Safety Gear: What To Wear When Skateboarding!
Skateboarding safety gear is designed to protect you from falls, collisions, and impacts. Without it, you risk serious injuries that can affect your quality of life, cause long-term health problems, and prevent you from enjoying your favorite sport. By wearing the right safety gear, you can reduce the likelihood of injury and continue skateboarding safely for years to come.
In this article, we will cover the essential safety gear that every skateboarder should wear, including helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and footwear. We will provide guidelines on how to choose the right size and fit, how to properly wear and adjust each piece of gear, and how to maintain it to ensure maximum protection.
So, if you're a skateboarder looking to stay safe on your board, keep reading to learn more about the importance of safety gear and how to choose the right gear for your needs.
"The Importance of Helmets for Skateboarding Safety"
Skateboard Helmets
When it comes to skateboarding safety, helmets are perhaps the most important piece of protective gear that a skater can wear. According to statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics, head injuries account for more than 60% of skateboarding-related emergency department visits. Wearing a properly fitting and adjusted helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injury and protect the brain from potentially life-threatening trauma.
There are several different types of helmets available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for skateboarding. The most common types of helmets include multi-sport helmets, bicycle helmets, and skateboarding helmets. Multi-sport helmets are designed to be used for a variety of different activities, such as rollerblading, skateboarding, and cycling. Bicycle helmets are designed specifically for use while cycling and may not offer adequate protection for skateboarding. Skateboarding helmets are specifically designed with the needs of skateboarders in mind, offering increased protection in the back of the head and a more durable shell to withstand the impact of falls.
When choosing a helmet for skateboarding, it is important to consider the size and fit. A helmet that is too loose may not offer adequate protection in the event of a fall, while a helmet that is too tight may be uncomfortable to wear and cause headaches. To choose the right size helmet, measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows and choose a helmet that corresponds to that measurement. It is also important to try on the helmet before purchasing it to ensure a proper fit.
Once you have chosen a helmet that fits properly, it is important to know how to wear and adjust it for maximum protection. The helmet should sit level on the head and cover the forehead, with the chin strap securely fastened. The helmet should not move around on the head and should not obstruct vision or hearing. It is important to check the fit of the helmet periodically, as it may become loose or shift during use.
Knee and Elbow Pads
Knee and elbow pads are essential safety gear for any skateboarder. They provide protection for some of the most vulnerable areas of the body, preventing injuries that can be painful and take a long time to heal. In this section, we will go over the different types of knee and elbow pads available, how to choose the right size and fit, and how to properly wear and adjust them for maximum protection.
Types of Knee and Elbow Pads There are two main types of knee and elbow pads: hard shell and soft shell. Hard shell pads are made of a hard plastic outer shell with foam padding on the inside. They provide the highest level of protection and are recommended for skateboarders who engage in high-risk activities such as vert skateboarding or jumping down stairs. Soft shell pads, on the other hand, are made of a softer, more flexible material, such as neoprene or Lycra. They are more comfortable to wear for extended periods and are suitable for skateboarders who engage in less risky activities such as cruising or street skating.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit When choosing knee and elbow pads, it is important to choose the right size and fit. Pads that are too small will not provide adequate protection, while pads that are too large will not stay in place and can impede movement. To determine the correct size, measure the circumference of your knee or elbow and consult the manufacturer's size chart. It is also important to consider the fit of the pads. They should fit snugly but not be too tight, and should not slide around or bunch up when in use.
Wearing and Adjusting Knee and Elbow Pads Properly wearing and adjusting knee and elbow pads is crucial for maximum protection. Start by placing the pad over the knee or elbow and securing any straps or Velcro closures. The pad should fit snugly and cover the entire joint, with the bottom of the pad resting just above the knee or elbow. It is important to ensure that the pads are adjusted properly before each use, as they may shift or loosen during activity.
"Wrist Guards: Preventing Common Skateboarding Injuries"
Wrist Guards
Wrist injuries are a common occurrence in skateboarding, as it is natural to use your hands to try and break a fall. Unfortunately, this can lead to painful injuries such as sprains, fractures, and even dislocations. Wearing wrist guards can help protect your wrists from these types of injuries.
The Different Types of Wrist Guards and Which Ones are Suitable for Skateboarding There are two main types of wrist guards: gloves with built-in wrist guards and separate wrist guards that are worn over gloves or on their own. Gloves with built-in wrist guards are a popular choice among skaters because they offer the convenience of both gloves and wrist protection in one piece of equipment. However, they may not offer as much protection as separate wrist guards. Separate wrist guards can be worn over gloves or on their own and are designed specifically for wrist protection.
When choosing wrist guards for skateboarding, it is important to choose ones that are specifically designed for the sport. Look for wrist guards that have a hard plastic shell to protect the wrist bones and that fit snugly around the wrist. Make sure the wrist guards you choose are well-ventilated to prevent your hands from getting sweaty.
How to Choose the Right Size and Fit for Wrist Guards
Proper fit is crucial when it comes to wrist guards. A wrist guard that is too loose will not offer enough protection, while one that is too tight will be uncomfortable and may limit your range of motion. To determine the right size for your wrist guards, measure the circumference of your wrist and consult the manufacturer's sizing chart. It is important to note that different brands may have different sizing, so always check the specific sizing for the brand you are considering.
When trying on wrist guards, make sure they fit snugly but comfortably around your wrist. They should not be too loose or too tight. Move your wrist around to ensure that you have a full range of motion.
How to Properly Wear and Adjust Wrist Guards for Maximum Protection
To wear wrist guards, slide them over your hand and position them so that the hard plastic shell is centered over your wrist bone. Secure the straps or closures to ensure that the wrist guards stay in place. The straps should be snug but not too tight.
It is important to make sure that the wrist guards fit properly and are adjusted correctly for maximum protection. If the wrist guards are too loose or not centered properly, they may not provide enough protection in the event of a fall. On the other hand, if they are too tight, they may be uncomfortable and limit your range of motion.
Skateboard Shoes
Skateboarding requires a lot of footwork, so proper footwear is crucial for both performance and safety. The right shoes can help skaters maintain good grip on the board, prevent slips and falls, and provide adequate support for the feet and ankles.
There are different types of footwear that are suitable for skateboarding, including skate shoes, sneakers, and high-top shoes. Skate shoes are specifically designed for skateboarding and feature a flat sole with good grip, a reinforced toe cap, and a padded collar and tongue for added comfort and support. Sneakers can also work for skateboarding, but they may not have the same level of durability and support as skate shoes. High-top shoes, like basketball shoes, can provide ankle support but may not have the same level of grip or durability as skate shoes.
When choosing skateboarding shoes, it is important to consider the right size and fit. Shoes that are too big or too small can be uncomfortable and affect performance. It is recommended to try on shoes with the socks you would wear while skateboarding and make sure there is enough room in the toe box for wiggle room, but not too much that your foot slides around. A properly fitting shoe should feel snug, but not tight, with enough support for the foot and ankle.
The importance of wearing shoes with good grip cannot be overstated. Skateboarding involves a lot of sudden movements, jumps, and turns, so shoes with good grip can help skaters maintain control of their board and avoid slipping or falling. A sole with a sticky, rubbery texture can provide excellent grip on the board and prevent skaters from losing their footing. Additionally, shoes with good ankle support can help prevent ankle injuries from falls or twists.
Skateboard Clothing
When it comes to skateboarding safety, many people tend to focus solely on the protective gear such as helmets, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. However, proper clothing also plays an important role in preventing accidents and injuries. Loose clothing can easily get caught on equipment, obstruct vision, or cause tripping, leading to falls and other accidents.
The first key point to consider when it comes to clothing for skateboarding is the importance of wearing fitted and comfortable clothing. Loose clothing can get in the way, causing accidents or injuries, and can also restrict movement and hinder the skater's ability to perform tricks. On the other hand, fitted clothing allows for a full range of motion and can help the skater maintain balance and control. Comfortable clothing is also important to ensure that the skater can focus on their performance and not be distracted by any discomfort or irritation caused by ill-fitting clothing.
The second key point is the risks associated with wearing loose clothing while skateboarding. Loose clothing can get caught on equipment such as trucks, wheels, or bolts, causing the skater to fall or even get dragged. Loose clothing can also obstruct vision, making it difficult for the skater to see any obstacles or hazards ahead. Additionally, loose clothing can cause tripping, which can lead to serious injuries such as sprains, fractures, or even head injuries.
The third key point is the recommendations for the type of clothing to wear when skateboarding. Skaters should wear fitted clothing such as t-shirts, tank tops, or long-sleeve shirts that are made from breathable and flexible materials such as cotton, polyester, or spandex. Shorts or pants should also be fitted and made from lightweight and flexible materials. It is important to avoid wearing baggy or oversized clothing that can easily get caught on equipment or obstruct vision. Skaters should also avoid wearing any jewelry or accessories that can get in the way or cause injury.
It is crucial for every skater to prioritize their safety while skateboarding. While the thrill of the sport can be exciting, it is important to recognize the risks involved and take precautions to reduce the chances of injury.By wearing proper safety gear, skaters can significantly reduce their risk of injury and enjoy the sport safely.
Helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, footwear, and clothing are all important pieces of safety gear that every skater should consider when heading out for a skate session. Each piece of gear serves a unique purpose in protecting different parts of the body from injury, and skaters should take the time to properly fit and adjust each item to ensure maximum protection.
It is also important to note that safety gear should not be taken for granted. Just because a skater is wearing a helmet or other gear does not mean they are invincible. Skaters should always remain aware of their surroundings, follow traffic laws, and skate within their skill level to minimize the risk of accidents.
If you're looking for stylish and eco-friendly skateboard clothing that is perfect for any skate session, be sure to check out our skate hoodies and t-shirts available on our skate shop website! Our clothing is printed in the UK and features unique skate graphics that are sure to turn heads.
At our skate shop, we prioritize sustainability and quality in all of our products, and our skateboard clothing is no exception. We use eco-friendly materials and processes to create clothing that not only looks great but also feels great to wear.
Plus, with free delivery on orders over £50.00, there's no better time to upgrade your skate wardrobe and gear up for your next session in style. So head over to our website now to shop our full range of skateboard clothing and accessories. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates on new arrivals and exclusive promotions.
By The Supply Network