Skateboarding is no easy task and its no surprise that skateboarders get injured quite often. It is so common to get hurt skateboarding that after a while you learn to skate through the pain, but the pain can be unbearable younger skateboarders. This week I will be discussing skateboarding injuries and some helpful tips to overcome them.

One of the most important things to remember is to stretch before skating. All the time I see people at the skateboard just jump right in without getting their body warmed up. It is important to stretch your legs, hips, ankles, and even your arms. Getting your body loose will help improve with balance, reducing the risk of injury, and will prevent your muscles from tightening up.

Another overlooked thing in the skateboarding world is giving yourself rest. If you are hurt it is okay to stop skating for a week. Your body needs time to heal, and skating with an injury will only prolong that injury. Giving yourself rest also prevents skaters from becoming burnt out with the hobby. If you find yourself in pain, it might be a good time to put the skateboard down for a few days. No one will think you are a poser if you take some time to heal your body.

I also recommend wearing a helmet at the very least when beginning to skate. Many skaters don’t wear helmets and there is a misconception that helmets aren’t cool, but who cares. Your health is more important than looking cool or trying to fit in. Wearing a helmet is oftentimes a requirement at skateparks around the country. It is a simple thing that people overlook, but wearing a helmet can literally save your life.

My last piece of advice is to ice your body when you get hurt. Icing your bumps and bruises is very important for recovery. If you use ice when you first get a bump or bruise, it helps speed up the healing process, which means you’ll be back on your board faster. This is oftentimes overlooked, and people end up with swollen ankles, elbows, you name it. Icing is your best friend when you hurt your body skateboarding.

I hope you find this information useful. Skateboarding is a fun activity, but it is also equally dangerous. Always remember to be safe, wear safety equipment, and have fun!