Skateboarding Safety: How To Pick the Right Helmet

There’s no law that says you absolutely have to wear a helmet when skateboarding – unless you’re a little kid that has to obey his parents’ demands, the decision is all up to you. But here’s the truth – you will fall off your board or crash. There’s no way you can prevent yourself from falling, no matter how experienced you are with your board. However, what you can do is prevent fall-related injuries by wearing proper protective gear, especially helmets.

But not all helmets are created equal. Some can provide minor protection, while others are designed to completely soften the impact. It’s important to stress out that the average bicycle helmet is made of thin plastic which can easily break if you hit your head hard. On the other hand, a motorcycle helmet despite offering optimum protection is not a good alternative either since it will weigh you down. So, be sure to look for genuine skateboarding helmets. Here are some tips to help you find a helmet that provides the ultimate protection while still being comfortable to wear.

Make Sure It Meets the Proper Safety Standards

The Australian market for skateboarding helmets has strict safety regulations. Make sure to read all the fine print to confirm the helmet meets the necessary safety standards. Many “skate-style” helmets only meet the CPSC standard which is actually a bicycle helmet standard. A true skateboarding helmet is supposed to be dual-certified, meaning to meet both the CPSC standard for high impact, as well as the ASTM F1492 standard for multi-impact.

Find Your Correct Fit

It’s important that your helmet fits well around your head. If it’s wobbly, it might not properly protect you in case of a hit. Each brand’s helmet sizes vary from one another, therefore it’s best if you measure your own head and then compare it to the sizing chart of the particular helmet model you’ve chosen. In any case, a properly fitted helmet should have protective padding that goes all around your head. When you put it on it should sit low on your forehead and not shift or move while you’re skateboarding.

Pay Attention To Its Design

If you’re living in a hot climate, or tend to get very sweaty, wearing a tight helmet can feel awful. In that case, you should make sure that the helmet offers a lot of venting. A larger number of vents is important to keep you cool and comfortable while skating. Another factor to consider is the helmet’s colour. A darker helmet is not a good choice for hot days because it will absorb more light and heat up your head. Consider a lighter option if you want keep your head a bit cooler.