Use Your Helmet, Not Your Head"

Boarding, biking, blading, - outfitting the kids has taken on a whole new dimension. Number one on the to do" list should be check out protective gear," particularly helmets to protect sensitive developing brains.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steve Dubin, PR Works, (781) 878-9533, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Use Your Helmet, Not Your Head"
Timely Tips on Kids Helmets from the Experts
at Snowshack.com and Hardheadedsports.com

DATELINE: DOVER, MA, ISSUED August 9, 2002...Boarding, biking, blading, - outfitting the kids has taken on a whole new dimension. Number one on the to do" list should be check out protective gear," particularly helmets to protect sensitive developing brains.

But use your head in choosing a helmet.

Helmets have become an integral part of kids day to day sporting activities," notes George Hall, co-founder of www.snowshack.com, the definitive website for all snow sport accessories. Weve even added a sister site www.hardheadedsports.com to address the growing need for specialized gear in a variety of sports" adds www.snowshack.com co-founder David Laidman.

Headlining Helmets

Worldwide, advocates for helmet use in childrens sports have taken a strong stance in their effort to reduce head injuries. In the U.S. 20 states have bicycle helmet laws on the books for children, while the International Inline Skating Association supports legislation requiring persons under the age of 18 to wear helmets while inline skating, and strongly recommends voluntary use of helmets by all skaters.

France recently launched a nationwide campaign to promote ski helmets for children and, back in the U.S., both the Aspen Skiing Company and Crested Butte have announced that all ski and snowboard students age 12 and younger are required to wear helmets while attending lessons. In another example of the growing emphasis on helmets, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommends using a bicycle helmet while on a scooter.

Helmet Dos and Donts

Having established that helmets are a good idea, what do you do next? Sports savvy George Hall of www.snowshack.com and www.hardheaded sports.com offers a short comprehensive list of Dos and Donts for parents:
·   Dont buy a helmet thats too big and think that your kid will grow into it."
·   Do make sure the helmet fits properly. It should be level and rest solidly on the head, snug enough that when you rock it back and forth it doesnt fall over a childs eyes or off the back of their head."
·   Dont use an adult helmets for kids."
·   Do fit goggles or eyewear comfortably inside the face opening, with ear wells aligned over the ears for the best sound reception."
·   Dont use a helmet that pinches, creates hotspots, or pressure points. Remember, kids heads are still growing!"
·   Do check to be sure the helmet isnt so tight that its causing headaches or yanking on your childs hair when they turn their head."
·   Dont let kids re-use their helmet after a ski or bicycle crash without having it examined by a professional at a ski or bike shop! Ski and bicycle helmets are designed to be single impact helmets and their styrofoam core may become compressed in an accident."
·   Do upgrade helmets every few years since plastics and composites break down over time, especially when exposed to the sun at high altitudes."

Tips for Choosing A Helmet Online

David Laidman of www.snowshack.com and www.hardheadedsports.com
offers tips for online helmet shopping at their sites. First, determine what type of helmet your youngster needs. We carry bike/BMX helmets, which are also appropriate for inline skating, as well as whitewater rafting and kayaking helmets for kids at our www.hardheadedsports.com site, while www.snowshack.com features skiing and snowboarding helmets for kids."

To find the right size helmet, you need to measure the size of your childs head. Take a tailor's measuring tape and measure their head above the top of the ears and just above their eyebrows. Make sure you measure the largest part of the head. The tape should be snug but not pulled tight. Then use the online chart to convert inches to centimeters. Sizes are listed in a range of centimeters, fitting pads and straps provide the final adjustments.

This year www.snowshack.com will carry the brand-new Boeri Apollo junior helmet with a lightweight shell, comfortable fit, passive venting and a room-to-grow feature - a removable padding band inside the helmet. Boeri is also introducing a completely rebranded snowboard-specific line of helmets, which will also be available at www.snowshack.com.

www.snowshack.com and www.hardheadedsports.com

SnowShack started with a mission -- to offer the broadest selection of brand name ski accessories available on the internet (or anywhere else for that matter!). In their quest for perfection, SnowShack co-founders George Hall and David Laidman have made SnowShack a top rated Yahoo site, receiving the coveted five star top service award for excellence in providing outstanding products, with quick shipping and timely customer response. Offering a broad line of ski and snowsport accessories, including the largest selection of ski, boot, and travel/cargo/ luggage bags on the internet, SnowShack has also received a Safe Shopping Network Excellent Rating. SnowShack features real time availability of products, and same day shipping when orders are place by 12 noon EST.

Hall and Laidman, always eager to please, have added a new division of SnowShack, www.hardheadedsports.com, with the goal of becoming THE internet provider of helmets for outdoor enthusiasts. Their latest site will provide the same high level of customer service and support as SnowShack. Orders can be placed online at www.snowshack.com, www.hardheadedsports.com, or faxed to 508-785-0501. Customer service can also be reached by calling, toll free, 1-87-SnowShack (877-669-7422), or by emailing sales@snowshack.com.