Safety is vital when engaging in any activity, and skating is no exception. Although skating is an excellent aerobic workout that improves muscle strength and posture, it can be dangerous. The dangers associated with skating include falls and injuries. Therefore, knowing how to stay safe and follow the right safety precautions while skating is vital. If you're a newbie or a skating enthusiast looking forward to staying safe and trendy, continue reading to learn how.

Wear The Right Protective Gear

The first rule of safe skating is to wear the proper protective gear to prevent injuries in case of falls. When you begin skating, falling will be part of the experience. Although many falls will be gentle and harmless, other falls can lead to wrist fractures, knee injuries, and head injuries.

These injuries can take several days to heal, and in the case of a concussion, the injury can take several months and therapy to heal fully. To avoid these injuries, always wear personal protective equipment. The most vital skate safety gear includes protective padding for your wrists, knees, and elbows to prevent bruises, fractures, and scrapes caused by falls.

A helmet is also essential in preventing head injuries and concussions. However, a helmet should fit properly to offer optimum protection. You should also wear comfortable and sturdy shoes to protect you when you fall on pavements. Gloves are also necessary when skating.

Despite protecting you from injuries, wearing protective gear also boosts your confidence in trying out new skills. When trying out new moves, there's always the fear of falling and getting injured. However, wearing protective gear helps with your mental game of skating. Knowing that you're safe even when you fall increases your confidence to try new moves and push beyond your limits.

Know How To Fall

When learning to skate, you may think that developing new skills and staying on the board is the most crucial part. However, learning to fall correctly is just as important. Falling the wrong way when skating can lead to broken bones and concussion. Therefore, learning to fall the right way keeps you safe, just like wearing protective gear. Also, once you learn how to fall, you'll be confident to try out new moves you shy away from.

When you lose balance and are about to fall, the best approach is to start crouching low on the skates. This way, you'll get closer to the ground, thus reducing the distance you fall. Additionally, crouching lowers your center of gravity which can help you regain your balance and keep you from falling.

Another tip for falling is to make your body more relaxed, as falling with stiff joints and muscles can cause injuries. If you find yourself in the air, position your body to land on areas with flesh instead of bones and joints. For instance, landing on your back, butt, or stomach will hurt less than landing on your head or elbows.

Be Aware Of Your Surrounding

When skating, always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings. Be cautious of where you're skating and avoid skating in high-traffic areas, sharp drop-offs, and uneven pavements. On the other hand, if you're skating indoors, like in a skating rink, follow the skating rink etiquette. Some of these include:

Skate in the flow of traffic. If everyone is skating in a clockwise direction, follow the same to avoid accidents.
Be aware of other skaters if you're trying out new moves or skating fast.
Avoid cutting across the lanes carelessly, for instance, cutting directly from the center to the outside and vice versa. Also, avoid abrupt stops, as other skaters can run into you. Like driving, navigate your way to the lane you want to skate.
If you fall, get up quickly by putting your hands on your thighs and pushing yourself up to your knees. Avoid putting your hands on the skating rink while standing to protect them from other skaters.

Being aware of your surroundings, aside from helping you avoid accidents, can also make skating more enjoyable. By paying attention to the sights and sounds around you, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Inspect Your Skates

To maximize safety when skating, inspect your skates to ensure they're in good condition before you start skating. You don't have to wait for the skates to start leaning on one side or hear cranking noises to inspect and maintain them. Always inspect and maintain your skates before and after every session.

When inspecting, wipe down any grease, dirt, and dust to prevent your wheels from accumulating gunk. Also, tighten and adjust essential parts to ensure everything is working accordingly.

Stay Stylish

Skating is also about looking cool and trendy. Invest in stylish skating shoes and apparel that fit your personal style. You can also accessorize with sunglasses, hats, or other items to complete your look.

Conclusion

Skating is an excellent exercise to improve muscle strength and posture. However, just like with any physical activity, you can get hurt if you don't follow the safety precautions. It's, therefore, advisable to follow the above guidelines to stay safe and trendy when skating.

How To Stay Safe And Trendy When Skating