Skateboarding Safety Guide: Protect Yourself & Keep Skating

When choosing a skateboard helmet, the first step is to determine what size you need. Helmets need to have a snug fit without being uncomfortably tight. One way to find the correct size for yourself is to measure your head. Learn how to measure helmet size and cut out the guesswork!

First, you will need a flexible measuring tape such as a tailor's tape. If you don't have one, you can use a piece of string and measure the string with a ruler or a tape measure.

Start by wrapping the tape around your head. Make sure that it crosses the middle of your forehead and stays level while going around to the back of your head. Do not pull the tape too tight. It should be touching your head as it goes around without too much pressure. Mark where the tape meets the other end with your fingers and then check that point on the tape for the measurement. If you are using a string, do the same process and make sure that you do not let go of the measurement point before you can measure it with a ruler or tape measure.

Hard-Shell Exterior construction sets the standard for what a tough, reliable helmet is meant to be and is characterized by bonding an injection molded ABS shell to a layer of impact absorbing foam. Surrounding the inner foam is the injection molded ABS Hard-Shell that protects the foam from scratches, dings and nicks.

EPS Foam liners are the industry standard for action sports. This lightweight foam creates the inner liner of the helmet, sitting inside of the hard-shell. The foam liner is the primary component that crushes during impact to absorb and dissipate energy. While EPS liners are not always multi-impact they do meet all required safety standards. EPS foam liners are featured in most certified helmets and are made from a very hard foam that offers more protection than the softer 2-Stage foam.

2-Stage foams are featured in uncertified helmets. While they will protect your head from soft spills, they will not disperse energy away from your head as well as EPS foam liners.

Comfort Liners are the soft padding inside of the EPS foam liner that compress to conform the helmet to your head for proper fit and comfort. Comfort liners often feature sweat-wicking technologies that are built in to most liners, from ProTec's Dri-Lex® to Triple 8's Sweatsaver™, you can bet that your helmet will have a liner that pushes sweat away from your face and eyes. Some liners are even washable so you can keep the stink at bay.

To find the correct size for your skateboard pads, you need to measure your arms and legs. Using a tailor's tape or string, measure around your arms and legs at about 4 inches above and below your knees and elbows.

For wrist guards, you will want to measure around your hand at your knuckles. Make sure to leave your thumb out of the measurement.

Tip: You should also keep in mind that the straps and padding will loosen up over time as you use them. If you are unsure of size, it is best to err on the smaller side so they fit better once broken in.

Skateboarders and longboarders know that there are risks involved in skating at high speeds or doing tricks. This is why many choose to use at least some amount of protective gear. We would recommend using as much protection as possible while learning how to ride a skateboard or longboard. Some skaters only choose to use padding on select high-impact areas, most commonly on their knees. While knee pads typically see the most use, additional padding like elbow pads and wrist guards can help to keep you protected and give you the confidence to learn new tricks or skate faster than you would without them. Most pads come with hard, stiff plastic caps, though some are made with more flexible and slimmer materials, though are generally not recommended for beginners.

Standard pads are your typical safety pads that are constructed out of foam, high-durability fabric liners and have a hard-outer shell. These pads utilize nylon fabric and Velcro to strap on to your arms and legs. They will provide the most protection for your knees and elbows when you wipe out.

Sleeve pads are made out of stretchy nylon materials that feature a smaller foam pad. These are made to be worn under your clothes for a low-profile feel. They will offer some impact protection, but no abrasion protection.

To measure hand width, wrap a measuring tape around your dominant hand just below the knuckles, excluding your thumb, and make a fist. This measurement is your hand width glove size.

To measure hand length, measure from the bottom edge of the palm to the tip of your middle finger.