Sliding is an intensive physical activity. You don’t just get up off the couch and decide to slide. A Slider takes the time to prepare for his job by practicing and stretching. Failure to train and stretch leads to injuries.
This is important and worth repeating: Failure to train and stretch leads to injuries. In the best of scenarios injuries are a part of the job, Do Not make things worse by failing to stretch and practice. Besides which you only get better by practicing and trying new stunts in front of guests is not a good idea, someone will get hurt, the show will suffer.
You are going to sweat. Sliding is an intensive physical workout. You will sweat in shorts and a tank top, you will be drenched when wearing a full costume. Your Body will be losing Fluids quickly. So make sure you have access to water or Gatorade or the like (not energy drinks-the sugars, caffeine, and other metabolism boosters might not be good for you when you are already redlining your body).
Sliders in Warm Climates need to be on the watch for heat stroke, while for sliders in the Midwest and northern areas, heavy sweating can be dangerous in the exceedingly cold temperatures the occur late in the season. Take care of yourself and be aware of the physical nature of your performance.
If you are unfamiliar with the signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and hypothermia please research them and keep an eye on not only your condition, but also that of your fellow sliders.
As I said before Injuries happen even when things are going great. Always wear your proper gear. Make certain all your straps are fastened, all your laces are tied, all your costume pieces secured. This will help minimize your risks. But you will still fall down. You will skin your knee, you will skin your elbow, you will overwork your quads, you will bump into something solid, You will be sore the next day. As in any athletic opportunity, be aware of this, be prepared. And when it happens (not if) deal with it appropriately.
...
Disclaimer: Sliding is a dangerous sport/stunt. Even with the best protective gear there is a high likelihood of injury. Usually this will be scapes and soreness, but it is possible that more serious injuries can occur including but not limited to sprains, broken bones, pulled muscles, concussion, etc. We at Slider Gear Online provide this information and equipment for you to use at your own risk. We offer neither guaranty to your safety nor liability in the event of injury, property damage, or legal issues related to your use of our information or equipment.
We entreat you to use proper equipment, proper technique, and proper attitude when sliding. Never slide around motor vehicles or in uncontrolled situations. Do not slide on Private Property without permission.
Throwing yourself on the ground is dangerous and we hope that you use our information and common sense to make your experience as safe as possible. Good luck, stay safe, have fun.
Copyright Notice: All Images, Words, and Intellectual Property contained in this collection of pages, collectively known as slidergearonline.com, moonhowler.com and moonhowlerproductions.com, is Copyright Joel B. Talacko, 1999-2009, All Rights Reserved. Any images not expressly created by MoonHowler Productions are used with permission from holder of copyright.