Many professional skateboarders opt to ride without any pads. However, choosing fashion over function may result in life changing injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that each year around 26,000 patients are treated in the emergency room for skateboarding related injuries. As skateboarding has progressed, so has the danger and difficulty of the maneuvers.
Ramps
Many skateboarders prefer riding on wooden and cement ramps. While the skateboard ramp might seem free of hazards, certain components of the ramp may cause painful injuries. According to Transworld Skateboarding, ramp builders install a metal bar at the top of the ramp referred to as the coping. Hitting your head on the metallic coping could result in serious head trauma. Wear a plastic or carbon fiber helmet to protect your skull from the ramp coping.
Rough Ground
Street skateboarding began to flourish in the early 1990s. Skateboarders took to the streets looking for man-made obstacles including handrails and painted curbs. Unlike the smooth surface of the skateboard park, street obstacles often have a rough asphalt terrain. Sliding across the pavement at full speed can shred the delicate skin of your knees and elbows. When learning how to street skate, wear a pair of knee and elbow pads. A properly sized pair of pads should not hinder your movement.
Hazards
Street skateboarders prefer to ride in busy metropolitan areas such as New York City and San Francisco. The number of hazards on these busy streets remains endless. Pedestrians and oncoming traffic may cause you to abruptly lose control of the skateboard during a high speed maneuver. Wearing a helmet as well as protective pads will allow you to remain safe as you bail from the skateboard to avoid a serious injury.
Other Skaters
Many skateboard parks across the United States enforce strict rules regarding the use of helmets and protective pads. These rules help to protect you against the skateboard ramps as well as your fellow skaters. Novice skaters do not have the ability to quickly change the rolling direction of the skateboard. This often results in high speed collisions with more experienced riders. Wearing a helmet and pads will help to prevent collision related injuries during your time in the skateboard park.
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