Why Ski Helmets are "Cool" and 3 Rules To Live By
The High Fives Foundation, a non-profit that, in part, supports athletes after life-changing injuries, has a message for skiers and snowboarders: helmets are cool.
To get the word out, High Fives released a three-part documentary, tapping professional skier Xander Guldman alongside experts in medicine and helmet design.
“Helmet use isn’t about fear…it’s about confidence, respect, and longevity,” said High Fives Foundation director of programs, Dani Trujillo, in a news release. “With #HelmetsAreCool, we’re combining real athlete experiences, medical expertise, and innovation to empower people to make smart decisions that protect their brains and keep them doing what they love.”
Tap or click to watch the full 9-minute video below. Jump ahead to the 2:45-mark for Guldman's '3 Rules of a Wise Adventurer'.
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The short film is part of High Fives’ Being Aware Safe in Critical Situations, or B.A.S.I.C.S, program, which aims to prevent serious injuries before they happen.
It also arrives just ahead of Ski California Safety Day, an event that promotes responsible skiing and snowboarding behaviors across resorts in California and Nevada. That day, on January 24, High Fives will be in the Palisades Tahoe Village, showing their new movie.
Roy Tuscany, who recovered after suffering a spinal cord injury while pursuing a career as a professional skier, founded High Fives in 2009. The organization has since supported more than 1,000 athletes.
Xander Guldman's 3 Rules of a Wise Adventurer
- Protect Your Brain
- Learn From Every Fall
- Ride Another Day
Courtesy High Fives
Its Empowerment Fund helps cover adaptive sports equipment and living costs, among other expenses. The fund, according to the organization, also distributes something else that’s important: “High fives,” or “positive outlook, energy,” and “attitude.”
Trevor Kennison, the professional adaptive skier known for landing the first-ever sit-ski double backflip, is one of High Five’s best-known athletes.
“High Fives has had a massive impact on my life after my injury!” he told one of his sponsors, Darn Tough, in an interview. “They got me started in sit skiing and so many other sports—they’re the reason I am where I am today. I’m very grateful for everything they have done for me and so many athletes like me.”