One of the most liberating, cool and adventurous ways to move across town is to get a skateboard. Whether you want to tame the board and show off your tricks, or simply use it as a method of transport, it's essential that when you hop on it, you are protected and safe from potential injuries. Investing in a quality skateboard safety kit will keep you protected from minor and severe injuries. Here are the basic things you will need.
Skateboard Helmets
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These are basic pieces of skateboard protection set. Riding a skateboard isn't all fun and games. Falling is quite possible, therefore you should protect your head from injuries. If you have fallen from a skateboard you know that the helmet does an amazing job to prevent you from skull fractures. This is why you should invest in a helmet first.
How To Measure Your Head
The first thing to determine your helmet size is to measure your head. Your helmet should have a snug fit without feeling uncomfortably tight. Take a flexible measuring tape such as a tailor's tape or a piece of string and measure it with a ruler or a tape measure. Wrap it around your head and make sure it crosses the middle of your forehead and stays leveled while going around to the back of your head. Don't pull the tape too tight; there shouldn't be too much pressure. Mark where the tape meets the other end and then mark that point on the tape for the measurement. Do the same if you are using a string, and make sure that you don't let go of the measurement point before measuring it with a ruler or tape measure.
Knee Caps
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These are another essential piece of your skateboard safety kit. Knee pads are a hard shell often made of neoprene sleeves or other breathable flexible material that you can easily slide on your legs. The pads have a piece of EVA foam (0.6-1.25 cm thick) combined with an ABS plastic shell on the outside. Usually, they close with Velcro straps so you can adjust them. Soft pads or heavy-duty pads with no hard caps are a great way to prevent your knees from injuries. It's better to get a hard plastic shell to prevent not only fractures but scratches and bruises.
Measure the Knee Caps
If you decided to get a hard plastic shell, make sure to measure the knee caps. The pads should not prevent your range of motion, which is why it's crucial to get the right size. Too tight knee pads will feel uncomfortable and will restrict your ability to bend the knee. Wrap a soft tape measure around the centre of your knee and measure around your outstretched leg (measure at the middle of the knee and top or bottom of the leg where the pad will rest). If you don't have a flexible tape measure, mark a string and measure it against a ruler. Knee caps come in small, medium, large, extra large and so on.
Consider the Shape
Most skateboard knee pads have various shapes. The shell should fit the knee perfectly, which means it should not slide off during your movements. This is why the Velcro strap is there to secure things. The pad should have thick padding and bigger shells. The more padding it has, the more your knees will be protected. However, the pad shouldn't stop your circulation but fit comfortably.
Is the Thickness Right for You
The soft EVA foam padding located between the outside and the hard plastic shells softens the force of impact. If it's thicker the risk of injured knees is lower (compared to thinner shells). However, the thicker pad will feel heavier. Beginners may find heavier pads more challenging (they may feel that their movements are restricted).
Elbow Pads
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Elbow pads, just like knee pads should fit comfortably and allow you to move your hands freely. Measure your elbows the same way you measure your knees. Elbow pads can be enclosed with a Velcro strap or can slide up over your forearm. The more padding they have, the more protected your elbows will be from injuries (scratches, fractures).
Gloves
Slide gloves are also an important item for skateboarders. No matter if you're a beginner or advanced skateboarder, gloves are built to help you stand up to concrete without torn your palms. When you learn how to use your gloves properly you’ll be able to perform tricks and conquer various terrains. There are various models of gloves on the market including plastic picks, trick padding and abrasion-resistant gloves.
Plastic pucks attach to the palm and fingertips of slide gloves, giving protection while allowing your hands to slide smoothly on the ground when you have to catch your balance. Thick padding is the part that covers most of the slide glove. This padding will protect you from the pain caused by hitting the ground. Abrasion-resistant materials make up the gloves' exterior. These materials are strong enough to endure sliding across pavement without tearing your skin.
