Protective Gear Every Skateboarder Should Own

11 February 2025

Skateboarding. It’s not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. Whether you're shredding at the park, cruising down the street, or trying to nail that perfect trick, there's always that high-energy thrill. But with all the excitement comes an undeniable risk—falling. And let's face it, falling on concrete isn’t exactly a soft experience. That’s why having the right protective gear is an absolute must for every skateboarder.

Sure, we’ve all seen skaters pull off amazing tricks while looking effortlessly cool. But here’s the thing: behind every seasoned skater is a pile of hard falls and a set of protective gear that probably saved them from some gnarly injuries. So, if you're serious about skateboarding and want to keep those bones intact, this guide is for you.

Let’s dive into the essential protective gear every skateboarder should own. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

1. Helmet: The Brain Saver

First things first—protect your head. A helmet is, without a doubt, the most crucial piece of protective gear for any skateboarder. Why? Because one bad fall can lead to serious head injuries, and we’re talking about life-altering stuff here. You wouldn’t drive a car without a seatbelt, so why skate without a helmet?

What to Look for in a Skateboarding Helmet:

- Certification: Make sure the helmet you're getting is certified for skateboarding. Look for certifications like ASTM F1492. This ensures the helmet meets safety standards.
- Fit: It should fit snugly but not too tight. It shouldn’t wobble when you shake your head. A good rule of thumb is the "two-finger rule"—you should be able to fit two fingers between your eyebrows and the bottom of your helmet.
- Ventilation: Let’s be real, skating can get sweaty, and nobody wants a hot, stuffy helmet. Look for helmets with proper ventilation to keep your head cool.

There’s no excuse here. Helmets save lives, and they look pretty cool too once you slap on some stickers or graphics.

2. Knee Pads: Protect Your Joints

Ever bailed out on a trick and landed straight on your knees? That feeling is unforgettable, and not in a good way. Knee pads are your best friend when it comes to protecting those precious joints from impact. Sure, they might seem bulky, but trust me, they’re worth it.

Choosing the Right Knee Pads:

- Padding: Look for pads with thick, durable foam that absorbs impact. Gel inserts can also be a nice addition for extra comfort.
- Fit: You don’t want your knee pads slipping down while you’re skating. Make sure they have adjustable straps or elastic sleeves that keep them in place.
- Durability: Knee pads take a beating, so go for a brand that’s known for high-quality materials. The last thing you want is your pads falling apart after a few sessions.

Knee pads are especially important if you're into tricks that involve a lot of falls, like vert skating or bombing hills. Plus, they’ll save you from those dreaded “skateboarding scars” on your knees.

3. Elbow Pads: Safeguard Your Arms

Elbow pads might seem like overkill, but when you’re learning new tricks or wiping out at high speeds, your elbows take a lot of the brunt. Falling on your elbows can lead to bruises, scrapes, or even fractures. And let’s be honest, a broken arm will put you out of commission for a while.

What to Look for in Elbow Pads:

- Comfort: If they’re uncomfortable, you won’t wear them. Look for pads with soft inner linings that won’t chafe or irritate your skin.
- Flexibility: You want to protect your arms, but you still need the freedom to move. Look for elbow pads that offer flexibility without sacrificing protection.
- Breathability: Like knee pads, elbow pads can get hot during long skate sessions. Look for materials that are breathable to keep you cool.

Elbow pads give you that extra layer of confidence to go all-in on your tricks without worrying about taking a nasty fall.

4. Wrist Guards: Preventing Wrist Injuries

If you’ve ever taken a fall while skating, chances are your first instinct was to throw your hands out to brace yourself. While that might save your face from hitting the pavement, it puts your wrists in danger. Wrist injuries are some of the most common injuries in skateboarding, and they can be incredibly painful.

Wrist Guards to the Rescue:

- Rigid Support: The best wrist guards offer rigid support that prevents your wrists from bending too far in the wrong direction. This can save you from sprains or even fractures.
- Comfort and Fit: Like all protective gear, wrist guards should fit snugly without being too tight. Look for adjustable straps for a secure fit.
- Durability: Your hands take a lot of impact, so make sure the guards are made from tough materials that can withstand repeated falls.

Wrist guards might not seem like the coolest piece of gear, but trust me, a broken wrist is far less cool. Plus, they’re super easy to slip on and off, so there’s no excuse not to wear them.

5. Padded Shorts: For Those Hard Landings

If you’ve ever fallen on your tailbone, you know it’s not fun. That’s where padded shorts come in. These don’t get as much attention as helmets or knee pads, but they can be lifesavers—especially for beginners who are still getting the hang of balancing on a board.

Why You Should Consider Padded Shorts:

- Tailbone and Hip Protection: Falling on your backside can lead to bruises, fractures, or even tailbone injuries. Padded shorts have built-in padding to protect your hips, thighs, and tailbone.
- Comfort: They’re typically made from breathable, stretchy material so you won’t feel restricted. Many brands even make them thin enough to wear under your regular clothes.
- Mobility: You might think padded shorts would be bulky, but most are designed to allow full mobility while skating.

They’re especially useful for beginners or anyone practicing tricks that involve a lot of butt-slides. Trust me, your backside will thank you.

6. Skate Shoes: Grip, Support, and Cushion

You can’t skate without shoes, but not just any shoes will do. Skate shoes are specifically designed to give you the grip, support, and cushioning you need to stay comfortable and safe on your board. A good pair of skate shoes can make all the difference in your performance and safety.

What to Look for in Skate Shoes:

- Grip: The rubber sole should have a waffle or herringbone pattern that grips your board. This keeps you from slipping off mid-trick.
- Durability: Skateboarding is tough on shoes. Look for reinforced stitching, durable materials, and extra protection around the toe area.
- Cushioning: Good skate shoes offer cushioning in the sole to absorb impact. This is especially important when landing tricks or jumping off stair sets.
- Board Feel: You want shoes that provide enough grip and protection without sacrificing board feel. The better you can feel your board, the more control you’ll have.

Skate shoes are more than just a fashion statement. They’re a critical piece of gear that can improve your performance and keep you safe.

7. Mouthguard: Protecting Your Smile

This one’s often overlooked, but a mouthguard is an excellent addition to your protective gear—especially if you’re skating at high speeds or doing big tricks. A bad fall can lead to chipped teeth or worse, and dental work is expensive (and painful). A mouthguard can save you from that nightmare.

Types of Mouthguards:

- Boil-and-Bite: These are the most common and affordable mouthguards. You boil them in water to soften them up, then bite down to mold them to your teeth.
- Custom-Fit: If you’re serious about protecting your teeth, you can get a custom-fit mouthguard made by a dentist. These offer the best fit and protection but are pricier.

A mouthguard might not be the most stylish accessory, but neither is missing a front tooth!

8. Slide Gloves: For the Downhill Daredevils

If you’re into downhill or freeride skateboarding, you’ll want to invest in a pair of slide gloves. These gloves come with hard plastic pucks on the palms, allowing you to put your hands on the ground as you slide through tight turns or speed down hills.

Key Features of Slide Gloves:

- Puck Material: Look for gloves with durable, replaceable pucks made from materials like UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) plastic. These will last longer and slide smoother.
- Durable Fabric: The gloves themselves should be made from tough materials like leather or Kevlar, as they’ll take a beating over time.
- Fit: Make sure the gloves fit snugly and offer good wrist support. Adjustable straps can be helpful here.

Slide gloves are essential for anyone serious about downhill skating. They give you better control and protect your hands from burns and scrapes.

Conclusion: Gear Up and Skate Safe!

Skateboarding is all about pushing your limits and having fun, but safety should always come first. Yes, it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind and just go for it, but the right protective gear will let you skate with confidence and keep you shredding for years to come. From helmets to knee pads, wrist guards to padded shorts, each piece of gear plays a crucial role in keeping you safe on your board.

So, before you hit the pavement, make sure you’re geared up. Trust me, it’s way better to walk away from a fall with a few scuffs on your pads than to limp away with a broken bone (or worse).

Now, go grab your gear, hit the skate park, and keep shredding—safely!