By Cameron Manthe
I know you are eager to get out there and begin shredding, but skateboarding can be a dangerous activity and taking the proper precautions can ensure your enjoyment for the long haul. Let's go over some general safety tips for your well-being and others.
Protective gear is a must for beginners. Rarely will you see professionals wear these items or even your peers, but they can be crucial in your learning phase when you may not be as comfortable on board and are more prone to falling. Start with some simple equipment like a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Wrist protectors are also handy since you may be tempted to stop your fall by sticking out your arms at first. While you'll eventually learn to fall more safely, these items can protect you early on.
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| Skater wearing full set of pads. Photo by Daniel Torobekov. |
This equipment can protect you from the relentless concrete. As you gain confidence, you can choose to take the risk of losing these items, but I recommend to at least to use a helmet regularly.
Head injuries account for a significant amount of hospitalizations related to skateboarding and wearing a helmet can reduce this risk of serious injury. There is no shame in it. I've smacked my head a few times and wished I had been wearing a helmet after these incidents.
Most of this equipment can be purchased relatively cheap, and is definitely less expensive than a hospital bill. It can be found on sites like Amazon or in physical stores like Walmart or your local skate shop.
Skateparks can be busy places and people at these parks are generally moving fast with limited ability to just stop on a whim. Always make sure to stay clear of busy routes and where others are going. Make sure if you are standing idle that you are in a spot that is out of the way. Collisions are dangerous for everyone involved. While this does occasionally happen, it can be greatly reduced by situational awareness.
Frequently a runaway skateboard will go across the park, out of control, and to warn others typically you will hear "board!" shouted. This means to be on the lookout so you don't get struck by one. A frequent trend is the use of earbuds at skate parks. While skating to music is definitely fun, I recommend if you use them to only use them in one ear so you can hear what is going on around you. It is always best to keep your eyes and ears open.
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| Standard skateboard warning sticker. Photo by Cameron Manthe. |
While skateboarding is an excellent way to push your limits, make sure to skate within your abilities. Progression takes time and it is not necessary to immediately take on the biggest ramp at the park. You will get to use it before you know it, but until then make sure to develop your skills on smaller obstacles until you are comfortable enough to expand to the rest of the park.
Above all remember to have fun as that's what this activity is all about. When done safely, skateboarding can be enjoyable and rewarding.
"Factors Influencing Helmet Use, Head Injury, and Hospitalization Among Children Involved in Skateboarding and Snowboarding Accidents"
Photo by Daniel Torobekov from Pexels:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-teenager-on-skateboard-in-street-5764964/
Skateboard Pads on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Skateboarding+Protective+Gear&rh=n%3A3416271&ref=nb_sb_noss
Skateboard Pads at Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/search?q=Skateboarding+protective+gear
Warning Label Photo by Cameron Manthe
Great advice!
ReplyDeleteI had these little hand wrap pads that protect your wrists from slapping on the ground , so cool
ReplyDelete