Equipment

A new study examines the 12 most common misconceptions about skiing safety and equipment, including that parents should buy boots for their kids leaving plenty of room for fast-growing feet (the truth is that poor fitting boots are a major factor leading to lower leg fractures and sprains in young children) and that rental equipment isn't as safe as purchased equipment (fact: rental equipment is safer because it is inspected much more frequently).

Whether you've laced up the skates, snapped on the skis or buckled up the boots for an afternoon of winter fun, the National Athletic Trainers' Association reminds you to check your equipment to ensure you've got the right fit for outdoor sports and recreational activities.