Snowboard Wrist Guards & Wrist Protection for Impact

For injury prevention while riding, you should choose a dedicated snowboard wrist guard or wrist protector. These guards are specifically engineered with rigid splints (on the palm and/or back of the hand) to withstand high-impact falls. A standard wrist brace is typically designed for treating existing conditions like Carpal Tunnel and offers minimal protection against the impact of a hard fall.

The best wrist guards for snowboarding are designed to be low-profile enough to fit comfortably under your gloves or mittens. However, they will take up space, so you may need gloves that are slightly looser or intended for use with internal wrist protection. Always look for guards labeled as "low-profile" or "ergonomic" for the best compatibility.

Snowboard wrist guards prevent the common FOOSH (Fall On Outstretched Hand) injury by stabilizing the wrist joint. They use rigid supports (splints) that limit the wrist's movement, preventing it from extending or flexing past its safe range upon impact, thereby distributing the force up the forearm instead of concentrating it on the delicate wrist bones.

The vast majority of modern snowboard wrist guards are designed to be worn inside the gloves, against the skin or over a thin base layer. This placement offers the most stability and prevents the guard from interfering with your snow gear or catching on the snow.