Snowmobile Riding Safety

Riding snowmobiles is great fun. But what makes them fun also makes them dangerous. You are riding a high-powered vehicle in rough weather and terrain conditions...usually at top speeds of course! Here at Specialty Recreation & Marine, we care about safety. That's why we made the following guide to staying safe on a snowmobile. For all your snowmobile needs, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington. 

Clothing

You'll be heading out into a harsh environment - you need the proper clothing to shield yourself from plummeting temperatures. The key here is layering. It'll keep you warmer than throwing one on a bulky piece of outerwear. It also gives you the option of removing clothing if it gets hotter. This is important not just for comfort's sake, but because sweating from too many layers can actually put you at risk for hypothermia.

For your base layers, you can wear long underclothing, a thick shirt, and a down vest. Your outerwear should be windproof and waterproof. You'll also want a pair of snow pants, snow boots, and heavily insulated gloves. For most conditions, this will be enough to keep you warm. But if you are expecting subzero temperatures, you'll want a few more layers.

Beyond protecting your skin, you will also need to protect your head. A well-fitting helmet is crucial. It'll guard you in case of fall from a log, branch or rock. You also need to guard your eyes with a pair of goggles. The strap keeps them secure on your face in a crash. Be sure that your model offers anti-fog coating and ultraviolet spectrum protection. 

Equipment 

Sometimes, minor maintenance issues crop up during a ride. These don't have to be solved by a professional, but you will need the proper tools to get your snowmobile up and running like normal. Most snowmobiles offer plenty of storage, so it's easy to pack along the tools. Take a medium-sized Phillips-head screwdriver, a crescent wrench, and an Allen wrench. 

While you're packing your snowmobile, throw in plenty of water. Snowmobiling is a physical activity that is dehydrating. Take plenty of breaks and rehydrate so you can stay focused and healthy.

Take Precautions

You can't take every risk out of snowmobiling, but you certainly can reduce the risks. Start by checking the weather before every trip. You never want to head out in a storm! If there is even a chance of a storm, stay home and stay safe. Your snowmobile isn't made for extreme conditions (and neither are you!)

If you are good to head out on your trip, be sure to tell someone your location and expected return time. That way, if something goes wrong they can tell rescuers where to look.

Finally, be cautious with ice. If at all possible, avoid going over it. It's hard to tell how thick the ice is or how deep the water below it runs. Remember that the ice will be at different levels of thickness at different points in the body of water. Ice in the middle is thinner. It's because the edges tend to freeze first and freeze thicker. Keep in mind as well what the weather has been like the past few days. If temperatures have been rising, it increases the chance of thin, dangerous spots. Stay off the ice and stay safe!

If you are looking to buy a snowmobile, visit Specialty Recreation & Marine. We offer a range of new and used snowmobiles for sale. We proudly serve those in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington. Stop by today!