Md Ismail HossenEssential Safety Gear for Skateboarding Beginners.
Taking up skateboarding as a new hobby can be thrilling but also nerve-wracking for beginners. Mastering skateboarding skills requires time and practice. However, safety should be the top priority before riding. This guide covers essential safety gear for skateboarding beginners. It allows them to skate safely while learning.
Table of Contents
Helmet- Safety Gear for Skateboarding
The first and most vital piece of safety equipment for rookie skateboarders is a helmet. A quality skateboarding helmet has an impact-absorbing liner. It also has a hard outer shell to protect the head. A general rule is to follow ASTM F1492 standards. These are safety standards for skateboarding and trick roller skating.
When properly fitted, a skate helmet covers the forehead well and does not shift or rock. The chin strap should be snug enough so that the helmet stays on if it gets scraped along the ground during a fall.
Wearing a helmet is crucial for skateboarding. It helps prevent traumatic brain injuries from skateboarding accidents.
Knee and Elbow Pads
After the helmet, knee, and elbow pads are essential for shielding joints that commonly hit the ground first. Thicker, hard shell pads provide the best protection and durability for new skaters. Softer pads may be more comfortable but tend to wear out faster with repeated falls.
When worn properly, skating knee and elbow pads will stay in place without restrictive pinching. Look for pads with adjustable straps and flexible, articulated shaping to allow full mobility. Breathable fabric prevents excess sweat. The slip-resistant lining keeps pads from shifting.
Some skaters wear padded compression sleeves. They wear them under knee pads and elbow pads for extra joint protection. Other optional padding includes hip pads and padded shorts. Padded shirts under normal clothing also provide extra protection.
Wrist Guards- Safety Gear for Skateboarding
Wrist injuries are very common in skateboarding. They often occur while learning basic tricks and balancing. Quality wrist guards have splint-like palm shields. They also have adjustable straps to stabilize the wrists during falls.
For flexibility, use molded plastic or rigid leather wrist guards. They allow better board feel and control than bulkier designs.
Full wraparound wrist guards have extra padding over the wrist bones. This distributes impact while maintaining mobility. When strapped on snugly, wrist guards should not slide around or come loose during falls.
Slide Gloves
Slide gloves are vital safety gear for skateboarding. They are especially important when beginners start attempting slides, grinds, and tricks. Slide gloves are also called puck gloves or freestyle gloves. They allow skaters to slide instead of scraping knuckles during falls.
The pointers and palms of slide gloves are made of durable material like plastic, dense rubber, or leather hide. Breathable mesh backs improve ventilation and fit. Slide gloves have adjustable Velcro wrist closures.
Properly fitted, they allow full finger dexterity while protecting hands. High-quality slide gloves are a wise investment. They save beginners from painful skin abrasions as skills progress.
Footwear- Safety Gear for Skateboarding
Supportive shoes with good grip minimize nasty ankle rolls and impacts from slamming feet into the board or ground. Skate shoes have vulcanized rubber soles. They have more padding than thin canvas sneakers. Abrasion-resistant layers guard against wearing holes at the sides.
Lace-up ankle support prevents feet from slipping. It reinforces stability for a beginner board feel. Look for skate shoes with reinforced insoles. Choose ones with cushioning that still allows board control.
Alternatively, some rookie skaters prefer flexible skateboarding boots for more ankle coverage. Break them in well before attempting tricks to prevent restricted motion.
Safety Gear Maintenance
Besides just having protective gear, keeping it all in good condition is equally critical for safety. Inspect equipment before each use and replace anything that shows signs of excessive wear and tear. Helmets should be replaced after any major impact, even if no exterior damage is visible.
Check that buckles, straps, and closures work properly so pads do not loosen mid-skate. Keep metal/plastic hardware free of grime. This allows it to slide smoothly instead of jamming.
If safety gear for skateboarding gets sweat-soaked, lay it out. Allow it to dry completely to prevent bacteria buildup. Periodically hand wash fabric parts in mild detergent and rinse out helmet liners.
More Useful Safety Tips
Wear bright, reflective colors for visibility around cars. Avoid skating alone, especially while still learning. Master speed checking, turning, and stopping skills before trying hills or busy areas.
Scope out unfamiliar skate spots beforehand for debris and other hazards. Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen, especially on longer weekend jam sessions.
Know general first aid for minor rolled ankles, scrapes, or sore muscles from repeated falls. Serious injuries like head, neck, or back trauma need immediate emergency care. Avoid tricks far above your skill level. This prevents dangerous crashes resulting in fractures or concussions.
In a nutshell, skateboarding opens up a thrilling new world once basic skills click. Mastering skateboarding safely as a beginner depends on helmet use. It also depends on wearing pads to prevent bruises from wipeouts. Protecting knees, elbows, and wrists prevents early game-ending injuries too.
Broken bones and sprains heal eventually – traumatic head and brain damage can leave permanent impairment.
Invest in quality, comfortable Safety Gear for Skateboarding upfront. This allows rookie skaters to push limits without fearing falls. The progression feels far more rewarding than painful. Once basics are dialed in, shedding some pads eventually feeds that adrenaline rush of rolling free.
But ingraining the helmet habit from the start prevents a lifetime of regret later. Using protective gear keeps skaters safe. It allows them to enjoy the sport for years at all levels.
Md Ismail Hossen
