UC grad's 'new angle' on snowboarding safety

Laura Edwards

14 October 2011:Snowboarding is popular amongst Australians, but unfortunately it is a sport where devastating spinal injuries can occur. A new device invented by a University of Canberra graduate has now given snowboarders reason to breathe a little easier.

‘A new angle’ is a spinal protection brace created by industrial design graduate Nick Galli. The device, designed specifically for snowboarders, is worn inside a compression vest. It acts as an armour for the spine, protecting against hyperextension, bashing and falls; without compromising on the wearer’s ability to use a full range of movement.

Mr Galli says since injuries to the spine can be life threatening, he was surprised to find there was nothing on the market that protects snowboarders from spinal injury. He wanted to create something that would allow snowboarders to feel more at ease.

“My invention could potentially reduce the injury rates of snowboarders on the slopes, while also offering peace of mind to the user,” he said.

“My design will give the boarder the reassurance to always push their ability to the next level.”

A model demonstrates how to wear the spinal brace.

An avid snowboarder himself, Mr Galli says the inspiration for his unique idea was driven by his own concerns and experiences.

“As a keen snowboarder I was already familiar with the current problems associated with the sport,” he said.

“After researching snowboarding trends, habits and every other aspect of snowboarding and its culture, a few problems seemed to arise. First being the high injury rates in snowboarding and secondly the lack of specific safety equipment available to snowboarders.”

Mr Galli’s design was his final year University major project. After receiving excellent feedback from his teachers Mr Galli entered the invention in the Australian James Dyson awards, where the design was shortlisted.

The device soon received interest from the ABC's popular ‘New Inventors’ program, and Mr Galli was invited to appear on the show with his invention. He says this gave him terrific exposure.

“Since airing on the show on 6 July I have had a lot of positive feedback, not only from snowboarders but also other sports including equestrian, skim boarders, a semi-pro downhill mountain bike rider, long boarders, surfers and skiers who also complain about their current spinal protection,” he said.

“‘New Inventors’ really put my product out to the rest of Australia. After this I was contacted by [global PR company] Weber Shandwick who invited me to represent Australia as one of five hand selected Australian pioneers for a campaign called ‘One day you will.’ The campaign aims to inspire people across Australia to pursue their own dreams and fulfil their own pioneering ambitions.”

Since graduating from his degree late last year, Mr Galli has worked as a designer for ExhibitionCo in Sydney.

The 23 year old credits his design studies at the University as a factor in his success.

“The lectures at UC are some of the best in Australia and maybe across the world,” he said.

“I developed a really good relationship with all of the Industrial Design staff. The smaller class sizes really allow for the students to have a lot more one on one time with the staff and this really helps in the field of design. My studies at UC have helped in the way I approach briefs through to concepts and I use these same methods I was taught at UC today in my job. In a nutshell, UC has helped with my success.”

Mr Galli is currently in the process of looking into manufacture and sales for ‘A new angle’.