. For example, amber and yellow tints improve contrast, so they’re good for overcast conditions. Dark tints (like black or gray) are more suitable for bright, sunny conditions.
Selecting Goggles based on Weather Conditions
Goggles for sunny weather
On bright, sunny days, choose goggles with lenses that reduce light transmission. Dark-colored lenses like gray, brown, or mirrored ones can help shield your eyes from intense sunlight.
Goggles for cloudy weather
For overcast or low-light conditions, you need lenses that enhance contrast. Colors like yellow, gold, amber, or light rose can help you better distinguish elements in the snow.
Interchangeable lenses for varying conditions
Having interchangeable lenses offers the flexibility you often need in changing weather conditions. Being able to switch lenses means you’ll always have an optimal visual experience, no matter the weather.
Goggles and Helmet Compatibility in Snowboarding
Importance of a good fit
A mismatched helmet and goggles can create a gap that lets in wind and snow, or they can pinch uncomfortably and impair your vision. Compatibility and proper fit are essential for comfort and functionality.
Matching your goggles with your helmet
When matching goggles and helmets, look for models from the same brand—they’re often designed to fit together. Alternatively, take your helmet along when you’re shopping for goggles to ensure a good match.
Potential problems to avoid
Avoid getting goggles that are too large for your helmet or that have a strap that’s too tight or too loose. These can cause discomfort, disrupt your vision, and even pose safety hazards.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Snowboarding Goggles
Goggles are an investment that needs care for their best performance and long life.
Proper handling
Handle your goggles gently to avoid scratching the lens or damaging the frame. Store them in a protective case when not in use.
Cleaning your lenses
Always use a soft, clean cloth to wipe your lenses. Avoid rubbing hard, as it might scratch and affect vision clarity.
Storage tips
Store your goggles in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup. Refrain from exposing them to extreme temperatures, as it might deteriorate the lens coating.
Common Problems and Solutions When Using Goggles for Snowboarding
No matter the quality of your goggles, you might occasionally face some issues.
Fogging issues
If your goggles are fogging up despite the anti-fog coating, try improving air circulation by adjusting the ventilation system or moving them away from your face for a few moments.
Ill-fitting goggles
A pair that doesn’t fit right can cause discomfort and impaired vision. Solve this by adjusting the strap or getting a different size or model that suits you better.
Poor visibility hues
If visibility is poor, it might be because your lenses aren’t suitable for the conditions. In this case, consider switching to a lens with a different color or light transmission level.
Choosing Your Goggles: Buying Vs Renting
You have the option to either purchase your own pair or rent one every time you hit the slopes.
Benefits of owning your goggles
Owning your own set means you can select a pair that perfectly fits you and can handle your specific needs. You also save time as you won’t have to find and adjust a new pair each time.
Pros and cons of renting
Renting can be a good option if you’re just starting out or if you only snowboard occasionally. But the downsides include the lack of consistency and the potential that they may not be the best fit for you.
Considerations before making a choice
Consider factors like how often you snowboard, your budget, and whether you find the perfect fit in your rental options before deciding.
Recap: Why You Need Goggles for Snowboarding
In conclusion, snowboarding goggles are a non-negotiable for any enthusiast.
Enhanced visual clarity
A great pair of goggles ensures enhanced visual clarity while snowboarding. This not only improves your performance but also makes the experience more enjoyable.
Improved safety and comfort
In addition to boosting your visual clarity, goggles provide a buffer against possible injuries. They shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, wind, snow, and possible debris.
Fostering a full snowboarding experience
Owning a well-fitting pair of goggles that suit the weather conditions and are compatible with your helmet enhances your overall experience. They reduce unnecessary challenges, letting you focus on the thrill of snowboarding. Remember, the perfect pair is what stands between you and a perfect ride!
Hello, we're part of the editorial team, alongside Jamie. We're absolutely thrilled to be sharing our expertise, reviews and useful outdoor tips with you.
