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Perhaps the biggest hazard in skateboarding is the interference of automobiles and pedestrians. While participating in any form of skateboarding, most experts agree that the rider should always wear protective gear that includes a helmet, pads, and tear resistant clothing.
Injuries are almost unavoidable while learning to skateboard. These injuries primarily consist of minor cuts and scrapes but can include broken bones or concussions. Protective gear will most often reduce the severity of these injuries or eliminate them altogether.
The safest way to participate in the skateboarding is to enjoy the recreation at the local skate park. These parks charge a fee and require the rider to wear protective gear. If a skate park is not available, it is common for boarders to use the buddy system to assist in the lookout for automobiles while on the streets and roads. The addition of the extra pair of eyes and ears will make the ride a more safe and enjoyable experience for both riders.
Before riding, most experienced skateboarders will perform an equipment check to verify that all of the nuts and bolts are in tact. After visual inspection of the board for foreign objects, the experienced rider will test the board on level ground to determine if the board is suitable for turning and stopping. The most common adjustments made are to the trucks. Trucks that are too tight can cause difficulty in steering. Trucks that are too loose can cause a high-speed wobble that will dismount the boarder while riding.
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