SKATEBOARDS  
  
Safe Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a fun, active, physically demanding and mentally challenging sport.
However, it can be as dangerous as any other physical activity if you do not take the time to learn proper skills, techniques and safety measures.

While skateboarding may look chaotic and reckless, it is essentially a low impact and relatively safe sport compared to most other popular sports. Of course, riders should ride within their own capabilities. It is important to develop your skills.

Begin with basics and learn how to feel comfortable while riding, turning and stopping on your skateboard. Remember, everyone has his or her own individual learning curve.

With the right gear and a strong will to learn, skateboarding can be a great activity that builds character, integrity, determination and creativity.
Have fun and skate safe.

Choose A Quality Skateboard

It is important to be selective when choosing the right equipment for skateboarding. Skateboards are made up of several different components. These components have technical differences for various types of terrain and styles of riding. Essentially, skateboards contain the following components . . .

Skateboard deck
Decks are usually made of laminated wood ply molded with concave and raised tail and nose for functionality. They range in different sizes and lengths.

Grip tape
Grip Tape is applied to the top for traction and grip while riding.

Trucks
Trucks are metal casted components that mount to the underside of the skateboards with hardware (nuts and bolts) and which the wheels are attached to. The trucks are used for turning and are adjustable to turn at different speeds and degrees.

Wheels
Wheels are compromised of urethane compounds and made with resiliency, durability and traction at the focal point of attention. Different wheels are made for different terrain and surfaces. They are critical to the quality, functionality and safety of riding a skateboard.

Precision bearings
Bearings are inserted into each wheel with a spacer between, and they are attached to the axle of the trucks with nuts.
The precision bearings are machine made products for highest quality, speed and durability. However, they are also available in different quality levels.

Protective Safety Gear

Protective Gear Safety gear is another important aspect of skating safely. Beginners and young riders should always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

Make sure to get a helmet approved to Australian standards. Knee and elbow pads can help protect against bumps and abrasions, and gloves/wrist guards with padded palms can help protect against hand and wrist injuries. Certain terrain may dictate the use of certain protective gear.

Professionals that ride vertical terrain (ramps and bowls that reach heights up to 3 metres high) wear full gear due to the speed and height they attain. Street technical professional riders prefer less gear due to the possibility of getting caught in their pads and causing a lack of control, which can lead to injury.


Street technical skateboarding is low speed and low impact, but helmets are still recommended. Again, riders must be aware of their limitations and skill level to avoid injuries. All in all, it's recommend that you wear safety gear whenever you ride your skateboard.

. . . for skateboard riders

Take care of your skateboard.
All skateboards will wear over time, so check your skateboard on weekly basis.

Check for hazards
Damaged loose, broken or cracked parts.

Sharp edges on metal boards.

A worn or slippery top surface.

Wheels with nicks and cracks.

Make a habit of regularly checking for and correcting any problems before you use your board.
Wear protective gear. Always wear shoes, helmets and padding.

Don’t ride in the traffic. If permitted, ride on the footpath, or other safe places off the road.

Always be on the lookout for pedestrians.

Carry the board when crossing roads.




. . . for parents and carers buying a skateboard

Choose the right board
There are boards for slalom, freestyle, or speed riding.
Some boards are rated as to the weight of the intended user . . . talk to a retailer about your child’s needs.
Buy the correct safety equipment.
Most important are closed, slip resistant shoes, helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and skateboarding gloves.
Provide a safe place to learn.
Learners have the highest rate of injury. Make sure your child has a safe place away from traffic to learn to use their skateboard.
Encourage safe use.
Skateboards need to be used away from motor traffic and not on steep gradients.
Set the rules about where and how the skateboard is used and be consistent about enforcing these rules.

While you can buy cheaper skateboards and components for your board, you are also taking a dangerous risk in the reliability of your skateboard. Faulty low grade products are not made to premium quality standards and are not safe. Do not sacrifice your child's health or safety to dangerous products. Always buy quality merchandise from reputable manufacturers.


  
OPTIMUM VIEWING @ 1024 X 768 SCREEN RESOLUTION @ 16 BIT COLOUR