Skateboarding has become more popular, especially after it was added to the 2020 Olympics. It’s great for a full-body workout and loved by kids and teens. But, about 50,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of skateboarding.
Boys under 15 years old get hurt the most, often from falling. Very young kids, especially under five, shouldn’t skateboard. Their balance isn’t developed enough.
Kids between 6 and 10 should only skate with an adult watching them. This can help prevent accidents.
Starting skateboarding can be safe if you take the right steps. Wearing the right safety equipment can greatly lower the risk of getting hurt. Helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads are important.
Wearing a helmet can prevent head injuries. Wrist guards can cut down injury risk by about 90%. Elbow pads can reduce injuries by 80%, and knee pads by 30%. This link has more tips on staying safe while skateboarding.
Most skateboarding injuries happen on roads, sidewalks, and in parking lots. They’re often caused by falls or running into things. It’s crucial to skate where it’s safe and to keep your skateboard in good shape.
Understanding Skateboarding Risks
Skateboarding is not only thrilling but also physically demanding. Unfortunately, it’s not without its dangers. Every year, skateboarding injuries send about 70,000 people to the ER. Most of these injuries happen to young skaters. This fact underlines the importance of knowing the risks and how to avoid them.
Common Skateboarding Injuries
Skateboarders often get cuts, bruises, and wrist fractures. They can also suffer from broken noses and jawbones. Sometimes, they might even get concussions. This shows why wearing protective gear is crucial.
Ages Most at Risk
Children under 15 face a higher risk of skateboarding injuries, making up nearly half of the cases. Kids under 5 should not skateboard because they’re very vulnerable. For those aged 6 to 10, it’s vital that an adult watches them while they skateboard to keep them safe.
Why Skateboarding Can Be Dangerous
Skateboarding can be dangerous due to losing control, uneven surfaces, and skating where it’s not safe. To lower these risks, skaters need to prepare well. Learning properly, using safety gear, and choosing the right places to skate can make it much safer.
Essential Skateboard Safety Gear
Wearing the right safety gear is key to a safe skateboarding experience. Having the correct gear can really cut down the chance of getting hurt. Let’s go over what you need, like the best helmet, protective pads, and the right shoes for skateboarding.
Choosing the Right Helmet
It’s important to get a helmet made just for skateboarding. These helmets cover more of your head, like the back and the sides. In California, kids under 18 have to wear helmets by law. Make sure your helmet fits well, isn’t too tight, and that you can adjust the straps. A good helmet can really lower the risk of head injuries.
Protective Pads and Guards
Wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are a must for skateboarders. They help protect you from wrist fractures, which are pretty common. They also keep you from getting bad cuts or scrapes, and can soften the blow if you fall. Wearing these pads each time you skate can really help avoid serious injuries.
Recommended Skateboarding Shoes
Finding the right shoes is just as crucial as the other gear. They should be slip-resistant to help you keep on your board. Shoes that cover your toes can prevent foot injuries. Brands like Vans and DC make shoes specially for skating, offering both safety and comfort. It’s also important to regularly check your gear to make sure it’s in good shape.
Is Skateboarding Dangerous for Beginners?
Starting skateboarding can seem scary if you’re not careful. The basics are key, like knowing how to stand, turn, and stop. This helps avoid many common injuries. The National Safety Council reports that in 2015, skateboarding caused over 125,000 ER visits. Most accidents happen to newbies, especially in their first week.
Learning the Basics Safely
It’s vital to learn skateboarding basics safely. Wearing protective gear is a must. This includes helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards. These can prevent injuries from falls, which are very common for beginners. With the right protection, you can cut down the risk of wrist fractures. It’s also key to practice techniques, like jumping, turning, and stopping, properly.
Beginner-Friendly Skateboarding Areas
Where you skate matters a lot too. Picking a safe spot, away from cars and crowds, is best. Beginner skate parks offer special areas for learning, which helps avoid serious accidents. Kids, especially those under 15, need to be watched as they make up 60% of skate injuries, mainly boys.
In the end, skateboarding has its risks for beginners. But, by learning the right techniques and practicing in safe places, you can lower those risks a lot.
Tips for Safe Skateboarding Practices
It’s key to follow safe skateboarding practices to lower risks and fully enjoy the sport. Knowing the rules and the right way to fall significantly betters your skateboarding. This approach can truly enhance your experience on the board.
Rules and Etiquette at Skate Parks
It’s vital to respect skate park rules and etiquette to keep everyone safe. Always wait for your turn and avoid interrupting other skaters. Use ramps correctly and keep the park’s flow, ensuring safety and positivity at the skate park.
General Safety Tips
To lessen injury risks, follow key safety tips. Wear protective gear like helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. These can lessen the impact of a fall:
- Helmets: Guard your head and can prevent serious brain injuries.
- Wrist Guards: Help avoid 90% of wrist injuries.
- Elbow Pads: Cut down elbow injuries by 80%.
- Knee Pads: Lower knee injuries by 30%.
Avoiding wet conditions and skating in designated areas is also important. Check your equipment to make sure it’s in good shape. Start right with the GOSKATE Beginner Skateboard package.
How to Fall Safely
Knowing the safe ways to fall is crucial. Many injuries happen in the first week of skating, so learn the correct fall techniques:
- Crouch Down: Lowering yourself helps maintain balance and prep for a fall.
- Fall on Fleshy Parts: Falling on your side or buttocks is safer than using your arms. This protects your wrists.
- Roll with the Fall: Rolling can lessen the force of a fall, lowering the chance of injury.
Safe skateboarding means following skate park rules and learning how to fall right. Regular practice of these methods leads to safer and more fun skateboarding for everyone.
The Health Benefits of Skateboarding
Skateboarding is more than just fun. It’s great for your health and is a good part of staying fit. As a low-impact exercise, it boosts your coordination, flexibility, and endurance. Plus, it’s a great way to relieve stress. You can burn between 150 to 500 calories every hour by skateboarding. This helps with weight control and improves your fitness level.
It’s also great for your heart. Skateboarding lowers bad fats in your blood and boosts good cholesterol. This cuts down on heart disease risks. Regularly skateboarding can keep you from getting obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. People skateboarding at community parks often hit the fitness levels the CDC recommends for heart health.
Skateboarding helps in recovery and therapy, too. For example, Healthy Life Recovery in San Diego uses it to help people recover from trauma or mental health issues. The sport demands focus and effort, improving your skills in persistence. It also helps with other sports like snowboarding and surfing. By taking on skateboarding’s challenges, you become stronger and more creative while finding ways to unwind and relax.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!