• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.497-508
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• 2019

Snowboarder accidents at ski resorts are increasing; therefore, it is essential to wear protective wrist, hip and knee protectors when snowboarding. However, most studies focus on the improvement of gear or expansion of safety facilities with few studies on protectors that directly safeguard the body from accidents caused by tumbling. Protectors currently on the market do not properly consider the needs of the users. Therefore, this study investigates the reality of usage and satisfaction rate of those that use snowboarding protectors along with factors deemed important upon wearing them to provide the grounds for the development of comfortable protectors. Subjects were 1,058 adults in their 20s to 40s. First, a survey was conducted regarding demographic traits as well as the wearing and purchasing of protectors. Second, 325 people that purchased and wore protectors were investigated in regards to the wearing satisfaction rate of current commercial protectors. The results showed that 86% of the 1,058 subjects wore protectors; knee protectors (72%), hip protectors (57%) and wrist protectors (38%). Important factors upon purchasing and wearing satisfaction were studied according to demographic traits, snowboarding experience, and number of snowboard rides for one season. As a result, the damage rate increased along with the number of snowboard rides for one season. Important factors considered when purchasing varied significantly according to sex, age, snowboarding experience, and favored slopes. The results of this study will help in the design of comfortable protectors for snowboarders.