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How To Stop On Inline Speed Skates Safely?

As for control on inline skating, there are several ways to stop and you need to master the techniques to enjoy skating to its full. As is said, achieving tremendous speed and greater control are the two key skills in inline skating. Today, we will focus on how to stop on inline speed skates that is how to master the greater control while skating in break-neck speed.

In fact, stopping on inline skating while running apace is a challenge for the novice and the master skaters too think of safety at stoppage. Stopping on speed skates involves using brakes and other techniques.

Four Methods of Stopping on Inline Speed Skating

Whereas how to use brakes remains the same both for masters and amateurs, the other techniques include starter techniques, intermediate techniques, and advanced stopping techniques.

In this guide, we will elaborate on four different methods of stopping techniques that can enable you to master speed skates stoppages.

However, top quality speed inline skates along the helmet and knee pads are crucial to stopping on speed gliding.

Learn to Apply Heel Brake

You will have brakes in the inline skates and you must learn to use them to stop while skating. The position of the brakes will vary as rollerblades do have brakes in the back of the skates and the roller skates have them in the front. Now, you know where the brakes of your skates stay. So, learn how to apply them properly.

Read: Factors to consider before choosing the right speed roller skate

To stop with the brake at the back, stretch out one leg forward and keep the other leg back while shifting all the weight downward by bending the knee as if to sit down. Thus the center of gravity will shift on the heel of the bent leg.

Now, it is your stretched front leg that will do the job by pressing the heel brake forcibly against the pavement or ground. You can extend the foot more if you feel it is convenient to press with the intensity you want. If you want an instant stop, press harder and for a slow halt, press gently.

Do not loosen the pressure until you reach a complete halt. Thus, stopping on by using the brakes will make the passers-by around be aware of you from the squealing sound.

Read: Rules of Short track speed skating

Starter Techniques to Stop on Skating Safely

The beginner can apply so many techniques to halt while skating and these efforts involve zero or minimal risk but a considerable amount of practice. As a novice, you can try as many as three following ways:

Running Out: You can stop over a patch of grass, gravel, or dirt while running very fast on your skates. The uneven or rough texture of the ground will reduce your running speed and end up stopping you completely.

Heading Towards Wall/Railing/Stairs: You can head towards a wall or railing by extending your arms ahead so that your body or head does not hit the wall or whatever you have run onto. Thus how you can stop at any speed but you need to be careful if and when you are running at high speed.

V-Stop or Plow Stop: Another effective way to stop gradually is to stretch out your legs as wide as your shoulder and then turn the front parts towards each other. Thus the skates will collide head-on and stop running.

This will cause you fall requiring you to be ready beforehand mentally so that you may bend your knees and use elbows as protectors.

Intermediate Techniques to Stop on

Intermediate techniques are the ways that require you to reach at least mid-level as a skater.

Wind-breaking: While running at a speed put both the legs evenly and spread out the arms. Thus how you can block the wind blowing against you and the ghastly wind will slow your speed down leading to a complete halt. As this will take time, you should not give it a try when an instant halt is urgent.

Spin Around 180 degrees: Spread the legs wider than your shoulder width. Now, rotate your body and waist keeping your toes pointing forward. Turning up to 180 degrees should bring you to a halt. But you should start practicing this technique at a slow speed in the beginning and before mastering the trick completely; you better not try it at a faster speed.

Slalom Stop: The safest and best way to stop at high speed is the slalom technique to turn sharply both in right and left direction one after another. This will slow the pace down and you can stop with flair.

Advanced Techniques of stopping on Skating

These are the ways you should apply only when you have glided a considerable length of time and gained sufficient control on inline skating.

Curb Ramming: This is an advanced technique and you can stop immediately by taking advantage of any step or curb. While skating, turn towards a curb or step and when the wheels are even with the curb or step, bang them over it. This will stop you instantly requiring you to brace yourself with your hands against impact. While this way will bring you immediate stop, it is damaging for the skates.

T-stop: This is the most famous or widely applied stopping technique. You can bring one leg back and turn it in a way so that the wheels of the front skate remain perpendicular to the wheel line of this one. Make sure that the front skate is running in the traveling direction. Now, put pressure downward to slow the momentum leading to a complete stop.

Hockey Stop/Power Slide: Bring both the legs closer and turn left and right while the forward march is on. Then, keep sliding sideways till your momentum goes down to zero. Keeping your knees a bit bent will make the trick easier. It is more effective while running at high speed.

Stepping Backward and Forward: One of the most advanced techniques only the master skaters can play. In this step, you left your legs one by one to bring down on the ground again and thus slow your pace down. This is quite critical as you have to do this while your forward gliding is on.

Leaning Back on the go: While speed skating forward; tilt your body back to put pressure on both heels. This will pressure down the brakes until the skates come to a full stop. You need to be careful not to fall down.

Takeaway…

Yes, most of the techniques are critical and involve safety issues. But practicing with confidence and sharp guidance may help master the most advanced techniques. And the good practice of the mentioned techniques is the answer to how to stop on inline speed skating.

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How To Wear Wrist Guards For Skating?

Amelia Reed Leave a Comment

We all have heard that prevention is better than cure. For skating, it should sound like “Protection is better than cure.”

The reason behind it is that it will cost you so much time if you don’t protect your wrists when having fun. Additionally, the healing process kills your enthusiasm.

The injuries range from bruises, fractures to dislocations of joints. Experts suggest if you feel you are going to fall, you might want to land on fleshy parts rather than use your wrists. Still, protection is crucial as you cannot control where you land.

Thus, it is best to protect than sit back for months or maybe years. Knowing how to wear wrist guards for skating is necessary for proper safety with other protective gears. Here’s how you can do it yourself.

How To Wear Wrist Guards For Skating?

It is necessary and a must for beginners and older persons. The beginners are prone to falling.

As they haven’t mastered the falling style yet, the injury can be severe. As the learning progresses, skaters have more control over how they fall, and there is less damage.

Also, as you get older, your bones don’t heal at the same rate as they used to. So, if you take a hit at old age, it might take years to heal. Therefore, you might want to avoid injuries by wearing wrist guards which protect your bones.

Step 1: Choosing a comfortable and durable wrist guard.

The right wrist guard will provide you with proper protection. You know what type of tricks you are going to perform. Thus, choose a suitable guard for your wrists.

Step 2: Locate the thumb hole.

Knowing where the thumb hole is, makes your work that much easy. It indicates which one goes on which hand.

To make it simpler for you, the guard with the hole on the right side goes on the right wrist, and the hole with the hole on the left side goes on the left wrist.

Step 3: Hard side up!

The side with the hard and thick plastic resides on your palm. That hard plastic is called splints, and they absorb the shock when you fall. There is another splint that is at the back of the wrist guard.

Sometimes the front one is removable. It is so that it takes more damage and also can be replaced if it breaks or wears down.

The back of the wrist guard usually has the logo of the company to make it clear which side is the front. It makes the work easier for you.

Read: How do wrist guards work?

Step 4: Slide them on.

Slide the wrist guards on one after another. It is preferable to do one hand at a time. By doing this, you will have more control over the gear, and the output will be better.

Or,

If the guard is not a sliding system, you have to open it and lay your hand on the pad. Grip it and put your thumb through the hole. Then start the wrapping process.

Step 5: Wrap it around.

First, take the longer strap and wrap it around 360 degrees. Then attach the Velcro, which will not be much tight.

Then you take the shorter straps and tightly secure them in place on the Velcro. Now you undo the longer strap and pull it taut, making it snuggly tight to your wrists.

Step 6: Test it.

You have to make sure your hands and fingers are comfortable, and the grip is non-restricting. Also, they mustn’t be too loose as it will be inconvenient when skating.

Move your wrist around and fingers. If it feels alright, then just head outside.

Final Words…

To wrap it up, you always have to wear safety gear when attempting these types of sports. Especially if you are a beginner, you have to wear a wrist guard.

Skating has a higher chance of injury and can leave you with damages that you might not recover. Therefore, your protective measure will save you from an unpleasant situation.

There is no alternative to safety gear to keep the fun in the sport and danger, especially the wrist guard. Always remember that safety comes first!

What Are The 7 Best Skateboard Protective Gears For Safety For The Skateboarders?

Amelia Reed Leave a Comment

Whether you are an adult or a kid, you will always find skateboarding is a challenging and exciting sport. Hence, it is hard to resist the temptation to go on the roads with your favorite skateboard and let the adrenaline take over you. Undoubtedly, it brings satisfaction for all of us. But it also runs the risk of tipping over and getting injured unless you wear the right protective gear for skateboarding.

That’s why we will review the seven best skateboard protective gears for safety to make sure you remain safe and practice carefulness. It will also allow you to ride skateboards with confidence and show some crowd-pleasing tricks like a pro.

Our skateboard protective gear review includes skateboarding shorts, helmets, goggles, elbow pads, and many more that both adults and kids require. So, you won’t miss anything.

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What are Skateboard Protective Gears?

U.S. National Safety Council reports over 50000 cases of injuries that come to the U.S. Emergency Department due to skateboarding every year. Also, around 1500 people are hospitalized in hospitals due to skateboard injuries.

These incidents happen because skateboarders don’t follow safety rules and aren’t interested in wearing skateboard safety gear. The safety equipment for skateboard refers to several gears, including thigh pads, protective helmets, goggles, knee pads, and elbow protection while riding skateboard and longboard on roads.

The equipment will protect different parts of the body. So, even if you trip over from the skateboard, you will be less likely to get injured. Also, it is essential if you are willing to practice skateboard and longboard tricks such as Ollie, backside flip, heelflip, power sliding, etc.

What Protective Gears Do You Need for Skateboarding?

When you plan for skateboarding, you must practice carefulness and follow safety precautions set by experts and elders. Hence, you need to wear safety gear for skateboarding. The list includes-

A thigh pad to support your thighs well. It even comes with pockets to store smartphones these days.
Wrist guard and knee pads will protect your wrist and knees from injuries.
Closer-toe or metal-toe shoes will safeguard your feet from serious injuries and offer stability on the board base.
A helmet with enough cushioning inside to protect your head. Also, it should fit well without any tightness.
Shatterproof glasses or goggles will protect your eyes. Also, it keeps dust and debris away for a clear view.
Gloves on hands to remain free from any cuts even if you fall.

Why Do You Need Safety Gear for Skateboarding?

Skateboarding is one of the most challenging sports you will ever come across. There’re dedicated parks for skateboarding. But mostly, both kids and adults will practice their skills on roads or in crowded parks on hard floors made of concrete.

Since skateboard always runs the risk of falling over, the hard floor can result in different injuries. There are many cases of hospitalization due to injuries while people were on their skateboards. It even increases when riders practice different tricks.

The skateboard protective gear will help you remain safe from such injuries. Using a thigh and wrist pad, proper chest clothing, shatterproof goggles, and toed boots will eliminate the chances of injuries and boost your confidence.

Read: How to Look Cool Wearing a Skateboard Helmet?

What Happens If You Don’t Use Skateboard Safety Gear?

When you don’t wear skating protective gear, it will increase the chances of injuries. Just imagine how bad the cuts can be if you fall on gravel from the skateboards. Plus, longboards put extreme pressure on knees, which can cause strains.

If you don’t wear knee pads, it will increase the likelihood of knee strains and injuries. Then many riders dislike wearing goggles. It may cause dust to get into your eyes. Also, it will reduce your visibility on roads, and you may hit your fellow skateboards.

Thus, in short, not wearing the skateboard protective gear will increase the likelihood of minor cuts and injuries. So, be aware of it.

The 7 Best Skateboard Protective Gears Review

When it comes to skateboard sports, safety must be your prime concern, irrespective of your skill level. Yes, both professionals and beginners run the risk of injuries from skateboarding. We took concern of it and enlisted the best skateboard equipment in the following sections.

1. Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet

Our Rating

★★★★★

When you look for the best skateboard safety gear, the list can’t be completed with the inclusion of a proper helmet. The Triple Eight skateboard helmet is a good consideration in this context. The helmet successfully meets all the safety requirements that U.S. CPSC and ASTM F-1492 have set. Its dual certification ensures maximum protection.

For comfort, the longboard helmet plush fabric inside. It will absorb sweats to offer you a drier and cooler feel and stay focused. Also, it is made using dual EPS soft foam as part of the helmet’s impact-resistant feature. It is ready to take extreme abuses to keep your head safe.

Also, the helmet has two sweat-saver terrycloth liners. It offers a custom fit and maximum comfort. Plus, these liners are removable for an easy and quick wash. You can also adjust the straps thanks to their side buckles. The strap adjustment is easy and fast too. The helmet comes in four different sizes. So, you can get it in any size for both adults and kids. It also allows proper fitting.

Furthermore, the helmet is gettable for anyone over 5+ years. So, it can be a great gift to your skateboard enthusiast kids.

Read: Skateboard Helmet Laws

Triple Eight Tony Hawk Signature Model Sweatsaver Helmet

PROS

Different sizes allow a custom fit for adults and kids.
EPS foam is impact-resistant and offers a soft feel.
Soaks moisture and sweat for a comfortable feel.
Easy adjustability for tailored fit on all heads.

CONS

The sizing chart is a bit misleading.

Why You Need It:

Triple Eight sweat saver helmet is made for both kids and adults. You can use it for electric skateboards, scooters, and bicycles. Its impact resistance and plush material make sure you enjoy maximum safety and comfort.

Check the Latest Price

Ways to clean helmets properly

2. G-Form Pro X3 Elbow Pads

Our Rating

★★★★★

Elbows are the most vulnerable body parts along with knees during skateboarding. Hence, we introduce to you another skateboard protective gear for adults to protect your elbows. The Pro X3 pads come with a lightweight design. So, its lightweight design frees you from extra burdens while riding the deck, making it the top-rated elbow pad for skateboarding.

Its design also features body mapping with smart-flex construction. Its mapping provides easy movement, which is further eased out with flexibility. You won’t feel stressed at all. Besides that, the pad is made of impact-resistant foaming to offer maximum protection from hard surfaces. You will love how the flexible padding moves along with your elbow movements.

Its fabric is made of breathable fabric. So, it keeps sweating and moisture away and will boost your comfort and confidence. Also, its ventilation is of prime quality and allows airflow for a better feel while you ride the skateboard. Also, it is a good elbow pad thanks to its compression grips both on the top and bottom. It keeps the fabric in its place without wrapping and movements. So, you won’t have to focus on keeping it in the right place.

PROS

Flexible design and body mapping for a custom fit.
UPF50+ rating provides excellent U.V. protection.
Resists impact for safety with good comfort.
Absorbs moisture and ensures breathability to stay cool.

CONS

The stitching quality is very poor.

Why You Need It:

The flexible elbow pad is for skateboarders, mountaineers, and cyclists. It will stay in its position and so permits hassle-free wearing. Plus, its breathability provides comfort along with safety.

Check the Latest Price

3. JBM Adult/Child Knee and Elbow Pads with Wrist Guards

Our Rating

★★★★★

JBM is a premier manufacturer of skating protective gear for adults and kids. The kit includes knee and elbow pads with a wrist guard. So, the 3-in-1 protective gear kit will provide excellent safety in all conditions.

JBM has used EVA foaming and plastic as the primary material to manufacture the knee, elbow, and wrist guards. EVA foaming is known for its impact resistance while still being soft. Therefore, you can enjoy comfort and safety at the same time. It is essential since many skateboarders complain about pain and stress due to hard materials on their protective gear.

Its plastic is impact-resistant too. So, even if you fall over on the hardest surface, you will be less likely to get injured, making it a better wrist guard for skateboarding. Plus, the elastic straps for adjustable fit are breathable. So, air will flow through the fabric to keep you dry and cool. It is crucial since skateboarding needs lots of physical activity, which produces extreme sweating.

PROS

3-in-1 protection for knee, wrist, and elbow.
Its sizes are available for kids and adults.
Breathable fabric offers great airflow for comfort.

CONS

The overall pricing is expensive.

Why You Need It:

The JBM kit will protect your wrist, elbow, and knee from cuts and injuries. So, you can practice different longboard tricks with the kit with increased confidence.

Check the Latest Price

4. Triple Eight unisex-adult Bumsaver Skate

Our Rating

★★★★★

The triple Eight bump saver is the best safety gear for skateboarding to protect bumps and thighs from serious injuries. It gives full coverage from your waist to the right over the knees, boosting your comfort on the skateboard rollers.

The bump saver is made with 100% lycra fabric. It is soft enough to fit inside your regular clothing discreetly. It increases comfort while riding the board. Plus, the short is lightweight and breathable for riders. Lightweight design ensures you don’t feel overburden with the shorts. Also, breathability will allow you to remain dry and enjoy a cool breeze inside.

On top of it, it equips with EVA foam-made pads. It protects thighs, bumps, and tailbones. The pads are removable and permit you to customize fit for added comfort. Therefore, you will experience comfortable mobility with this skateboard protective gear around your waist, thigh, and hips.

PROS

Customizable padding zones with quick removal facility.
Heavy-duty Eva foam ensures impact-resistant safety.
Lycra fabric is lightweight and fits discreetly inside clothing.

CONS

May increase your body temperature slightly.
It seems overpriced.

Why You Need It:

If you are planning to upgrade your skateboard skill and speed, this bump saver kit is a must. It will make sure you remain safe even if you fall hard on the concrete surface.

Check the Latest Price

5. 187 Killer Pads Derby Wrist Guard

Our Rating

★★★★★

The 187 Killer is more than a pair of good wrist guards for skateboarding with its toughness, protection, and comfort. The wrist guard is made of soft material with EVA foaming right where it needs to be. So, your wrists enjoy both lightness and safety at the same time.

Plus, the wrist guard features comfy and unrestricted finger movements. So, you will enjoy great flexibility and control, unlike regular wrist guards. It also keeps your fingers free for use if need be. Its protective plate is big enough to cover the entire palm and wrist properly. Plus, its contoured design makes sure you get a snug fit.

The protective area is large enough to dissipate the impacts better. So, you won’t feel much stress even if something hits your hand during skateboarding. On top of it, its slide-on facility allows easy putting in and off facility. You will also love the seat-band location. It comes forward to keep sweats away for a dry feel inside the wrist guard.

In short, the wristband is recommendable skating protective gear for adults that you can count on for reliability and safety.

PROS

Slide-in sides help quick and tailored fit.
Expanded protection for palm and wrist.
Built ruggedly for durable and abusive uses.

CONS

The thicker design prevents breathability inside the wrist protector.

Why You Need It:

Whether you are a professional skate dancer or longboard enthusiast, the wrist protector will correctly take care of your palm and wrist. You won’t feel wrist-twisting or fracture anymore.

Check the Latest Price

6. Board Blazers Skateboard Lights

Our Rating

★★★★★

The Board Blazer lights will be a great addition if you plan for skateboarding at night. Also, you can decorate the skateboard with these lights for an elevated look.

The box comes with three packs of LED lights. The lights change colors which truly increases the look of your longboard and skateboard. You will get lime and white colors. The colors are attractive and eye-soothing. So, you feel intimated either.

The package also includes CR2032 batteries. So, you are ready to go straight. The batters are hassle-free to mount with a bottom cell design. On top of it, the battery has a long 30 hours of lifespan. So, you don’t need to change them quickly either.

The stylish battery will be a great fit for your skateboard. You will love to take it out in the park and show some tricks.

PROS

Hassle-free installation with adhesive.
Long battery life will last for 30 hours.
Stylish with two different color changes.

CONS

Not so visible from a distance.

Why You Need It:

The stylish light with two color-changing facilities will give your skateboard a look that you always wanted. Also, it could be skateboard protective gear for kids as a nice gift.

Check the Latest Price

7. JBM Rider Series Protection Gear Set

Our Rating

★★★★★

This JBM gear set is a complete skating protective set, including full-face helmets, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. Thus, your daredevil kid will remain safe with his favorite skateboard anywhere.

The knee and elbow pads are made of P.E. shells. It is strong enough to resist the impacts of any hits. Also, the fabric is breathable. So, the wearer won’t experience any sweating inside with good knee pads for skating.It will also improve mobility with a dry and soft feel.

The helmet is designed to fit a kid’s head with a snug fit. It has EVA foams inside as part of an impact-resistant feature to offer maximum safety. Plus, it has multiple vents. So, kids will love the airflow inside, which will keep their heads cool and comfy. Also, the wrist guards are of good quality and offer flexible movement for an easy riding experience.

JBM Child & Adults Rider Series Protection Gear Set

PROS

The pads are sturdy and breathable.
The helmet offers a snug fit with vents.
Reasonable pricing for all buyers.

CONS

Nothing reported so far.

Why You Need It:

As a parent, you would want maximum protection for kids. This JBM gear set will provide you with the same. Kids can confidently skate through different terrains with it.

Check the Latest Price

How Do You Choose Skateboard Protective Gear?

When you want protective gear for skateboarding, you must be picky about it. Since it includes multiple items, you have to look at various things.

First off, the helmet must be sturdy and offer a snug fit. It should have vents for breathability. Also, EVA foams inside will offer impact resistance with a softer feel. Similarly, the knee and elbow pads should have EVA foaming. It ensures maximum safety.

Also, the protective gear must be lightweight and flexible enough to allow easy movements. If the pads or helmet feel heavyweight, it will distract you and cause stress. Next, you may look at the airflow and breathability. If the fabric lacks breathing facility, you will feel sweaty.

Lastly, check the price. If you look for high-end protective gear, you have to spend more on it. But you should get these items mostly at affordable pricing.

Read: Skateboard Helmet Vs Bike Helmet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best protective gear for skateboarding?

Skateboard protective gear includes different items such as helmets, wrist guards, and pads for the knee and thighs. So, it is difficult to choose one particular item. Yet, we recommend JBM and Triple Eight manufactured items.

Should I get protective gear for skateboarding?

Yes, you must wear skateboard protective gear. It will safeguard you from minor injuries and fractures which skateboarders often experience.

How do you protect yourself while skating?

You have to wear the right protective gear. Make sure you wear a helmet, wrist protector, and pads for protection. Also, learn the tricks with patience.

Do I need knee pads for skateboarding?

Knees are the most vulnerable parts of your body while skateboarding. So, you must wear knee pads with EVA foam to avoid injuries and cuts.

What protective gear does Tony Hawk use?

Tony Hawk uses a Triple 8 helmet with EVA foam construction. He also uses a certified sweat saver wrist and elbow guard for protection.

What gear do professional skateboarders wear?

Professional skateboards will always wear sweat-saver helmets, elbow pads, and wrist guards. They also use breathable knee pads.

How do you wear knee pads for skateboarding?

You should fit the pads right below the knee cap. You can also choose to cover half of your knee caps. Once the fitting is good, tighten the strap, and you are ready to go.

Why don’t people wear protection?

Skateboard is an exciting sport. So, people want to feel the excitement and thrill. It refrains people from wearing protective gear. But that increases the chance of injuries.

Conclusion

Whether you are a beginner or professional, riding on a skateboard always runs the risk of tipping over it. Since skateboarding surface is hard, it may cause you cuts, minor injuries, and fractures even. And it cans aloof you from the excitement of skateboarding for days and even months. If you don’t want such an experience, you must wear the best skating protective gear.

Our list includes a protective helmet, wrist guard, and pads for both knee and elbow. So, you will enjoy maximum safety. Plus, the kits are lightweight and breathable, which allows a cooler feel. Therefore, you will truly enjoy the elevated thrill of skateboarding.