WordofMany

Protective gear

15 myths and truths about skateboard protective gear

By Arlo Finch

Published: 10 Mar 2025

A Near Miss and a Wake-Up Call

Let me paint a picture for you. Sun-drenched afternoon, asphalt shimmering, and me – a seventeen-year-old, brimming with misplaced confidence. I was carving up the local skatepark, feeling invincible, until…splat. A nasty wipeout. I landed awkwardly, my wrist twisting at an unnatural angle. The pain was immediate, sharp – a jolt that cleared my head faster than a triple shot of espresso. I’d escaped a serious injury, but only just. That day, I learned a harsh lesson about the importance of protective gear. And that's how this whole obsession began. I'm still kicking myself for that one, seriously.

teenager falling off skateboard | Image: Supplied

Myth #1: Protective Gear Stifles Your Style

This is the big one, right? Many skaters think that wearing gear makes them look less cool, like a total newbie. But that's pure nonsense! Trust me. Modern skate protective gear is stylish. I mean, there's something out there for everyone. We're no longer stuck with clunky, oversized pads that look like you raided your grandpa's closet. There's sleek designs, colors for every mood, and even custom options. You can find a style that fits your vibe without compromising safety. Don't sacrifice style for your bones; find the perfect blend of both! Plus, seeing those pros rolling with their gear, and looking slick doing it, helps give you that boost of confidence you might need.

stylish skateboard protective gear | Image: Supplied

Truth #2: Helmets are Non-Negotiable

Seriously, folks. Head injuries are no joke. A helmet is your brain's best friend. No matter how awesome you think you are, a fall can happen to anyone. I've seen enough wipeouts—and nearly experienced more myself—to know how quickly things can go south. A helmet is about more than just 'being safe'. It's about giving yourself a fighting chance, ensuring you walk away from those mishaps ready to shred another day. Choose one that fits properly and is certified safe – there are many amazing options out there!

skateboarder wearing a helmet | Image: Supplied

Myth #3: Knee and Elbow Pads are Only for Beginners

Nope. False. I've witnessed even seasoned pros using them. This isn't about skill, it's about self-preservation, and it's smart to protect your joints. Your knees and elbows take a serious beating on a skateboard. Think about all those epic slams, the countless times you scrape the pavement. Protecting these delicate joints is common sense, and it helps prevent those nagging injuries that can sideline you for weeks, or months... or even longer. They might not look flashy, but they're your trusty sidekicks for staying in the game.

professional skateboarder wearing knee pads | Image: Supplied

Truth #4: Wrist Guards are More Important Than You Think

Wrist injuries are incredibly common among skaters. Your wrists are a key part of your balance and absorbing falls. Breaking a wrist can be seriously debilitating, trust me. It can halt your skating progress, preventing you from pushing your limits and making you lose all that hard work. So, invest in some decent wrist guards—they can be lifesavers. They'll safeguard your wrists against nasty fractures and sprains, keeping you on your board and living your life to the fullest!

closeup of skateboarder's wrist guards | Image: Supplied

Myth #5: Expensive Gear is Always Better

While high-end gear often offers superior protection and durability, you don't need to break the bank. There are many reasonably priced brands that provide adequate protection. The key here is proper fit and functionality; something that protects you when you need it most. Don't let the marketing hype fool you into thinking you need the most expensive gear. Find what fits your needs and your wallet.

comparison of different prices for skateboard protective gear | Image: Supplied

Truth #6: Gear Needs to Fit Properly

This is crucial. Ill-fitting gear is practically useless. It can bunch up, restrict your movement, and even increase your risk of injury. Loose pads can shift during a fall, leaving you vulnerable. I see people constantly fall into this trap. Take the time to try on different sizes and brands until you find the perfect fit for each piece of equipment. Invest the time to make sure it's secure and comfortable.

person trying on skateboard protective gear | Image: Supplied

Myth #7: Protective Gear Makes You Slow

This is a common misconception. Modern protective gear is designed to be lightweight and not hinder your performance. It won't make you feel like you're skating in a heavy suit of armor. However, this varies depending on your equipment choices. Make sure to test out your gear before any big event to see whether it causes you any issues.

skateboarder performing tricks | Image: Supplied

Truth #8: Regular Inspection and Maintenance are Key

Always check your gear for any signs of wear and tear, rips, or cracks before each skate session. This is about more than just making your gear look its best. Regular inspections will ensure that it will keep doing its job and will be there when you need it most. Replace damaged gear immediately. Think of your equipment as an essential part of your skating safety, and treat it as such.

person inspecting skateboard protective gear | Image: Supplied

Myth #9: You Only Need Gear for Big Jumps and Tricks

Even cruising around can result in an unexpected fall. A low-speed spill on flat ground can be just as damaging as a big fall from height. Always wear at least a helmet, even for small skate sessions. It's safer to be overprepared than underprepared.

skateboarder falling at low speed | Image: Supplied

Truth #10: Confidence is Boosted When You're Protected

Knowing you're wearing adequate protection gives you a sense of security. This makes your confidence grow exponentially, allowing you to take more risks and push your limits. Knowing you are safe and protected enables you to be more bold, which is key when it comes to skateboarding.

confident skateboarder | Image: Supplied

Myth #11: Skateboarding is inherently dangerous

While skateboarding does carry risks, many of these are easily mitigated by wearing proper protective gear. There are definitely risks, but they are unnecessary when the right protective gear is worn. The idea is not to live in fear, but to protect yourself as much as possible while enjoying your sport.

safe skateboarding practices | Image: Supplied

Truth #12: Proper Gear Can Prevent Serious Injuries

I've seen firsthand the difference that protective gear makes. It is the main reason for some avoiding serious injuries; it's not just about minor scrapes and bruises. It can mean the difference between a minor scrape and a broken bone, or even worse. Investing in good quality gear is an investment in your health and your ability to keep skating. Don't be cheap with safety; it's priceless!

skateboarder avoiding injury with protective gear | Image: Supplied

Myth #13: You'll Look Silly In Protective Gear

This is entirely subjective. There's gear out there for every style, age, and taste. It's all about the way you carry yourself. If you look comfortable, and confident, and most importantly, safe in the gear, then the way others view you will follow.

skateboarders with different styles of protective gear | Image: Supplied

Truth #14: Gear Can Improve Your Skating

By protecting yourself from injury, the gear enables you to skate more confidently, practice for longer sessions, and continue to learn new tricks with less fear of injury. It allows you to continue pushing your limits and focusing on the enjoyment of skateboarding rather than just surviving the session.

skateboarder learning new tricks | Image: Supplied

Myth #15: You Don't Need Wrist Guards If You Use Elbow and Knee Pads

Wrist injuries are exceptionally common, irrespective of whether you're wearing elbow or knee pads. Those parts of your body are often the ones that bear the brunt of your falls, meaning that it is worth investing in wrist guards as well. These three pieces of protective gear will do more for your safety than you realize.