Skateboard Safety - You Only Have One Body. Protect It!

Skateboard safety should be of paramount importance to every skater but even more so to the beginner.

According to RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) approximately one third of all skateboarders reporting injuries have less than one week's skating experience.

Much of it is common sense but I know it's tempting to just jump on the board and skate.

Don't do it! When you first start skating you will fall off. But, while serious injury is always a possibility, if you are well prepared and well protected you can easily minimise the risks.

So, how do you stay safe and still have fun?

First make sure your skateboard maintenance is up to scratch. Worn wheels, bushes or bearings can cause the board to be unpredictable. If your board will not cruise in a straight line it will need an overhaul.

Choose a safe area to skate: Don't skateboard near traffic or pedestrians. Please consider the safety of others as well as yourself. In some areas skateboarders already have a reputation for being inconsiderate. Don't add to this by putting yourself and others at risk.

It is illegal to skateboard in some areas. Make sure you check local laws and bye-laws if you are unsure.

Pad up: Protective pads not only help to absorb the impact of a fall, they also help you to slide across the ground preventing friction injuries.

Some people refuse to wear pads because they think it's uncool. Don't be one of them. Uncool is better than losing large amounts of skin, or worse!

Wear a Helmet: Use your head - keep it safe. A helmet is a skateboard safety must. Head injuries are no joke.

Although serious injuries occur rarely it is easy to take a whack on the head if you come off the board. Heads and hard surfaces are not a good combination.

Skateboarding Shoes: These protect your feet and help you to balance. They'll also last longer than your running shoes will.

Skateboard Gloves: Wearing gloves will help protect your hands from injury.

Wrist Guards: Wrist injuries are among the most common in skateboarding. Wrist guards can be effective protection.

Learn How to Fall: This may seem like a dumb thing to say when the aim is to stay on the board and not go base over apex. But learning how to break your fall safely can prevent serious injury.

That said, try to focus on staying on the board and having a good time. Falls will happen but the more you focus on success the faster you'll progress.

Avoid alcohol and drugs: Never skate under the influence of mind altering substances, legal or otherwise. It could lead you to believe you're better than you are. You may wake up in A&E or worse, you may not wake up at all!

Be responsible, skateboard sensibly. Your skateboard safety depends on it.

And finally, if you are at all unsure regarding your health or fitness, check with your doctor before you take up skateboarding.


Return to Know How to Skateboard from Skateboard Safety