We continue our series of useful materials for extreme sports enthusiasts. In today’s article we will tell you how to avoid serious injuries while skateboarding.
Skateboarding is a dangerous and extremely traumatic activity. Even the legendary riders were seriously injured – it is impossible to stay completely safe on the board. Nevertheless, there is a set of rules, following which you can avoid many injuries, and if you do get them, you will know how to recover faster and more fully.
HOW TO FALL CORRECTLY?
Falling from a skateboard is inevitable from the very first attempts to stand on it. It’s not because you’re not good enough, but because skateboards are small and have wheels on them.
If a fall cannot be prevented, then you need to learn how to fall properly. Certain ways of falling will help you either avoid injury or make it as less serious as possible.
Jump off the board before you start to fall. It will take you a little time to learn something like this. But know that this technique will help avoid a huge number of falls.
Don’t put your arms out in front. Yes, it’s an instinctive urge, but it’s what leads to one of the most common injuries to skaters – broken arms.
When falling, try to roll over your shoulder and back. This allows you to use the energy that could have nailed you to the ground to roll over.
WEAR THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Safety on a skateboard involves more than wearing a helmet. Helmets are important, but there are other items to keep in mind. Basic safety equipment includes: helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist protection and gloves.
Proper use of this ‘equipment’ will ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Also, don’t forget to buy a good pair of skateboarding shoes. Shoes specifically designed for skateboarding ensure proper grip, support and protection for your feet.
DEALING WITH TRAUMA
So you are equipped and have learned how to fall. You are less likely to be injured, but not too far off. If you do fall, what should you do now?
The first thing you should do is give yourself first aid (remember your OBG classes). If you can’t patch yourself up, make sure you get help from a medical facility. Any fall can cause internal injuries which can only be diagnosed by a medical professional.
Once you have sought help, you need to give your body time to recover. This may involve some rehabilitation: don’t jump back on the board too quickly. Follow the doctors’ advice!
WARM UP!
Before any training session or the start of any tournament in any sport, a warm-up is essential. After all, even chess players do it!
It’s no secret that the older we get, the harder it becomes for our bodies to exercise. So as we get older, stretching and warming up should only increase, not decrease.
Stretch in all directions and stretch all your muscles – this will significantly reduce the risk of injury.
DEALING WITH FEAR
Once you have been traumatised and properly healed, you need to deal with the psychological aspect of the trauma. Fear is a normal reaction, but it needs to be dealt with.
Fear is like pain: it exists to protect you and keep you from hurting yourself. It sneaks up on you because you realise you might get hurt.
So, once you’re back on the board, listen to your instincts. Don’t rock and roll on the board until you’re ready for it. Skateboarding within your ability level is the best way to avoid injury.
All in all, we’ve got it all. We understand that no one can avoid getting hurt while skateboarding. And let’s face it, it’s the drive and risk of skateboarding that attracts those crazy people who can’t get away with it. But now at least you know how, if possible, to avoid something scary and unpleasant.
Success and health to you, board conquerors!