Skateboarding is thrilling, but it comes with a risk of falls and injuries, like broken bones. For anyone entering this sport, having the right safety gear is a must. Wrist guards are essential because they help lessen injuries.
They’re crucial whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater. Wrist guards offer a lot of benefits. They can give you more confidence to try new tricks, even though they can’t prevent all injuries.
Keep reading to learn how effective wrist guards are. And why they should be part of your skate gear.
Key Takeaways
- Wrist guards are critical for both beginners and seasoned skaters, reducing wrist injuries substantially.
- Studies show that skateboarders wearing wrist guards are about 30% less likely to suffer wrist fractures.
- Roughly 40% of skateboard injuries involve the wrist, making protection essential.
- Wrist guards distribute impact force, helping prevent severe injuries and boosting confidence.
- Proper fitting of wrist guards reduces injury risk significantly.
- The cost of high-quality wrist guards ranges from $20 to $60.
- 80% of parents encourage their kids to wear wrist guards while skateboarding to minimize injury risks.
Understanding Skateboard Wrist Guards
Skateboard wrist guards are vital because wrists are easily hurt when you fall. They have a hard plastic piece to spread out the force of a fall. This helps lessen the impact on your wrist and absorbs shock, making wrist guards more effective.
Wearing wrist guards is key due to the high number of wrist breaks skateboarders get. The right wrist guards keep your wrist stable and stop it from bending weirdly, which can lead to bad injuries. It’s important to choose the right size and make sure they fit tightly for the best protection. Pairing these protective skating accessories with helmets and knee pads makes your safety gear complete.
But, be aware of the downsides. The stiff design meant to protect can sometimes increase the chance of hurting your head or face. This happens because your arms might not catch you properly during a fall. Learning the right way to fall, like bending your knees and reaching forward, also helps lower the chance of getting hurt.
Wrist guards aren’t just for skateboarding; they’re used in snowboarding and balance board activities too. The plastic splint in them helps brace your wrist when you fall. This means less chance of getting really bruised, dislocating something, or breaking a bone. For example, the use of wrist guards in various sports shows their importance and versatility in keeping you safe from injuries.
Benefits of Using Wrist Guards While Skateboarding
Wearing wrist guards while skateboarding brings a lot of benefits. The main benefit is preventing injuries like sprains and fractures. Wrist guards help decrease wrist injury risks for both new and advanced skaters. They offer joint stability and absorb impact during falls, crucial for protective skate gear.
Wrist guards save money by avoiding costly medical bills from wrist injuries. They are cheaper than a doctor’s visit, a smart choice for all skaters. They also boost comfort and confidence, pushing skaters to safely challenge themselves. Plus, they’re made to be light and comfy, fixing concerns about being too bulky.
The materials in wrist guards, like nylon, neoprene, and ABS plastic, are strong and absorb impacts well. This makes the wrist guards last longer and keep offering needed protection. Brands such as Triple Eight and 187 Killer Pads make high-quality wrist guards, helping you pick durable and efficient gear.
People often use their hands to break a fall, putting lots of pressure on their wrists. Wrist guards help lessen this pressure and lower the risk of bad injuries. This is especially good for beginners who fall a lot as they learn.
Knowing how to fall correctly, along with wearing wrist guards, boosts protection. Skaters should practice falling on soft surfaces like grass to get better at it. This strategy, combined with wrist guards, secures maximum safety, making wrist guards a must-have for your skate gear.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevent Injuries | Reduce the risk of wrist injuries, including sprains and fractures. |
| Cost-Effective | Cheaper than medical treatment for wrist injuries. |
| Comfort and Confidence | Encourages skaters to push limits with greater safety. |
| Durable Materials | Typically made from nylon, neoprene, and ABS plastic. |
Wrist guards are a simple but very effective step in preventing skateboarding injuries. Their many benefits make them key for staying safe and having fun while skateboarding.
How Effective Are Skateboard Wrist Guards?
Wrist guards are very good at lowering wrist injury risks for skateboarders. Every year, around 50,000 emergency room visits are due to skateboard crashes among children and teenagers. Falls onto outstretched arms often cause wrist fractures. Wrist guards are key as they absorb and spread out impact forces. This greatly lowers the chances of breaking or fracturing a wrist.
About 1,500 hospital stays each year relate to skateboarding injuries in young people. Over 60% of these cases are children under 15, mostly boys. Also, one-third get hurt in their first week of skateboarding. This highlights how critical wrist guards are for beginners and young skaters.
Wrist guards come with a hard plastic piece about six inches long that stabilizes the wrist. They keep the wrist properly aligned, stopping movements that might cause harm. Plus, they lessen friction and turn away forces from a fall. This makes them an essential part of skateboarding’s safety gear.
But it’s crucial to realize that wrist guards aren’t a fix for everything. They prevent wrist and arm injuries well but not shoulder injuries. If a skater’s arm is thrown out during a fall, shoulder injuries can still happen. Also, wrist guards can lead to more face or head injuries since they stop the arms from breaking the fall.
Knowing how to position your wrist and hands when you fall also matters. Keeping fingers in a loose fist can keep you from getting bad scrapes on your knuckles. This is a common issue when falls happen on steep slopes. Correct wrist use with guards adds an extra layer of safety during skateboarding.
Bearing these points in mind when considering wrist guards is smart. Having the right protection can greatly improve your skateboarding experience, making it safer and more fun.
Choosing the Right Wrist Guards for You
When choosing wrist guards, consider both protection and comfort. It matters whether you’re new to skating or have lots of experience. Picking the right skateboard safety equipment is crucial.
Start by thinking about how intense your skating is. For tough skateboarding, try the Ennui City Wrist Brace ($44.99 MSRP) for its strength. If you skate more gently, the Rollerblade X-Gear Inline Skating Wrist Guards ($17.95 MSRP) could be enough.
Trusted brands like 187 Killer Pads and Triple Eight make high-quality wrist guards. Good wrist guards fit well, offer tight compression, and use materials like aluminum splints and EVA foam to soak up shock.
Measuring your wrist right is key to finding the best size. Medium guards usually fit wrists that are 5.5 to 6 inches around. If guards don’t fit right, they can be uncomfortable and increase injury risk.
For gear that’s just for you, try custom-fitted wrist guards. They match your wrist and skating needs closely, boosting safety and comfort. Getting the right fit is important for the best protection, so choose guards that fit well and match your skating style.
In short, wrist guards are a must-have skateboard safety equipment, especially for new skaters. Think about your skating intensity, the guard’s materials, and getting a snug fit. This way, you’ll pick wrist guards that keep you safe while skating.
How to Properly Wear Skateboard Wrist Guards
Wearing wrist guards correctly is key to getting the most protection out of them. First, pick the right size guard. A skateboard accessory guide often has sizing charts. They help you find the right guard for your wrist. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight or too loose for comfort and safety [1].
### Correct Sizing and Placement
Start by putting the wrist guard on your palm and wrist. Make sure it covers your wrist and the base of your palm well. These spots are at high risk during a fall. A good fit means the guard will cushion blows effectively. Studies show wrist guards reduce injuries by 60% to 80% in sports like skateboarding [2].
Then, adjust the straps for a tight fit. Wrist guards usually have Velcro straps for easy fitting. Pull them until the guard is firm but comfortable. This way, it stays on during a fall but doesn’t stop your blood flow. Not adjusting them right increases the chance of getting hurt, making a correct fit key [3].
### Mobility and Protection
Wearing wrist guards right means you get safety plus the ability to move freely. They’re made of materials like ballistic nylon and ABS splints. These materials absorb shocks without limiting your movements. This is important for doing skateboard tricks [4].
### Additional Protective Gear
Wearing knee pads and helmets along with wrist guards cuts upper body injury chances by 40% [5]. Learn to fall using your knees to lessen the chance of hurting your wrists. This helps lower wrist injury risks.
For more on wrist guards and how to fall safely, read this full guide.
Adjusting and using wrist guards right can greatly reduce injury risks. This lets you enjoy skateboarding more safely. Always check a skateboard accessory guide to keep your gear right and well-worn.
Alternatives to Wrist Guards for Protection
Some skateboarders think wrist guards are too big or snug. If you’re searching for skateboarding protective alternatives, there are several safe choices. These can add extra safety when you skate.
Learning proper falling techniques is crucial for skaters who don’t want to get hurt. By learning to fall the right way, like rolling to absorb the shock, you lower your risk of injuring your wrist. Skilled skaters use muscle memory to fall safely, avoiding wrist damage.
You can also try padded gloves. These safety gear options aren’t as tight as wrist guards and protect your hands from scrapes and hits. Padded gloves work well with other skate accessories for more safety.
Another idea is to do exercises for stronger wrists and arms. Getting these areas stronger helps your body protect itself better. Do wrist curls, use resistance bands, and stretch to make your wrists tougher.
Even though these safety gear options help, they’re not as good as snug wrist guards. Because skateboarding can be risky, using these ideas with wrist guards gives you the best safety.
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!