How To Buy In-line Skating Safety Equipment

It is vital that you wear safety equipment when in-line skating. A helmet and wrist guards are essential, no matter what type of in-line skating you do. A recent study found that only 7% of injured skaters had been wearing full gear, and 82% of elbow injuries and 87% of wrist injuries could have been prevented by wearing the proper safety gear.

• Helmets
• Knee Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Wrist Guards

Helmets

• Most helmets are made of a polycarbonate material, which is a lightweight plastic
• The inner padding is made of polyurethane foam, which provides protection against falls and also serves for comfort purposes
• There are two basic types of in-line skating helmets. One is a bicycle-type helmet the other, a football-type helmet.
• Bicycle style helmets cover the top, front, and back of the head and have a shape similar to a half-oval
• Football style helmets protect the ears and extend farther down the back of the head to provide more protection
• Helmets need to be worn and buckled at all times during skating to prevent head injuries
• Look for either ANSI, ASTM or SNELL certification on in-line skating helmets

Determining Your Head Size

• Helmets come in a variety of sizes and are usually measured in inches
• To ensure your safety, it is important that your helmet fits properly
• For the perfect fitting helmet, see Determine Your Helmet Size before making your purchase decision

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Knee Pads

• All skaters, and especially beginners, should wear knee pads to prevent knee injuries and scrapes from falling
• Knee pads need to be fastened securely around the leg
• Knee pads are usually sized small, medium, and large according to body size

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Elbow Pads

• Elbow pads are also highly recommended for beginners, as well as all aggressive and hockey skaters
• Elbow pads are sized small, medium, and large, according to body size

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Wrist Guards

• Wrist guards should be worn at all times by all skaters
• They are manufactured of a hard plastic with a soft protective coating for comfort
• Wrist guards are sized small, medium, and large, according to body size

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