Safety should always the top priority when it comes to skateboarding. Sure you might feel awkward wearing a helmet while skateboarding, but nobody is going to judge you. I admit I don’t always wear a helmet but only when I do basic stuff. The lack of protective wear is still quite common among skateboarders but slowly you see more and more skaters wearing protective gear.
When it comes to safety, you should be wearing a helmet whenever you are skateboarding. The very purpose of it is to protect your head from severe injury in case of a fall. Concussions and a variety of head injuries happen, especially when you’re a beginner. Even if you know how to fall properly, an accident is hard to prevent.
There are mixed opinions on this subject so let’s dig a little into that. Even if you don’t want to wear a helmet, sometimes the law requires you to wear one. I also listed a couple of popular helmets that meet safety standards.
Contents
- Why Skateboarders Don’t like Helmets
- What Does the Law Require?
- Mixed Opinions
- Pros of Wearing a Helmet
- Cons of Wearing a Helmet
- Choosing the Right Helmet
- Fit
- Type
- Safety Standards
- Ventilation
- Retention System and Straps
- Skateboarding helmets vs bike helmet
- Top Six Helmets on the Market
- Triple Eight with Sweatsaver Liner
- TSG Evolution
- Pro-Tec Classic
- Punisher Skateboards Pro Series 13
- JBM
- ProRider BMX
- Wrapping it Up
Why Skateboarders Don’t like Helmets
According to professionals, wearing helmets is a must especially when it comes to vert and bowl skating. You can never tell when an accident is going to happen. By being proactive in protecting yourself, you can save yourself from a concussion or a skull fracture.
Some skaters who have been practicing for years don’t wear a helmet for reasons like; “It does not look cool” or that helmets feel uncomfortable.If you are a beginner, and you want to know if splurging on a helmet is worth it, look at the statistics. Beginners tend to end up in the ER more than seasoned skateboarders.
When I was younger I didn’t wear a helmet because I didn’t think about the consequences, it wasn’t so much the ‘not cool factor’ I just didn’t think about it. My friends didn’t wear one, so maybe that also played a part. I had a friend hit his head once in our local vert, his eyed roled and he blacked out for a couple of seconds.
He got up angry and left the scene (that last part was quite funny actually), we were quite worried for a minute there, it could have ended badly. Once I got older and needed to be a responsible adult, it got me thinking.
Here’s what can happen, watch this guys’ life being saved by his helmet. Without it, he would have ended up as a vegetable.
What Does the Law Require?
In the United States, almost all skateparks actually require their regulars to wear helmets in order to enter. In California, a law has been passed requiring skaters below 18 to wear a helmet on any street or public space. Other states have yet to come up with a law similar to this, but as of the moment their laws cover the use of a helmet in skateparks and other skating recreational centers.
Mixed Opinions
The whole ordeal on helmet usage has been quite an issue in the skating community, but less nowadays. Even if you know how to fall a reckless driver can ruin your day. You would hear tons of users saying they do not “need” to wear a helmet because they “know how to fall” to protect themselves.
Then there are others who are hardcore advocates for safety overall. In the grand scheme of things, both sides may have a point but we must take a look into is the pros and cons of the situation and then make a logical decision.
Pros of Wearing a Helmet
- Higher visibility for drivers while you are skating by the road depending on the color.
- less chance of fatal head injuries.
- Reduce recovery time from major falls.
- Not ending up in the hospital and able to go to work or school the next day
Cons of Wearing a Helmet
Helmets are uncomfortable since it makes you sweat. Aesthetically speaking, helmets don’t look “cool” and it messes up your hair. Well, this is not a beauty contest.
Based on these points, we can definitely say that there are more logical reasons to wear a helmet than not to, it’s still up to you though. Knowing how to fall cannot always guarantee safety. And at the end of the day, safety should be more important than just looking cool or worrying about your hair.
Take it from skateboard legend, Mike Valley – helmets can be cool too! Kudos to him for actively campaigning skateboard helmets.
Choosing the Right Helmet
There are a variety of helmets to choose from, but knowing which to buy and how to pick one is definitely more important than just being stylish. The best way to pick the right helmet is to go to your local skate shop. Make sure to pay attention to the following:
Fit
Make sure the helmet fits you well. In order to determine what size is best, you need to measure your head. Take a tape measure and position it approximately one inch above your eyebrows and measure the circumference of your head.
Note this down and take it to the store when you purchase your helmet to make sure the fit would be accurate. Wearing a helmet that is too big or too small is uncomfortable and you don’t get optimal protection.
If your helmet shifts when you go down, you’re a long way from home. You can also opt to buy helmets with removable paddings, these often come in different thicknesses that would allow you to adjust according to your size. Some like it, others say it’s useless.
Type
There is a standard skateboard helmet style, but there are other options in the market if you are interested in wearing something different or that has more coverage.
Ideally, the helmets specially made for skateboarding have more impact resistance compared to other types. Open face helmets are commonly used, whereas full-faced ones are more popular with downhill longboard riders.
Safety Standards
The very purpose of you getting a helmet is to ensure that you are secure. One thing to look into when you are buying a helmet is its certification.
If the manufacturers of the helmets are able to meet the standards by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) you can be sure that this will definitely be ideal for use.
Ventilation
Some skateboarders that wear a helmet find it distracting while riding. Choosing an open face helmet with ample ventilation and air outlet positions can keep your head cool, avoiding the uncomfortable feeling as well the supposed pending distraction of sweat getting into your eyes in the middle of a trick.
It also depends on the weather, of course, wearing a helmet on a hot day is much more uncomfortable than a cold day. Think about this when you opt for a helmet.
Retention System and Straps
These two are what keeps your helmet in place. It comes in a variety of styles but what is important is that they can be fastened and adjusted according to your comfort. You can choose a quick release buckle system or even an ordinary one, as long as you are able to secure your helmet on your head, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Skateboarding helmets vs bike helmet
One thing you have to keep in mind is that there is a major difference between the two. The main reason you should not use a bike helmet for skateboarding is due to its ability to protect. If you use a bike helmet, make sure it also covers the back of the head like MTB helmets do.
Going back to our list, safety should be your number one concern, wearing a bike helmet that is built for lesser impact will not help you when you’re on a 20 ft half pipe seconds away from impact. Sure the bike helmet can break the fall, but this doesn’t guarantee anything, which is why skateboarding helmets are made with extra padding, a closed back, and foam shell that protects you against hard falls.
Top Six Helmets on the Market
When buying a helmet, go for quality and don’t cheap out. Think of the helmet as a long term investment, you should not hesitate to spend a little more, for something that can ultimately save your life. Here are the top helmets on the market today:
Note: below are links that earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Triple Eight with Sweatsaver Liner
Popular for its brain-saver rubber, this helmet’s advance multi-impact design has been quite promising. The sweatsaver lining has been a favorite due to its absorbent properties. Along with the TSG helmet, this is probably the best and affordable helmet you can get. Here’s a link to Amazon if you’re looking for a top-quality helmet.
TSG Evolution
TSG has made quite a name for itself over the years. They’re on par with Triple Eight, but both are an excellent choice. My vert-skater friend swears by this helmet and likes it even more than the Triple Eight.
Personal preference of course but consider this helmet if you want the best. Check it out at Amazon and don’t forget to read the reviews on Amazon.
Pro-Tec Classic
Protect offers maximum impact absorption with 11 vents and nylon-webbed straps. Pro-tec is certified by CPSC, NZ, and the ASTM, therefore guaranteeing ultimate safety. It is one of the brands that meet all safety standards. The only disadvantage of getting a Pro-Tec (Amazon) would be the visibility of scratches due to its matte finish, but who cares?
Punisher Skateboards Pro Series 13
A one-size-fits-all helmet that comes at a really affordable price. It includes 3 inner padding sets that can be changed to fit any user perfectly. It has a dual safety standard and has a total of 12 vents to keep your head cool in spite of the padding. Some people report the inner pads not being included. Make sure you get them or return it otherwise.
JBM
This helmet can be used for a variety of activities such as cycling, skateboarding and rollerblading. It is dually certified and is highly resistant to impact. The aerodynamic design allows for maximum ventilation. However, there have been issues regarding the straps of this model, although adjustable it isn’t as durable as the entire helmet itself.
This helmet is ok for kids and a bit cheaper compared to the other models. Still, I wouldn’t save money on a helmet, it’s adequate but not the best. I’m therefor not including an affiliate link.
ProRider BMX
Similar to the Pro-Tec, it has met all safety standards. It is quite affordable and versatile. It comes with padded inserts that allow you to adjust according to your size and has enough vents to quickly dry sweat. It is equipped with polyester straps that are quite easy to adjust with a quick-release buckle.
The only downside in purchasing a ProRider BMX helmet is that the design is not as attractive as the others we have mentioned. It’s perfect for kids but as an adult, I wouldn’t buy it.
Wrapping it Up
Whether you should wear a helmet really is up to you but beginners and kids definitely need to wear a helmet. Especially kids are vulnerable, I never let my kid skate without a helmet. By doing so, you are setting an example for kids to prioritize safety above all else.
I started wearing mine more when I started teaching my kid how to skateboard. Use this guide to pick the right helmet for you and if possible visit your local shop, they need your support!
FAQs
Should I buy helmet for skateboard? ›
You need a helmet specially designed and built for skateboarding because skateboarding helmets cover more of the back of the head and will protect against more than one crash.
What are the consequences of not wearing a helmet? ›The punishment for anyone caught without a helmet while driving/riding a two-wheeler can go up to Rs. 1,000 along with the suspension or seizing of the driving licence. In some severe cases, the driver can be imprisoned for up to three months.
Should kids wear helmets when skateboarding? ›Top Safety Tips
Every skater should wear a helmet. Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are a good idea for everyone, but especially for beginners. Mouth guards are good protection against broken teeth.
It is recommended that you replace the helmet every five years at regular use. As kids grow, it is also important to keep in mind that the helmet still fits and protects well.
Are helmets worth wearing? ›Helmets can protect against specific head injuries, but they're no substitute for safer streets and more mindful drivers.
Is it a good idea to wear a helmet? ›Studies have shown that wearing a helmet reduces your risk of a serious brain injury and death because during a fall or collision, most of the impact energy is absorbed by the helmet, rather than your head and brain. But just as important as wearing a helmet is wearing the right helmet.
Why don't people want to wear helmets? ›By choosing not to ride with a helmet, they might experience improved eyesight and hearing that helps them avoid a crash, which they believe is worth the risk of suffering more severe injuries if a crash does occur. Comfort: Other riders still do not wear helmets while riding because it is an issue of comfort.
What percentage of people don't wear helmets? ›Whenever we post anything at all about helmets, it tends to descend into a “You're nuts!”/”No, you're nuts!” kind of a thing.
Is it safer to not wear a helmet? ›While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a helmet can help protect you from a serious brain or head injury. Even with a helmet, it's important for you to avoid hits to the head. Click here to learn more about concussions.
What are the most common injuries in skateboarding? ›- Head injuries, including concussions, pose the greatest danger to young skateboarders. ...
- Hand, wrist, or shoulder injuries may occur when skateboarders lose their balance and fall on an outstretched arm.
- Ankle injuries, such as fractures are also common.
Do skateboard helmets prevent concussions? ›
Always Wear a Helmet!
Helmets can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent and brain injury by 88 percent.
When it comes to safety, you should be wearing a helmet whenever you are skateboarding. The very purpose of it is to protect your head from severe injury in case of a fall. Concussions and a variety of head injuries happen, especially when you're a beginner.
Should a skate helmet be tight? ›A skateboard helmet should fit snugly all around, with no spaces between the foam or padding and the skateboarder's head. Ask your child or teen how the helmet feels on their head. While it needs to have a snug fit, a helmet that is too tight can cause headaches.
What helmet does Tony Hawk use? ›The Certified Sweatsaver Helmet - Tony Hawk Signature Edition.
Should I buy cheap helmet? ›Cheap crash helmets can be just as safe as expensive ones. They probably lack features and finish, but they can look pretty cool too. So next time someone starts off that argument, just point them at this web page and save yourself half an hour and go do something more useful with your time!
Are white or black helmets better? ›As a general rule, a solid white helmet is the best choice for most cyclists. It's highly visible, won't absorb much heat, and doesn't look out of place with any color of bicycle. If you're not sure what color of helmet to choose, then a solid white helmet is usually a safe bet.
Does the color of your helmet matter? ›Research suggests that white helmets tend to be safer than black and dark helmets. They reflect more light, which can be an asset when driving at night. However, yellow, orange, and green tend to be the safest color for motorcycle helmets.
What are the pros and cons of wearing helmet? ›- Higher visibility in general.
- Weather protection.
- Up to 47% of injured cyclists get head injuries.
- Wearing a helmet can provide up to an 88% reduction in the risk of head injury*
- I want to set a good example to my children.
- It makes me feel less exposed and therefore safer.
Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire are the only states that do not have motorcycle helmet laws.
Will a helmet protect your brain? ›While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a helmet can help protect your child or teen from a serious brain or head injury. Even with a helmet, it is important for your child or teen to avoid hits to the head.
How many kids don t wear helmets? ›
Nearly 40% of parents say their child doesn't wear a helmet while bicycling, scootering, skating and skateboarding, according to a survey of 1,600 parents released Wednesday by Safe Kids Worldwide and Nationwide's Make Safe Happen. Among parents who didn't require a helmet, 47% said they didn't think it was necessary.
Is it illegal to not wear a helmet in America? ›In most states, it is legal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet as long as you're at least 21 years old. Only 18 states and the District of Columbia have universal motorcycle helmet laws that require all riders to wear helmets.
Are helmets uncool? ›Unfortunately, this risky stylistic choice has permeated skate culture and leads even beginners to not want to wear helmets. The idea is that helmets are uncool or that only people who can't skate wear them. This is simply not true. There are plenty of skaters who wear helmets both professional and amateur.
Why do police not wear full face helmets? ›They generally do not wear full face helmets because of job safety concerns. When they make a traffic stop, they do not have time to take their helmet off after stopping the motorcycle and approaching the car and driver, especially if the driver has exited the car.
How many kids wear helmets? ›Yet, only about 15 percent of all children nationally wear a helmet when they ride a bike.
Why are there no full face helmets? ›Full-face helmets offer the most protection for your head, as they cover your entire face. However, this can also make them more difficult to breathe in, as there is less airflow. If you ride in hot weather or do a lot of long-distance riding, a full-face helmet may not be the best choice for you.
What age should you wear a helmet? ›Seatac requires riders of all ages over 1 year to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. (Note: There is an important distinction between this law and most of the others. The SeaTac law does not apply to infants under 1 year of age, allowing parents to legally ride with babies who are not old enough to wear a helmet.
How do you avoid a helmet? ›Switching up the feeding position provides frequent opportunities for your baby to gently stretch their neck muscles. Switch up your baby's sleeping position in the crib—Change which end of the bed your baby's head is aimed at. As your baby gets a bit older and can look around, they will turn to look for you.
Can you still get hurt with a helmet on? ›While wearing a helmet can certainly provide protection to the head and reduce the likelihood of sustaining a major injury, severe impacts may still cause traumatic brain injury, even if there is a helmet present.
Is skateboarding a risky? ›Skateboarding injuries often involve the wrist, ankle, or face. Injuries to the arms, legs, neck and trunk range from cuts and bruises to sprains, strains, and broken bones. Wrist fractures are quite common. Wearing wrist guards has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of these fractures.
Why does skateboarding hurt so much? ›
Tendonitis and sprains — Tendonitis and sprains in the feet, ankles, and knees are common due to overuse and pressure placed on the feet while skateboarding. There is usually localized pain, swelling, and stiffness. A sprain will occur suddenly while tendonitis often develops over time.
Is skateboarding bad for your feet? ›Purvis explains. "Skateboarders should be aware that the strain from repetitive, forceful motions can also cause painful foot and heel conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, fractures (traumatic or stress) and Achilles tendonitis, which may require more intensive, longer-term therapies," she said.
What sport has the highest risk of concussions? ›Conclusion: Although the collision sports of football and boys' lacrosse had the highest number of concussions and football the highest concussion rate, concussion occurred in all other sports and was observed in girls' sports at rates similar to or higher than those of boys' sports.
Do helmets expire? ›In general, yes: Helmets have an expiration date. That's because exposure to sunlight, heat, and other elements degrades the foam and other parts of the helmet. Plus, helmets tend to get knocked around with use. You don't want to mess around with something designed to save your life.
What part of the brain controls skateboarding? ›The cerebellum in the brain plays an essential role in balance control, coordinated movement, and visually guided movement, which are key abilities required for short-track speed skaters as they glide on perfectly smooth ice, cornering and passing at high speeds.
How do skaters fall and not get hurt? ›Tuck your elbows and head in. Landing on your butt, your back, or your stomach will hurt a lot less than landing on your head. Knee and elbow pads, a helmet, and a mouth piece can protect the areas that you don't want land on. Some skateboarders try to tuck and roll as they fall.
Why do skateboarders wear caps? ›Snapback caps keep the face shaded and the head protected from the harsh sun. Sweatbands keep the head cool and dry. They fit snugly and comfortably and will not fall off when performing skate tricks.
Is it better to have a tight or loose helmet? ›A good-fitting helmet should be quite snug, especially when new after you wear it for some time, and it will break in some to the shape of your individual head.
Should you size up or down in helmets? ›Also, similar to shoes, brands use proprietary shapes for helmet molds, so it's a good idea to try helmets on at a store to see if one brand fits your head shape particularly well. If you're between sizes, go with the smaller size.
Should a helmet be fit or loose? ›It should be snug like a big hug. You shouldn't feel any specific pressure points anywhere on your head for example your forehead or top back corners. *The helmet should give you chipmunk cheeks. Pushing your cheeks up is one of the ways that the helmet stays on your head in the event of an impact.
Do you need a certified skate helmet? ›
Surprisingly, many skate-style helmets are only CPSC certified (single-impact), while some have no certification at all! If your child will only be biking, a CPSC certified skate helmet is perfectly safe. But if your child will also be riding a skateboard, a dual-certified CPSC/ASTM skateboard helmet is a must!
How do I choose the right helmet? ›A helmet that is too loose will move around or will not sit down completely on your head. A correctly sized helmet will be a little tight, providing even pressure around your head without uncomfortable pressure points. It should not move when you shake your head.
What helmet does the FBI use? ›The Ops-Core Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) Helmet, also known as the FAST helmet, is an American combat helmet used by special operations forces and law enforcement organizations in various countries, as well as the current standard protective headgear of the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Who wears a winged helmet? ›Michigan's Winged Helmet. Michigan's football helmet is surely one of the most instantly recognizable icons in college sports. The famous "winged" design dates from 1938 when Coach Herbert O. "Fritz" Crisler arrived from Princeton to begin a new era in Michigan football.
What helmet did Steve McQueen wear? ›The number 278 Triumph TR6SC, a Barbour waxed-canvas jacket, and McQueen's Bell helmet have become synonymous with his role in the race and can be seen in hundreds of now famous photos. It's a style and look that is still emulated more than sixty years later.
What is the risk of not wearing a motorcycle helmet? ›Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Not wearing a helmet increases the risk of dying in a motorcycle crash by 40%. When helmets are required, fatality and serious injury accidents decrease. Hospital costs are higher for injured motorcycle riders who were not wearing helmets.
What happens when kids don't wear a helmet? ›Research also shows traumatic brain injuries with bleeding inside the head more common among children who weren't wearing helmets. It's estimated that helmets can reduce the risk of this type of injury by 96%.
Why would someone not wear a helmet on a motorcycle? ›The motorcyclists' reasons for not wearing a helmet during the motorcycle ride were the heavy weight of the helmet in 77%; neck pain after wearing a helmet in 69.4%; limitation of movements of the head and neck in 59.6%; visual limitation during wearing a helmet in 57%; feeling of heat in 71.4%; feeling of suffocation ...
What is the penalty for helmet to helmet? ›It is a foul if a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent. Penalty: Loss of 15 yards. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.
How many motorcycle deaths due to no helmet? ›2019: 118 deaths, 10 not wearing a helmet, 2020: 111 deaths, 20 not wearing a helmet, 2021: 152 deaths, 78 not wearing a helmet, 2022: 84 deaths, 46 not wearing a helmet.
How many motorcycle deaths are caused by not wearing a helmet? ›
Statistics make it abundantly clear that helmets save lives. In 2016, a total of 5,286 motorcyclists died in crashes. Of those who died, helmets could have as many of 1,859 of them. Approximately 41% of motorcycle drivers who die in accidents are not wearing a helmet.
What percentage of kids wear helmets? ›Bike helmets can reduce the risk of brain injury or death by up to 85 percent [more recent estimates put this number at 66 to 88% reduction in the risk of head, brain and severe brain injury for all ages of bicyclists.]. Yet, only about 15 percent of all children nationally wear a helmet when they ride a bike.
Why do kids wear a white helmet? ›These foam-filled helmets aren't to protect babies from falls. Instead, they are helping babies with flat head syndrome or positional skull deformities grow rounder, well-shaped skulls.
What stops people from wearing helmets? ›Many motorcycle riders feel that wearing a helmet for a prolonged ride can make their head feel sweaty - especially if the weather conditions are humid and hot. Many riders that suffer from issues of feeling claustrophobic don't like wearing helmets because of the closed feeling it gives them on their faces.
Why do motorcycle cops not wear full face helmets? ›They generally do not wear full face helmets because of job safety concerns. When they make a traffic stop, they do not have time to take their helmet off after stopping the motorcycle and approaching the car and driver, especially if the driver has exited the car.
Why don't people wear helmets while driving? ›And this is important because the common reasons that people give for not wearing helmets are that cars already have other protection systems. There is a steel cage around the passenger compartment. The car has airbags in the doors and the dash.
What is the 5 year helmet rule? ›The general rule of thumb is that if a motorcycle helmet has a manufacture date of 2 years prior to purchase, it should be good for the following 5 years from the date of purchase providing it is looked after and used in normal conditions.
Is throwing your helmet a penalty? ›Removing your helmet is a penalty in football because it is unsafe to be on the field of play without a helmet on. Even if the play is over, there are still many moving parts on the field that could result in a player being injured.
Can a NFL player take his helmet off? ›According to the rulebook, officials will flag players for unsportsmanlike conduct should they see a "removal of his helmet by a player in the field of play or the end zone during a celebration or demonstration, or during a confrontation with a game official or any other player."