Do you need a helmet to skateboard? [Recommended Guide]

The popularity of skateboarding has been steadily rising, as it is now recognized and celebrated globally as a legitimate sport.

If you’re considering taking up skateboarding, there’s one important piece of safety gear that you’ll need to invest in – a helmet.

Whether you want to look stylish or are just looking for something functional and affordable, understanding why it’s essential to wear a helmet when commuting on your skateboard can help you make informed choices about the style, material and design of helmet that will best suit your purpose.

In this article we discuss why wearing a helmet while skating on is an absolute must and how it should be properly chosen based on comfort as well as protection levels.

Quick Facts: Wearing a helmet when you skateboard is essential to stay safe and protected. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head injuries are among the most common, and expensive to treat, results of skateboarding accidents. As such, you should never skateboard without a helmet that fits your head securely and meets safety certifications for the activity. Helmets designed for use in biking or other sports are not adequate – purchase a fitted skateboarding helmet to stay safe while honing your skills.

Why is it important to wear a helmet while skateboarding?

the most important pieces of safety equipment that any skateboarder should have is a helmet. Injuries can and do occur in skateboarding, even if you’re an experienced rider.

Protection from Head Injuries:

The primary purpose of a helmet is to protect your head in case of an accident or fall while skateboarding. When you wear a helmet, it acts as a cushion that absorbs some of the impact and prevents your head from hitting hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. This can help minimize the risk of serious head injuries and concussions. 

Improved Visibility:

Another great advantage of wearing a helmet while skateboarding is improved visibility. When you wear a bright-colored helmet, other people on the road are more likely to see you and take extra care when driving around you. This makes it easier for you to stay safe and avoid accidents caused by distracted drivers or other vehicles on the road. 

Increased Comfort:

If you’ve ever tried skateboarding without wearing a helmet, then you know how uncomfortable it can be when your head hits the ground after falling off your board! Helmets provide additional padding that helps reduce discomfort during falls and spills so that you don’t worry about hitting your head every time you take a tumble off your board.

Enhanced Confidence:

When you wear appropriate safety equipment like helmets while skating, it increases your confidence levels which in turn helps improve your performance on the board. With increased confidence, it becomes easier to try out new tricks since there’s less fear involved in case something goes wrong you know that your trusty helmet will be there to keep you safe.

Style Statement:

Last but not least, helmets come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors and designs these days so they don’t just serve as functional protective gear but also make for great fashion statements! Whether you prefer plain designs or funky graphics – there’s something for everyone out there so go ahead and make sure to accessorize your outfit with an awesome looking helmet.

How common are head injuries in skateboarding?

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, there’s no better way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. With its thrilling sense of freedom that it brings, skateboarding is truly one pastime that can bring people together from every generation.

However, it can also be hazardous. Head injuries are particularly common in this extreme sport and often result from falls or collisions with stationary objects such as curbs, rocks, and other obstacles encountered while skateboarding.

According to the National Safety Council, nearly 3 million visits to the emergency department due to skateboard injuries occur each year – almost 50 percent involving head trauma.

Wearing a helmet can help mitigate potential serious harm and could be the difference between life and death. So don’t take any risks – strap on your helmet and hit those grinds.

Is it safe to ride a skateboard without a helmet?

While there’s no denying that skateboarding can be a thrilling sport, it’s important to take safety precautions when doing so.

While some people may think riding a skateboard without a helmet isn’t a big deal, it can lead to serious injury if an accident occurs.

Skateboarding at high speeds without protection to the head can potentially lead to concussions, fractures and other medical issues necessitating hospital visits.

With that in mind, always make sure you’re wearing a properly-fitted helmet specifically made for skateboarding every time you ride your board as it’s the best way to protect yourself from any potential danger.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is important to take personal responsibility when considering the importance of a helmet when skateboarding.

Although some argue that it is up to the individual’s judgement as to whether or not they want to wear one while skateboarding, the facts prove that wearing a helmet with appropriate padding and retention systems can be life-saving in case of an accident.

The safety provided by helmets even outweighs possible appearances. After all, isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? The decision of whether or not to wear protective gear should be decided by understanding how risky some moves are and then taking those risks into consideration– versus using those same tricks in carefree manner.

If you plan on countless wild tricks and unfamiliar terrain, then a helmet might be necessary for your well-being and peace of mind.