Skateboarding Equipment - Helmets

Teach yourself how to skateboard with these simple lessons in skateboarding.   Soon you will be feeling comfortable riding and kickturning on your board and will be ready to try some simple skateboard tricks.  This is part 1 of a series in skateboarding equipment - helmets.

Skateboarding Helmets

A skateboarding helmet helps protect your head from a broken skull or internal bleeding from a hard fall.  Your brain is the number one organ you need to protect while you are skateboarding.  When choosing a helmet, fit is important.  The helmet needs to fit comfortably on top of your head with the front of the helmet covering the front portion of your forehead. 

A poorly fitted helmet can slip backwards exposing your forehead.  If you think this looks kind of cool, keep in mind that your personality is stored right behind your forehead bone.  if you want to keep not only your great looks but also your personality intact, be certain that the helmet fits properly over this area of your head.

The helmet buckle needs to be fastened in order to keep the helmet in place while skating, otherwise the helmet can come off in mid air, or after your head as bounced on the ground once (or twice).  It may look cool to ride unbuckled, but smart riders know that the helmet doesn't work nearly as well without the buckle. 

How much does a helmet cost?

Helmets can be purchased for about $20-$30.  Protec and Bell are two popular manufacturers of skateboarding helmets.   Be certain that the helmet you purchase meets the standards set by the  US Consumer Products Safety Commission.  Read the brochure "Which Helmet for which Activity" in order to learn more about how to choose a helmet depending on your sport.

Are there safety standards for helmets?

Unlike helmets for bicycling and motorcyling, skateboarding helmets are not required to meet federal minimum standards for safety.  Helmet manufacturers must meet voluntary safety standards instead.  Look for these certifications on the helmet you purchase in order to ensure adequate protection during a skateboarding fall:  ASTM F1492, Snell N-94. 

When should my skateboarding helmet be replaced?

Skateboarding helmets meeting these standards, ASTM F1492, Snell N-94,  are designed to absorb impact for more than one fall, but must be replaced when visibly damaged or after sustaining a severe blow.  When in doubt, take it to your nearest skateshop for inspection.  many helmet manufacturers have a crash rebate policy where you can get  a  discount on a new helmet after sustaining an impact.

What are the chances I'll need a skateboarding helmet?

Skateboarding head injuries accounted for nearly 20,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms in a recent safety report.  That's more than were seen for horsebackriding, three times more than ice hockey, twice as many as snowboarding, and about 1/3 the amout seen for bicycle related head injuries.  Of those seen in the emergnecy room, nearly 1000 of those, or almost 5% were admitted to the hospital for a severe head injury.  The majority of these injuries could be prevented with helmet use.