Skateboard SafetyAll students riding bikes, skateboards, roller skates, or scooters MUST WEAR A HELMET. (Vehicle Code Section 21212) If a police officer sees you riding your bike or skateboard without a helmet, you could get a ticket for over $100 ($25 fine plus an estimated additional penalty assessment of $93 in San Diego)
courtesy: KidsHealth.org http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/sports_safety/safety_skateboarding.html Believe it or not, more than 25,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for skateboard-related injuries every year. Some of those injuries can be severe, and skateboarders have been killed by head injuries and collisions with cars. Experienced skaters get hurt, too. As the difficulty of tricks increases, so does the risk of injury, while things like rocks and poor riding surfaces are always a threat. It may seem like all you need to start skateboarding is a board and an attitude — until your first wipeout. Asphalt, concrete, wood, and other common riding surfaces have one thing in common: none of them is soft. Helmets are a must for all skateboarders, and all beginners should use pads until they gain more experience. The greatest threat to your health while skateboarding is cars. Falls hurt, but they are rarely fatal. Collisions with large objects can kill you. Never ride in the street. Here are some of the things you'll need to get started: Skateboard. Different boards do different things. If you're mountain-boarding, you'll want a big board with knobby tires. In the park, you'll want something considerably smaller. Make sure you have the right board for your activity and that all of its parts are in working order. Check your board for cracks, sharp edges, damaged wheels, and loose parts before you skate. Helmet. Get a helmet that is specifically meant for skateboarding, not some other activity. Look for a sticker inside the helmet saying it meets the ASTM F1492 skateboard helmet standard. All helmets should have a strong strap and buckle, and the strap should be securely fastened and snug any time you ride. Shoes. Skateboarding is tough on shoes, not to mention feet and ankles. Spend a little extra money and get a good pair of shoes made with leather or suede. Be sure the soles are made of grippy gum rubber, not regular shoe rubber, and that the shoes fit properly. Pads. All beginners should start off with at least knee and elbow pads, which are recommended for riders of all levels. These should have a hard plastic shield and should not hinder your movements. Make sure any pads you wear are snug without constricting your circulation. Other Gear. Wrist guards, hip pads, skateboard gloves, and padded jackets and shorts are all available and are a good idea for beginners. Mouthguards are good protection against concussions and broken teeth. You will fall while skateboarding. That much is a given. So:
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