Tricks for Skateboarding Safety
Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity among children and teenagers but includes risk for injury. In 2013, 120,424 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after being injured skateboarding, according to the National Safety Council. Many injuries happen when a child loses balance, falls off the skateboard and lands on an outstretched arm. Skateboarding injuries often involve the wrist, ankle or face. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under age 5 years should not ride skateboards. Children aged 6 to 10 years old need close supervision from an adult whenever they ride a skateboard. Parents and children can help prevent skateboarding injuries by wearing protective gear, using age and ability appropriate boards, and choosing safe places to ride. Protect yourself when hard flips turn into hard flops by emptying your pockets of all hard and sharp objects and putting on protective gear before getting on your skateboard. Essential protective equipment includes:
- A properly fitting helmet
- Wrist guards
- Knee and elbow pads
- Closed shoes with slip-resistant soles
- Goggles
Is Goofy Your Type? There are different types of skateboards for different riding styles, slalom, freestyle and speed. Some boards are based on the user’s weight. Select a quality skateboard for your riding style and level of ability. Shorter decks (the board itself) are best for beginners because they are easier to balance and handle. Be sure to keep your skateboard in good working order.
Avoid Skateboarding Bust. To improve skateboarding safety, a growing number of communities provide supervised skateboard parks. The AAOS and National Safety Council recommend these skateboard safety precautions:
- Do not skateboard near traffic, bicycles or pedestrians.
- Do not use homemade skateboard ramps.
- Never use skateboards in wet weather.
- Avoid skateboarding in crowded walkways or in the dark.
- Never hold onto the side or rear of a moving vehicle while riding a skateboard.
- Do not use headphones while skateboarding.
- Never put more than one person on a skateboard.
- Learn to fall safety by landing on fleshy parts of your body. Relax and roll.
Direct Orthopedic Care is open seven days a week for orthopedic diagnosis and treatment of joint injuries. Instead of the ER, come to DOC for immediate care by highly qualified, board-certified physicians and physician assistants who can actually fix a sprain or fracture.
