Longboarding Safety | Is Riding A Longboard Safe
Longboarding is becoming a popular activity for people of all ages. While it can be exhilarating and fun, it’s important to understand how to ride safely to reduce injury risk. This article will discuss general longboarding safety tips that every longboarder should consider before hitting the open road.
Wear Protective Gear
Protective gear is an essential part of longboarding safety. Always wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads to reduce your chance of injury in the event of a wipeout. A full-face helmet with chin protection will provide extra security and give you peace of mind when riding on busy roads. It’s also a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing to stand out to drivers and other riders.
Take a Longboarding Lesson
Taking a longboarding safety lesson can help teach you the basics of riding, like how to mount your board, turn, and brake. You’ll also learn techniques for avoiding obstacles on the road so that you can ride with confidence.
Avoid Riding in High Traffic Areas
It’s best to avoid roads full of cars and trucks, as they present a major hazard when longboarding. Instead, look for quieter streets and pathways where the risk of an accident is much lower. If you must use a high-traffic street, be extra cautious and ride slowly.
Stick to Your Skill Level
Longboarding is like any other activity: the more you practice, the better you’ll get. But staying within your skill level is important to not push yourself too hard and risk injury. Start with basic tricks and maneuvers on flat surfaces before graduating to hills and higher speeds. Practice in a safe, controlled environment, and you can progress.
Practicing Good Balance
Good balance is also key to longboarding safely. Changing your weight will help you turn and stay upright in tricky situations. You can practice balancing on the board off the road before hitting the pavement and doing exercises like lunges and single-leg stands.
Risks Associated with Longboarding
While longboarding is generally a safe activity, some risks are still involved. These include collisions with cars, other riders, and pedestrians, and falls due to poor board control. To lessen these risks, always be aware of your surroundings and never take unnecessary risks while riding.
Benefits of Longboarding
Besides the obvious benefit of having a great time, longboarding can provide some physical benefits. It’s a low-impact activity that helps improve coordination and balance. It also provides a good workout for your legs and core muscles. Longboarding is an excellent way to stay active outdoors without putting too much strain on your body.
Safety Measures for Longboarding
Learn How to Fall
It might sound counterintuitive, but knowing how to fall can prevent serious injury. If you’re about to fall, try to roll onto the fleshy parts of your body rather than landing on your palms or wrists. Try to keep your body relaxed during a fall to reduce the risk of fractures.
Regular Check-ups for the Longboard
As you would service a car or a bicycle, checking your longboard for any faults is crucial. Examine the deck, wheels, and trucks for any signs of wear and tear that could compromise your safety. Keep the bearings lubricated, and the trucks tightened to appropriate levels.
Night Time Riding Precautions
If you’re riding at night, ensure you’re visible to drivers and other road users. Use lights or reflective tape on your board and gear. Also, avoid unfamiliar areas and stick to well-lit paths.
Have Fun!
The most important part of longboarding safety is having fun! Don’t forget that longboarding is enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. So go out there and enjoy yourself, but take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Be sure to check your equipment before you go out on your board, and always look out for potential hazards on the road. Remember that it’s not worth risking injury for the third. Take care, and enjoy every moment of your longboard experience.
FAQs
A: Longboarding is suitable for people of all ages. You must check with a doctor or physical therapist if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Generally speaking, someone aged eight and up should be able to start learning how to ride.
A: Joining a longboarding club is unnecessary. But it can be a great way to meet like-minded people and learn from experienced riders. It can also allow you to participate in supervised rides with other club members.
A: When riding on hills, it’s important to take extra care and wear appropriate protective gear. Ensure you’re familiar with the terrain before attempting new runs or jumps. Stay away from steep inclines until you’ve become more confident in your longboarding ability.
A: At the very least, you’ll need a board and shoes. Beyond that, investing in a helmet and protective pads such as elbow and knee guards is a good idea. You’ll also want to ensure you have some basic tools, such as an Allen key, a skate tool, and spare bearings.
A: The best board for beginners will depend on the type of riding you plan. Generally, cruiser boards are great for casual rides or commuting. At the same time, downhill boards offer more stability and speed. Freestyle/dancing boards are good for street tricks and flat-ground maneuvers.
Conclusion
Longboarding can be fun, but taking certain longboarding safety precautions is important. Wear all the necessary protective gear, and practice basic safety techniques, like learning to fall and checking your board for faults. Always ride within your skill level and avoid high-traffic areas as much as possible. With these tips, you can enjoy longboarding to the fullest without compromising your safety.
Be sure to always ride with a friend or two so that you can keep an eye on each other and make sure everyone is having a good time while riding. Also, never forget to wear sunscreen – it’s vital for protecting your skin while out in the sun.
