Skateboarding Gear - and how to rock it!

While a skateboard will get you going, the right equipment will allow you to progress in skateboarding safely and joyfully. Therefore I will make some recommendations for the following equipment that I view as a necessity.

- A fitting Helmet

- Knee & Elbow Pads

- Wristguards

- Skate shoes

- Skateboard

Helmets

Bike Helmet vs Skateboard helmet - worth the investment? Yes! The Bike helmet is designed for single impacts, while the Skateboard Helmet is designed for multiple impacts and covers more of the back of the head, which skaters may fall on.

Proper Fit - The Helmet does only work if it fits snuggly all around. It should not leave any space between the foam or padding and the head. It should also not be too tight that it causes headaches. The front of the helmet should be about two finger widths over the eyebrows. A good test is to move the helmet, if your forehead moves with it, it is a good sign. Additionally, the straps should be tight enough, that a big yawn pulls the helmet down.

Last but not least, I don't recommend the adjustable helmet.

Please read more about proper Skateboard helmet fit here.

If you're choosing to replace your helmet I recommend certified Pro-tec Helmets.

Knee- and Elbow Pads and Wristguards

Having Pads, allows us to have more safe options to fall and bail. When we can't roll it out, or simply fall forward the pads will prevent injuries from Scrapes to bone brakes. Pads as well are supposed to fit snuggly and should not move around when worn. If the pads are too tight they can impact our circulation and make skateboarding very uncomfortable. Additionally, I recommend that the straps are strapped around the body parts properly and are not too long, so they don't create a tripping hazard. I recommend using a measurement tape and use the size chart to make sure the pads fit properly.

I recommend Pro-Tec Pads and Wristguards over Triple 8 due to their sleeve, which allows for a more comfortable and better fit as well as more coverage on the pad. If you or your child are getting more advanced and the knee slides happen on more increased heights or speeds, I recommend the Pro Pad.

Skate shoes

Skate shoes vs Running shoes. The biggest difference is the flat sole, which allows the skater to completely touch the ground and the skateboard. It provides maximum grip and board control. Simple moves such as pushing, stopping, or jumping off the board in emergency situations can cause an ankle sprain. Additionally, shoes on an angle will make it harder to balance when riding, increasing the probability of the skater jumping off and twisting their ankle. The footprint of a running shoe is smaller than a skate shoe which will also show less balance. Last but not least, Skate shoes are more durable and will last through the consistent sliding and stopping on the ground and the grip tape longer than running shoes.

I recommend Vans, Nike SB or Adidas Skateboarding Shoes.

Skateboard

Let's stick to the traditional skateboard for beginners. Penny boards or longboards have bigger and softer wheels, which are harder to step on, faster, and therefore harder for the beginner to learn on. Additionally, they don't allow for all of the tricks you or your child probably desires to learn.

There are a lot of details about a Skateboard and I will talk about it in an additional blog post, but for the beginning, it is important that the board is not too small for your or your child's feet.

Thank you for reading. Please let me know if you have comments or questions.