Roller skating is a fun, thrilling and extreme sport at the same time. Yes, even if you go roller-skating around the block, this activity can be quite dangerous, especially if you aren't an advanced skater. But, no matter the level of your skills and your ability to successfully brake, it's essential that you have full roller skating gear. That includes a helmet, wrist pads for skating and knee pads. The wrists and the knees are the first ones that get scratched or fractured. However, the head must always be protected; backward falling has caused countless numbers of traumatic head injuries (equally severe as the ones that occur in auto accidents).
Here is the list of roller skating gear you should buy.
Roller Skate Protection Equipment
If you're deciding to get your roller skates and hit the streets, you have to be prepared with the right gear. Even though this is something you'd probably do in your neighbourhood or on campus, roller skating is actually an extreme sport. The speed you can achieve on roller skates can be as high as the one you can achieve while riding a bike. However, here you don't have that much control when it comes to braking, so even if you're Your head, wrists and knees must be protected with the right safety gear, even if you plan to go for a recreative roller skating in the park.
Safety Helmet
No safety gear is complete without a safety helmet. Its main purpose is to keep your head safe and protected from potential impacts. No matter if you're a beginner or an advanced roller skater, a helmet should always be on your head whenever you put the roller skates on. Make sure to invest in a helmet that's made for inline or aggressive skating, because these models are designed to give you the best protection when you fall backward on your head.
If you're skating for fun, you should choose a special roller skate helmet instead of a bike helmet. Sure, the latter can protect you, but its design is not meant for this type of ride. Always fasten the helmet well and place the chin strap snugly around your chin. A loose helmet won't keep your head safe and can distract you during your ride which can be quite a risk.
Wrist Pads
Wrist pads are another important piece of roller skate gear. Some of the most common injuries that occur during roller skating are the ones on the wrists. Most people who tend to fall forward will first extend their arms; this is how most arm and wrist fractures occur. You can prevent this by wearing wrist pads for skating.
Wrist guard pads come in many different styles; some have hard plastic casing on the top and bottom, while others use soft pads with plastic inserts that should keep the palms safe. Some wrist guards include wicking material that reduces sweating and wetness.
How to Put Your Wrist Guards
First, locate the hole for the thumb on each guard and then the plastic panel that is specifically designed to keep your palms protected. If the wrist guards for skating have a plastic casing on the bottom and top, look for an area with a bulge. This bulging part works as a protective cushion for your palm. Be sure that the protected area for the palm is facing downwards when you put the wrist guards on (otherwise, you have placed the wrist guards backwards).
Gently slide in your thumb in each of the guards; the remaining fingers should slip through the space next to the thumb holes. Slide the wrist guards around your palm and close them with the Velcro straps. The guards should feel comfortable; too loose and you may lose them during the ride, and too firm, they will block your circulation and won't feel comfortable.
Knee Pads
Don't forget to protect your knees as well. This part of your legs is exposed to many injuries, just like the wrists. The first way to fall during a roller skate ride is with your knees and arms forward. And if you have ever fallen and injured your knees, you know how excruciating the pain is. Now imagine what can happen when such a fall occurs on the harsh concrete street.
Choose soft and cushioning knee pads that strap around your leg without limiting your movements. The pad should have a shell exterior that should keep the knee safe from fractures and scratches. The soft pad should amortise any impact during direct fall onto the knee; this way your soft tissues will be prevented from severe injuries.
You can find knee shells with added wicking material on the inside that will keep your knees dry and free of moisture that can cause discomfort.
Some models close with a Velcro strap which allows you to adjust it any way you want. Other models are meant to be slid over your leg and up to your knee. These are a good choice but may easily slide down in case the elastic material loses its strength.
