Skateboarding comes with its justifiable share of dangers. As somebody who’s been skating since childhood, I’ve skilled and witnessed firsthand some rediculuse slams.
Immediately, have been diving into the most extreme skateboarding accidents and tips on how to keep away from them.
In the event you’re a visible learner, try this video titled “Tony Hawk Breaks Down The Worst Slam Of His Profession” to study one of the crucial extreme skateboarding accidents in skilled skateboarding historical past.
A video titled “Tony Hawk Breaks Down The Worst Slam Of His Profession” from the The Berrics YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Traumatic mind accidents are essentially the most critical skateboarding threat, with a 12.6% improve from 1990 to 2008.
- Wrist fractures account for 28% of all skateboarding accidents, however wrist guards can cut back harm threat by as much as 87%.
- Solely 5.5% of injured skate boarders report sporting protecting gear on the time of harm.
- About 20% of skateboard accidents contain a motorcar, emphasizing the significance of skating in designated areas.
The numbers don’t lie (however they could shock you)
I used to suppose skateboarding was far more harmful than different sports activities. Seems, I used to be lifeless incorrect.
In accordance with the U.S. Nationwide Security Council, skateboarding ranks eighth by way of harm charges amongst fashionable sports activities. It’s truly much less dangerous than soccer, biking, and basketball. Who would’ve thought, proper?
However about 125,145 skate boarders ended up within the ER in 2015. That’s no small quantity, people. And get this – virtually half of these accidents concerned riders aged 14-24. As somebody who’s positively not in that age group anymore, I’m feeling fairly relieved proper about now.
So what sort of accidents are we speaking about right here? Let’s break it down:
- 74% of all accidents are to the extremities
- 19% contain damaged wrists (ouch!)
- 16% are facial accidents (double ouch!)
- 11% are ankle accidents
However right here’s the actual shocker: solely about 5% of skateboarding accidents are extreme. And most of these? They occur once you’re tangling with visitors, not on the skate park.
As a skater who’s taken his justifiable share of spills, I understand how essential it’s to know the dangers. Let’s break down some key skateboarding harm stats which may shock you – they certain shocked me!
| Damage Sort | Share |
|---|---|
| Accidents to extremities | 74% |
| Facial accidents | 16% |
| Damaged wrists | 19% |
| Ankle accidents | 11% |
| Critical head accidents | 3.1% |
1. Traumatic mind accidents
Mind accidents are by far essentially the most critical threat in skateboarding. These can vary from concussions to extreme cranium fractures and may have life-altering penalties.
The chilly, laborious fact: About 3.1% of all skateboarding accidents are critical head accidents[1]. That may not sound like a lot, however in the case of your mind, you don’t wish to take any possibilities. Much more alarming, from 1990 to 2008, the incidence of traumatic head accidents from skateboarding elevated by 12.6%[5].
Carrying a helmet is totally essential. I do know it won’t look “cool,” however belief me, a mind harm is means much less cool. All the time go for a skateboarding-specific helmet that covers extra of the again of your head. Shockingly, solely 5.5% of injured skate boarders report sporting protecting gear on the time of harm[8]. Don’t be a part of that statistic!
2. Wrist fractures
Wrist fractures are extremely widespread in skateboarding, accounting for about 19% of all skateboarding accidents[1]. Actually, wrist fractures make up 28% of all skateboarding accidents[9].
While you’re falling, it’s instinctive to place your fingers out to catch your self. However this usually results in a damaged wrist. I’ve discovered the laborious means that correct falling method is essential.
Wrist guards is usually a lifesaver right here. They may really feel a bit cumbersome at first, however they’ve saved my wrists extra occasions than I can depend. Research present that sporting wrist guards can cut back the danger of wrist harm by as much as 87% throughout a fall[9].
Professional tip: Simply put on protecting gear!
All the time put on a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads when skateboarding. Research present that 74% of all skateboarding accidents are to the extremities, with 19% involving damaged wrists. Protecting gear can considerably cut back your threat of harm, particularly as a newbie or when making an attempt new tips.
3. Ankle fractures and sprains
Ankle accidents make up about 11% of skateboarding accidents[1]. These can occur from touchdown tips incorrect and even simply dropping management and stepping off your board awkwardly. Actually, ankle sprains are the most typical skateboard harm, accounting for roughly 29% of all skateboarding accidents[9].
Strengthening workout routines on your ankles will help stop these accidents. I’ve discovered that steadiness coaching workout routines have actually improved my stability on the board.
4. Facial accidents
About 16% of skateboarding accidents are to the face[1]. These can embrace damaged noses, fractured cheekbones, and even damaged jaws. Not solely are these extremely painful, however they’ll additionally result in lasting scars or facial deformities.
Whereas it might sound excessive, sporting a full-face helmet for sure kinds of skating (like downhill) can stop these accidents. On the very least, at all times put on an everyday helmet to guard your head. Bear in mind, cranium and facial fractures account for 1-3% of all skateboarding accidents[9].
Solely about 5% of skateboarding accidents are extreme, and most of those happen from an accident involving a car.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
5. Elbow fractures
Elbow fractures are one other widespread harm in skateboarding. They usually happen once you fall backwards and instinctively attempt to catch your self.
Elbow pads are your greatest good friend right here. They may really feel a bit restrictive at first, however you’ll get used to them rapidly. Belief me, they’re far more comfy than a damaged elbow.
6. Knee accidents
From minor sprains to critical ligament tears, knee accidents can sideline you for months. ACL and MCL accidents are notably widespread and may require surgical procedure.
Knee pads are important, particularly in the event you’re skating ramps or doing any tips. I additionally suggest incorporating some leg strengthening workout routines into your routine to assist stabilize your knees.
7. Spinal wire accidents
Whereas much less widespread, spinal wire accidents are a number of the most devastating that may happen in skateboarding. These usually occur from high-impact falls or collisions.
The most effective prevention right here is to know your limits and at all times skate inside your means stage. In the event you’re making an attempt new tips, ensure you’re in a managed surroundings like a skate park. Bear in mind, about 8.9% of all skateboarding accidents result in hospitalization[8], and lots of of those are critical accidents like spinal wire harm.
8. Fractures within the decrease extremities
Decrease-body fractures can embrace damaged legs, ankles, and ft. They usually happen from high-impact landings or collisions.
Correct method and figuring out your limits are key to stopping these accidents. Additionally, ensure you’re utilizing a skateboard that’s acceptable on your talent stage.
9. Inside organ harm
Whereas uncommon, falls or collisions can generally result in inner organ harm. That is extra prone to happen in the event you’re skating in visitors or at excessive speeds.
The most effective prevention right here is to keep away from skating in visitors and at all times concentrate on your environment. In the event you’re doing any downhill skating, ensure you’re sporting sufficient protecting gear.
10. Continual overuse accidents
These aren’t as dramatic as a sudden fall, however power accidents from repetitive stress can finish a skating profession simply as rapidly. These can embrace situations like tendonitis or stress fractures.
Hearken to your physique and don’t push via ache. Common stretching, correct warm-ups, and taking relaxation days are essential for stopping most of these accidents.
So, how will we keep protected on the market?
- Gear up: Helmets, wrist guards, knee pads – the entire shebang. Research present that sporting wrist guards can cut back the danger of wrist harm by as much as 87%. That’s large!
- Select your battleground: Stick with skate parks or quiet areas away from visitors. Bear in mind, most extreme accidents occur once you’re mixing it up with vehicles.
- Know your limits: I discovered this the laborious means after I bought again into skating. Don’t attempt to pull off that trick you noticed on YouTube in the event you’re nonetheless working in your ollie.
- Keep in form: Good bodily situation will help stop accidents. Perhaps it’s time I hit the fitness center, huh?
Often requested questions (FAQ)
In accordance with the 2017 statistics from Damage Details, virtually half of skateboarding accidents contain the age group 14-24. Nevertheless, it’s essential to notice that youngsters below 10 are at a better threat of head accidents. This implies that whereas youngsters and younger adults might have extra accidents general, youthful youngsters are extra weak to critical head trauma when skateboarding.
In accordance with the U.S. Nationwide Security Council, skateboarding ranks eighth by way of harm charges amongst fashionable sports activities. It’s thought of much less harmful than soccer, biking, and basketball, which occupy the highest three positions. This implies that whereas skateboarding does carry dangers, it’s not as hazardous as many individuals understand it to be, particularly when in comparison with different widespread sports activities actions.
The simplest approach to stop skateboarding accidents is to put on correct protecting gear. This features a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads. Research present that sporting wrist guards can cut back the danger of wrist harm by as much as 87% throughout a fall. Moreover, selecting protected skating areas away from visitors, training correct falling methods, and staying inside your talent stage can considerably cut back the danger of extreme accidents.
Remaining ideas
Look, I get it. While you’re younger and feeling invincible, it’s straightforward to skip the security gear or push your limits. However as somebody who’s been there and has the scars to show it, I can’t stress sufficient how essential it’s to guard your self.
Skateboarding is an unbelievable sport that may convey you a lot pleasure and freedom. However it’s not value risking your well being or your future. Put on your protecting gear, know your limits, and most significantly, have enjoyable on the market. Keep protected, fellow skaters!
Bear in mind, roughly 74% of skateboarding accidents contain the extremities, so defending your limbs is essential. And right here’s a sobering statistic: 64.9% of accidents happen from skating on the streets. So every time potential, keep on with skate parks or different designated areas.
Studying to fall accurately can cut back the danger of significant harm. So observe these falls in a protected surroundings. It’d really feel foolish, nevertheless it might prevent from a critical harm down the road.