Your skate equipment may change, but you only have one body, so protect it with a skate helmet and pads!

Skateboarding requires a lot of trial and error, especially for beginners, but ultimately every skateboarder spends the same amount of time on the board. Falling is part of the game, and protection from high impacts means more skating time and less healing time. If you plan on riding a skateboard, consider getting some protective gear.

A skateboard helmet is the foundation of skateboarding protective gear, protecting the most important parts of your body. Anyone who has ever taken a big impact knows that a helmet is an essential piece of equipment for any skater.

The first step in choosing a skateboard helmet is to determine the size you need. The helmet should fit snugly, but not uncomfortably tight.

To measure, you will need a flexible measuring tape, such as a tailor's tape, but if you don't have one, you can use a string and measure the string with a ruler or tape measure.

Begin wrapping the tape around your head. Make sure it is level and don't pull the tape too tight. Mark with your finger where the tape meets the other end, then measure using the tape at that point. If you're using string, do the same process, making sure to hold the measuring point before measuring with a ruler or tape measure.

Classic helmets are what people usually think of when they start looking for a helmet. They cover your head from the center of your forehead to the nape of your neck. Classic helmets are usually lighter and more comfortable than other styles, but they cover less of your head. They have cutouts for ears and ventilation holes in the front, top, and back. They're perfect for general use.

Full-cut helmets are very similar to classic helmets, with the main difference being that they are slightly heavier than classic helmets, fully cover the ears, and extend further down the neck for added protection. These helmets are ideal for skating on large vert ramps and bowls.

One factor to consider when buying a helmet is how much protection you need. Many skateboard helmet manufacturers, such as ProTec, Triple 8, and 187 Killer Pads, produce both certified and non-certified helmets, each containing different safety technologies.

Uncertified helmets
Protect your head at a lower price point. The softer foam interior helps protect your head from most minor falls. These helmets primarily protect against skull fractures, but offer less protection from concussions and other related head injuries.

Certified Helmets <br>Made with a hard foam interior to more effectively transfer impact energy away from the head. Certified by multiple federal and international safety agencies for their protective features. Single impact means the helmet is certified to protect your head from one impact, after which it will need to be replaced. Multi-impact helmets are certified to protect your head from multiple low impacts.

CPSC 1203 Certified (USA - Skate/Bike)
Meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's skateboard and bicycle helmet certification standards. Designed to withstand single high impacts or multiple low impacts.

ASTM F1492 Certified (USA - Skate/Roller)
Meets American Society for Testing and Materials certification standards to withstand multiple impacts during non-motorized recreational sports like skateboarding and roller skating.

CE EN 1078 Certified (Europe - Skate/Bike)
Meets current European certification standards and withstands single high impact and variable penetrating impacts in non-motorized recreational sports such as skateboarding and cycling.

AS/NZS 2063:2008 Certified (Australia - Motorcycles)
Meets current Australian Standard certification to withstand a single high impact on a non-motorized recreational bicycle.

ASTM F1447 Certified (USA - Bike/Roller)
Meets American Society for Testing and Materials certification standards and withstands multiple impacts from recreational cycling and roller skating.

Hard Shell Exterior Construction <br>Setting the standard for what a rugged, reliable helmet should be, it features an injection-molded ABS shell bonded to a layer of impact-absorbing foam. Surrounding the interior foam is an injection-molded ABS hard shell that protects the foam from scratches, dents, and nicks.

EPS foam
The foam liner is the main component that compresses during an impact to absorb the impact and dissipate energy. EPS liners meet all required safety standards. EPS foam liners are found in most certified helmets and are made from a very hard foam that offers a lot of protection. Non-certified helmets may protect your head from a minor fall, but they cannot dissipate energy from your head as effectively as an EPS foam liner.

Comfortable liner
Soft padding inside the EPS foam liner ensures proper fit and comfort while wearing the helmet. Most liners feature sweat-wicking technology, from ProTec's Dri-Lex® to Triple 8's Sweatsaver™, ensuring the helmet keeps sweat away from your face and eyes. Some liners are washable, helping to reduce odor.

Wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads will protect you more than any other piece of gear.

Skateboarding falls often result in at least some bruising or abrasions, especially around the palms, knees, and elbows. Wrist and knee guards are extremely useful when learning new tricks or going downhill, as they allow you to stop while gliding on your hands and knees. Elbow pads, on the other hand, can help prevent injury in the event of an awkward fall. Brands such as ProTec, Triple 8, and 187 Killer Pads offer pad sets that include knee, elbow, and wrist pads.

To find the correct size of skateboard pads, you need to measure your arms and legs.

Use a sewing tape measure or string to measure around your arms and legs, approximately 4 inches above and below your knees and elbows. For wrist guards, you'll want to measure around the knuckles on the back of your hands. Remember to leave your thumbs out of the measurement. If you're unsure of your size, it's best to choose the smaller size as it will fit better over time.