by Tenebris

Created on: June 02, 2009

Skateboarding is inherently a dangerous activity. Following these few simple safety tips can make most skateboarding stunts a lot safer.

1. Use a designated skateboard park

Tempting though it is to slide down banisters and stairways, these don't have the rounded corners which help to minimise skateboarding injuries. Besides, many of these structures are made of wood or cut stone rather than smoothed concrete. Not only could you hurt yourself badly, but you could also do significant damage to some very expensive materials. This, in turn, will make it that much harder for a city to support its skateboarders in future.

2. Wear the proper safety equipment

At a minimum, this means wearing elbow and knee pads and a properly-fitted helmet to protect you from head injuries, one of the most dangerous types of injuries in this sport. Gloves are a good idea. Shirt and proper shoes should go without saying. If you are trying something more fancy for the first time, you might also want to use wrist guards and maybe a mouth guard. Check your safety equipment regularly for thin spots and fraying, and repair and replace it as necessary. Every skateboarder falls sooner or later, most more than once. Make sure that when you fall, you are protected.

3. Be aware of your environment

Skateboarding facilities are heavily used. Watch out for other skateboarders around you, some of whom might be so absorbed in trying to master the ollie that they have forgotten to watch out for you. Don't just consider where the other person is now, but also a safe space around where they are going. Never enter a pipe or bowl until the skateboarder ahead of you has completed his run. The best skateboarders in the world are going to fall hard when they are blindsided by another skateboarder.

4. Be aware of skatepark etiquette

Local usage etiquette often helps skaters get the most out of their turns without interfering with others. It may designate specific parts of the park for different types of usage, as well as how to take turns. If you are trying to master something new and challenging that is going to take an extended period of concentration, go to the skatepark during off-peak hours, when you can be assured of having a much longer turn on your needed piece of equipment.

5. Communicate

Sometimes knowing that the way has been cleared is as simple as making eye contact. The same rules apply as for a rearview mirror: if the other skateboarder does not see you, he can't make room for you.

6. Know your limits

Until you are certain that your basic ability level can handle a particular trick or piece of equipment, don't try it. Don't be afraid to be challenged, but at the same time, don't forget about common sense.

7. Parents, never allow very young skateboarders to skate unsupervised

Although it is not unique to the young, preteen skateboarders are more prone to overlooking safety rules as they try to master the latest neat trick. They also probably have not yet learned the consequences of their actions the hard way. The ideal is never to have to learn the really hard consequences. Some skateparks won't allow preteens for exactly this reason.

Learn more about this author, Tenebris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.