Skateboard Pads: Stay Safe While Skateboarding

Skateboarding is one of the most popular recreational sports that dates back to the 1950s when the first skateboard originated in California and Hawaii. This idea came from surfers, who back then expressed a desire to try and “ride the waves” onto the streets. Over the years skateboards have developed a lot and manufacturers have perfected themselves in this field.

Nowadays, you can buy a skateboard from the wide range on the market that features sturdy, quality and appealing designs. Although the type of skateboard you choose is paramount, staying safe when skateboarding is essential as well. And, aside from wearing a helmet, the most important thing in terms of safety is choosing the right skate pads.

Should I Wear Pads When Skateboarding?

Skateboard slams often result in bruising around the elbows, palms, knees and wrists, but fortunately, by wearing the right pads you can avoid this. Designed to protect the elbows, wrists, knees, hips and ankles, these pads are available in a range of sizes, types and styles, allowing you to find the proper skateboard pad set for you.

The use of a wrist and knee skateboard pad set is also necessary when wanting to learn some new tricks. Besides this, you can benefit from them by wearing them when bombing a hill on your skateboard since you can easily stop with your hands and knees. Even if you fall, you’ll be able to protect them.

Elbow pads are also essential for your protective gear since they are designed to prevent injuries in those cases when you skate down in an awkward position.

Types and Styles of Skateboard Pads

Standard Pads

These pads are mainly made of foam, high-quality and durable fabric liners and usually have a hard outer shell. The straps of these pads can be usually made of Velcro and nylon fabric. One thing is certain, do not let the name standard fool you because these pads are designed to provide you with the utmost protection on your knees and elbows.

Sleeve Pads

Made of stretchy nylon materials with a small foam pad, sleeve pads are made to be worn under the clothes, offering a low profile feel. Although designed to offer protection, they can do that to a certain level and also without offering you abrasion protection.

How to Choose the Right Size?

The easiest way to find the right size of knees and elbow pads is by measuring around your arms and legs with a tailor’s tape. Just keep in mind to leave about 10cm above and below the knees and elbows.

When measuring for your wrist pads, the right way to do that is to measure around your hand at your knuckles. An important thing to remember when measuring for wrist pads is leaving your thumb out of the measurement.

Learn How to Fall Safely

Although wearing pads for skateboarding can certainly protect you from some serious injuries, you should also learn how to fall safely. For instance, when falling, try to bend your knees and get down low. You should also try to fall sideways and not on your head or backwards. If possible, fall onto your pads and kick the board out from under your feet. These unwritten rules can certainly help you and if novice or if teaching your kid how to skate, it is recommended to give yourself or your kid some falling practice on a grassy ground.

Get Informed About the Skateboarding Laws 

According to the Australian transport council published by the Australian Transport Commission in February 2009, all states and territories are obliged to create legislation that meets the National Road Rules. According to the Australian Road Rules, a person in or on a recreational wheeles device is a pedestrian and not a rider. You can use a skateboard only on roads that satisfy the following road conditions:

• A road that has no dividing line and no median strip;
• A one-way road with less than two marked lanes;
• A road on which the speed limit is equal to or less than 50km per hour.

An important thing you should know about these road rules is that you are allowed to use the prohibited road with your skateboard only for crossing that road and only when taking the shortest route.

When and How to Skate?

Skateboards are allowed to be used only during daylight hours, and when on the road, you can skate as fast as you want. Just don’t forget that you need to stay on the left side of the road.

The truth is that the Australian skateboarding rules are carefully written and strict. And this is done with one thought in mind, to keep everybody safe and sound. Otherwise, you will be risking yours and the life of others when on the road.