Whether you are an experienced skater or out for a joy ride, safety is a concern that should not be taken lightly while skateboarding. Shopping for protective skateboarding equipment can be a difficult experience if you are not sure what to look for. It is important to be aware of the safety information that can save your life in case of an accident.
Safety Information
Head injuries are the most dangerous injuries that can occur while skateboarding. It is very important to be sure that you are wearing a proper helmet for the activity you are partaking in. In some states it is a law to wear a helmet while skateboarding, so check state laws before beginning your ride. It is important to note that you should get a skateboarding specific helmet instead of the average bicycle helmet.
What to Look for in a Skateboarding Helmet
An important thing to look for when looking for a good skateboarding helmet is the material that is used. In a helmet there is a piece of foam that covers the inside of the helmet. You will want to make sure that this foam is Expanded PolyPropylene, otherwise known as EPP. This is a durable type of foam and will recover if you take a hit, unlike a bicycle helmet. It is also important to look and see if the helmet is the proper fit for your head and that it is adjusted properly. Many people are injured because they have not fitted their helmet properly.
Skateboard helmets need to meet a proper safety rating before they are deemed acceptable for the road. These are not necessarily required by law, but the ratings are most certainly important for your safety while riding. Look inside the helmet for a CPSC sticker or one that says ASTM. These ensure that the helmet is safe for your use while skateboarding.
Most Popular/Safest Helmets
Know what to look for is only the first half of the battle, actually finding the perfect helmet becomes the second half. There are a few brands that have become the premier skateboarding helmets and these tend to be the ones you should look for if you are in the market for a secure and safe helmet. The first brand which is probably the most popular is Pro-Tec. This brand has many helmets on the market and has a great safety rating. Pro-Tec even offers some helmets that may not need replacing after a crash, most helmets need to be replaced.
Another very popular brand is Technical Safety Gear, or TSG. This brand is similar to Pro-Tec, in the sense that is has a great safety rating and has a very cool look. You will be riding in style with this brand.
There are a few other brands that have been successful, although Pro-Tec and TSG are the two main brands in skateboarding helmets. Bern helmets and Triple 8 helmets may also be beneficial to try out before making your main decision. All of the above brands are also safe for children who may be skateboarding and they have smaller sizes so that your children can ride safely around the neighborhood.
Skateboarding is a fun activity for anyone to enjoy if the proper safety steps are followed. Research your safety equipment before making a purchase and before long you will be skating safely and having a blast.
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