Skateboarding involves more than just tricks. It’s also about staying safe with the right gear. It’s important to use skateboard safety gear like skate pads to avoid getting hurt.
Key skateboarding pads are knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmets. They protect you from cuts, broken bones, and hard impacts. Brands like Rekd, Triple 8, and SFR make high-quality gear for beginners and pros. Wearing the right, strong pads makes you skate better and feel more sure of yourself.
Key Takeaways
- It’s key to use the right skateboard safety gear to prevent injuries.
- Must-haves include knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmets.
- Rekd, Triple 8, and SFR are trusted for their protective gear.
- Well-fitting pads improve safety and how well you skate.
- Choosing quality skate pads can also make you feel more confident on your board.
Why Skateboarding Pads are Important
The importance of skateboarding pads is huge. They protect skaters from many injuries seen in the sport. For example, knee pads help stop knee damage, a common injury. These are key for skating on big ramps or downhill.
You might ask, why wear skate pads? They guard you first from impacts, scrapes, and breaks. With the right pads, risks from falls go down. They cover important spots like elbows, wrists, and knees. Elbow pads avoid bruises and wrist guards keep cuts away, a must for newbies.
The design and material of skate pads show skateboarding safety importance. They’re made of foam and strong fabric, sometimes with a tough shell for more safety. When picking pads, getting the right size and material matters for the best safety. For instance, knee pads must fit well, considering size and weight.
Choosing to wear gear shows you value safety. This is vital for skateboarding’s culture. Rules often say you must wear helmets and pads to lessen injuries. Skate parks require helmets, highlighting efforts for safer skating. By wearing proper gear, you protect not just yourself but also support others’ safety.
Types of Skateboarding Pads
To stay safe while skateboarding, knowing about the different skate pad types is key. Each one has a special role. They protect various parts of your body, making sure you’re fully covered.
You’ll find pads for knees, elbows, and wrists, plus helmets, and even bumsavers for your hips and buttocks. All these pads work hard to soak up shocks. They’re a must, whether you’re just starting or have years of skating under your belt.
Big names like ProTec and 187 Killer Pads offer a wide range of pads. They suit every skate style, from street to vert. Take the TSG Force knee pads: they’re tough and supportive, though some find them a bit too bulky.
Choosing skateboarding pads wisely can save you money in the long run. Think about knee pads. They’re way cheaper than medical bills from injuries. Good knee pads can last years, while cheap ones might not survive a single fall.
Here’s a detailed sizing chart for knee pads:
| Size | Weight Category | Center Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 125 lbs. | 12″ – 14″ |
| Medium | 125 – 150 lbs. | 14″ – 16″ |
| Large | 150 – 180 lbs. | 15″ – 17″ |
| X-Large | 180 lbs. and above | 17″ – 20″ |
| Junior Small | Fits Juniors | 12″ – 14″ |
| Junior Medium | Fits Juniors | 14″ – 16″ |
| Junior Large | Fits Juniors | 15″ – 17″ |
| Junior X-Large | Fits Juniors | 17″ – 20″ |
When picking your skate protection, focus on the fit and materials used. Brands like 187 Killer Pads and TSG Force come highly recommended by pro skaters. They are known for their comfort and safety.
Check out these popular knee pads and combo packs:
- 187 Killer Pads Keegan Palmer Pro Black/Black Knee Pads, X-Large for $119.99
- ProTec Skateboard Pads Adult 3 Pack Open Back Camo Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Pad Set, Medium for $64.95
- ProTec Skateboard Pads Adult 3 Pack Open Back Black Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Pad Set, X-Large for $64.95
- ProTec Skateboard Pads Adult 3 Pack Open Back Checker Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Pad Set, Large for $64.95
In summary, understanding and choosing the right skateboarding pads means a safer, more fun time skating.
Choosing the Right Pads for You
When picking out skateboard pads, there’s a lot to think about. It’s vital for all skaters, new or skilled, to find skate protection that fits right and protects well. The right pads let you move freely without slipping or feeling too tight. A reliable guide will tell you to try many sizes to find the best fit that’s snug and comfortable.
Different skateboarders need different pads. Street skaters often go for lighter pads while ramp skaters might need something tougher. It’s also key to check the material quality; choosing well-known brands like 187 Killer Pads and ProTec can make your gear safer.
- Types of Pads: Knee, elbow, and wrist pads usually come in sets. For example, ProTec has combos with all three types.
- Sizing: Use the size guide from the brand. Sizes for knee and elbow pads range from Small to X-Large, depending on your weight.
Junior sizes are a bit different, focusing more on specific body measurements:
- Junior Knee Pads:
- Fits Juniors: 12″ – 14″
- Small: 14″ – 16″
- Medium: 15″ – 17″
- Large: 17″ – 20″
- Junior Elbow Pads:
- Fits Juniors: 7″ – 8″
- Small: 9″ – 10″
- Medium: 11″ – 12″
- Large: 13″ – 14″
Choosing high-quality skate protection is a must. For instance, you might find the 187 Killer Pads Keegan Palmer Pro Knee Pads for $119.99. There are also sets like the ProTec Skateboard Pads 3 Pack for about $64.95, in different sizes and styles.
Knee injuries are quite common in skateboarding, which shows how crucial good knee pads are. By picking the right pads made from top-notch materials, you improve your skateboarding while staying safe.
How to Properly Use Your Skateboarding Pads
It’s crucial to use skateboard pads correctly to protect yourself fully. Pads should be worn every time you skate. Ensure they are snug and cover areas prone to injury. Properly sized knee pads won’t limit your movement, which is why getting the right size matters.
A useful skateboard knee pad sizing chart is as follows:
| Size | Weight Classification |
|---|---|
| Small | Under 125 lbs. |
| Medium | 125 – 150 lbs. |
| Large | 150 – 180 lbs. |
| X-Large | 180 lbs. and above |
| Junior Size | Measurement (inches) |
| Small | 12″ – 14″ |
| Medium | 14″ – 16″ |
| Large | 15″ – 17″ |
| X-Large | 17″ – 20″ |
Check your pads regularly for signs of damage. Keeping them clean and replacing old ones keeps you safe. When you wear knee, elbow, and wrist pads together, they shield you from injuries better.
| Size | Weight Classification |
|---|---|
| Small | Under 125 lbs. |
| Medium | 125 – 150 lbs. |
| Large | 150 – 180 lbs. |
| X-Large | 180 lbs. and above |
| Junior Size | Measurement (inches) |
| Fits Juniors | 7″ – 8″ (Center C Measurement) |
| Small | 9″ – 10″ |
| Medium | 11″ – 12″ |
| Large | 13″ – 14″ |
Some of the top-selling knee pads include:
- 187 Killer Pads Keegan Palmer Pro Black / Black Knee Pads – X-Large priced at $119.99
- ProTec Skateboard Pads Adult 3 Pack Open Back Camo Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Pad Set – Medium priced at $64.95
- ProTec Skateboard Pads Adult 3 Pack Open Back Black Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Pad Set – X-Large priced at $64.95
- ProTec Skateboard Pads Adult 3 Pack Open Back Checker Knee, Elbow, & Wrist Pad Set – Large priced at $64.95
Learning how to wear skate pads right and keeping them in good shape reduces injury risks. This way, skateboarding is much safer and more fun.
Conclusion: Gear Up for Safe Skateboarding
Wearing a full set of skate safety gear is crucial for all skateboarders. This helps both newbies and pros enjoy skateboarding without getting hurt. Helmets, for instance, really cut down on the chance of head injuries by up to 85%.
Knee and elbow pads also help a lot. They can reduce the risk of breaking bones or getting bad injuries by about 50% if you fall. Wrist guards are another must-have. They make you 30% less likely to hurt your wrist.
About 70% of skateboarding injuries impact arms and shoulders. High-quality safety gear can lower injury severity by 60%. Gear like bumsavers protect your hips and tailbone if you fall.
Choosing gear from trusted brands like Rekd, Triple 8, and SFR means better safety, comfort, and gear that lasts longer. Making sure your pads fit right, and practicing good skating, lowers injury risks. Also, 70% of skaters wearing good gear feel more confident to take on new challenges.
Even expert skaters should wear protective gear to stay safe and perform better. Keep your gear in good shape and make sure it fits well. This ups your safety and helps you skate better. Always remember, being well-equipped means you’re skating smart and staying safe. Gear up right, follow these safety tips, and skate with less worry.
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!