Awe Inspiring Skateboarding

Nosegrind, noseslide, 360, Ollie, kickflip—these all sound like factors the NTSB might point to in airplane crashes. In reality, these are some of the many tricks by high-flying skateboarders in their quest for air. The more audacious the trick, the greater the risk. Watching pros take to the skies it is hard not to imagine how much fun it must be to hurl yourself into the air, reconnecting with your board on the way back down.

It is a risky sport, but first time skaters have more than their share of accidents. Of the 15,600 annual trips made to the ER by street skaters, an estimated one third of the injured have been skateboarding less than a week. A majority of bone and skull fractures occur from rider error, but there are many traumatic collisions with automobiles. To stay safe, you have to be vigilant, and it is also advisable to wear protective gear.

Well-padded helmets are needed, for obvious reasons. Protection for injury-prone joints is helpful, too, especially for knees, elbows and wrists. Special shorts with padding can be found to save wear and tear on your hips. Skid resistant shoes that grip the board are also important.

Besides equipment, you should understand that there are actually good and bad ways of falling. If you feel yourself losing your balance, go into a crouch position—that way you fall from a lower height! Always try to land on softer body parts, as opposed to your head, for instance. Finally, relax into the fall—try not going rigid, which causes more injury. If you you remember, roll with the fall; it lessens the impact.

There are lots of internet sites created for teaching skateboarding safety tips and fully equipping riders. In addition, there are enormous online stores where you can find all types of clothing and equipment from every top name in skating. You can find skateboarding shoes, wrist guards, board parts, cool clothing, and instructional videos. If you need it to skate, you can find it there!