Skateboarding Safety - Location, Location, Location

Skateboarding safety is not just about a well maintained board and a few pads. The place you choose to skate could mean the difference between a great day's riding and a trip to your local hospital.

First of all make sure you skate as far away from traffic as you can get. My golden rule regarding anything on wheels is this: If it's bigger than you or faster than you, it has the right of way.

Avoid pedestrians. You hit them, it hurts. Colliding with passers-by is never a good idea. Even if neither of you are injured by the impact the subsequent altercation could prove painful.

It's not only your own safety you need to consider. If you do skate in an area where there are other people, be polite. We already have a bad reputation, mainly due to the 'devil may care' attitude of some skaters. Skateboarding is illegal in many areas because of this. Don't make the situation worse.

Check the surface you're going to skate on. Pebbles, twigs and even a crack in the pavement can lock your wheels and pitch you face first onto concrete. Not good.

Choose an area that's suitable for your level of skating. If it's your first time on a board you might want to avoid anything more than a slight incline. Never underestimate the speed a skateboard can reach on a hill!

If there's a skate park in your area, use it. It's specially designed for skating and should be well maintained. Some parks are supervised by people who are more than willing to give help and advice to beginners. Hopefully you won't ever need it but there's usually first aid help on site too.

Skate parks are also great places to meet other skaters. Be friendly and you will find most of them will be happy to give you a few pointers.

Finally, you should check your local laws and by-laws before you skate in public places. A run in with the police is not a great way to end a skating session.


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