7 Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Skating Safety Tips
Snowboarding and skating, be it ice skating, roller skating, skateboarding, in-line skating, or anything else for that matter, is a whole lot of fun for people of all ages and is a great way to stay in shape. As beneficial as skating can be however, the one major drawback is the fact that it can be dangerous as there are risks involved.
Whereas some forms of skating aren’t exactly considered to be ‘extreme’ each type of skating you take part in will still pose its own unique risks and potential drawbacks, which is why we need to ensure we have access to the latest gear and equipment.
When it comes to skating, equipment and accessories are vital, not only for actually performing the activity you’re taking part in, but also and more importantly, for ensuring that we’re as safe and as well protected as we can possibly be.
If you’re a keen skater of any kind, here’s a look at several essential skating safety tips to keep you safe.
Choose The Right Ice Skating Rink
Obviously this first tip is for those of you who are into your ice skating.
The great thing about ice skating is the fact that, because it’s such a popular pastime and activity, finding a skating rink nearby is never that difficult. This is good on the surface, but the downside is the fact that some skating rinks are better than others, so you need to find one that is right for you.
If you’re a beginner, it’s obviously best to find a skating rink that’s fairly quiet, as visiting when there are fewer people skating on the ice will be less daunting for you. More importantly however, if there are fewer people skating there is less risk of an accident occurring.
Choose The Right Ice Skates
Sticking with the theme of ice skating, up next we’re looking at the importance of choosing the right ice skates.
As far as safety goes on the ice, having the right set of ice skates is vital, so choose wisely. Remember, ice skates are no different to regular footwear in the sense that different brands provide different products for different prices.
Whatever you do, don’t try to save money and cut corners by going for the cheapest ice skates you can find, as cheap skates will be made from inferior materials, they won’t offer protection or support, they won’t be comfortable, and you will be more at risk of slipping or spraining/breaking your ankle.
Purchase a Good Quality Helmet
Again, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a roller skater, a snowboarder, an in-line skater, or anything else for that matter, wearing a protective helmet is absolutely essential when it comes to your safety.
Skateboarding, as you may know, can be very dangerous, so wearing skateboarding helmets could be the difference between a bit of a sore head the next day, or brain damage or worse.
When it comes to safety, skateboarding helmets are vital so again, make sure you purchase a reliable and good quality helmet to help keep your head safe.
Outdoor Master Skateboard Cycling Helmet
Outdoor Master Skateboard Cycling Helmet
Outdoor Master Skateboard Cycling Helmet
Learn How To Fall
Okay, this may sound pretty counterintuitive, but take it from us, as a skateboarder, you are going to fall and come off your board from time to time. It’s inevitable.
To help ensure that you don’t constantly suffer cuts, bruises, and broken bones whenever you come off your board, go ahead and practice falling.
If possible, whenever you fall, rather than falling forwards or backwards, try to get into the habit of always falling sideways. On top of that, be sure to tuck your chin in order to protect your head, though again, skateboarding helmets will also offer heaps of protection here.
Another tip when falling is to try not to fall with outstretched hands, which is easer said than done as we naturally put our hands out instinctively when we fall. The reason you shouldn’t however, is the fact that you could break your wrists.
Never Skate In The Street
Yeah, we’ve all seen those cheesy 80s and 90s U.S teen movies where the cool Highschool kid skateboards down busy streets and everybody stands in awe as he does so, but in real life, skateboarding in the street is nothing to be encouraged.
Skating in the street is dangerous for so many different reasons, though obviously the main risk is being hit by a vehicle. With so many parks and skate parks all over the country, there really is no need to skate in the street. Ever.
Purchase Top Quality Boards
Another very important, and very obvious piece of equipment for any skateboarder is of course a skateboard.
Skateboards, like anything else, also come in a variety of designs, shapes, sizes, and specs, so finding the right one for you is vital. Ideally, you should try several skateboards before you buy them, and look for ones that come from quality manufacturers and from quality suppliers.
Just like with everything else, don’t look for the cheapest deck you can find because a cheap skateboard will probably not be safe, plus it won’t last very long either. The last thing you want is to try doing a kick-flip, only to have it snap in half on you after less than a week of use.
The same goes for roller blades, snowboards, skis, ice skates, or anything else. If you want to be safe and to get the most from your sport of choice, you need to purchase the right equipment.
Don’t Forget Protective Clothing
Finally, when it comes to being safe while skating, as well as choosing the right skateboards and roller blades, you also need to wear protective clothing. Just as a biker wears protective leathers, a skater should wear protective clothing.
Protective shorts for example, are padded and comfortable so that you can skate freely and comfortably, yet if you do fall over, your shorts will protect your skin and your legs in general.
Protective clothing, as well as kneepads and elbow pads, should ideally be worn whenever you’re skating, whether you’re on dry land, snow, or ice.
