Skateboarding comes with its fair share of risks. As someone who’s been skating since childhood, I’ve experienced and witnessed firsthand some rediculuse slams.
Today, were diving into the most severe skateboarding injuries and how to avoid them.
If you’re a visual learner, check out this video titled “Tony Hawk Breaks Down The Worst Slam Of His Career” to learn about one of the most severe skateboarding accidents in professional skateboarding history.
And if you’re more of an audio kind of guy. Take a look at this podcast episode that basically sums up this whole article.
Key takeaways
- Traumatic brain injuries are the most serious skateboarding risk, with a 12.6% increase from 1990 to 2008.
- Wrist fractures account for 28% of all skateboarding injuries, but wrist guards can reduce injury risk by up to 87%.
- Only 5.5% of injured skateboarders report wearing protective gear at the time of injury.
- About 20% of skateboard injuries involve a motor vehicle, emphasizing the importance of skating in designated areas.
The numbers don’t lie (but they might surprise you)
I used to think skateboarding was way more dangerous than other sports. Turns out, I was dead wrong.
According to the U.S. National Safety Council, skateboarding ranks eighth in terms of injury rates among popular sports. It’s actually less risky than football, cycling, and basketball. Who would’ve thought, right?
But about 125,145 skateboarders ended up in the ER in 2015. That’s no small number, folks. And get this – almost half of those injuries involved riders aged 14-24. As someone who’s definitely not in that age group anymore, I’m feeling pretty relieved right about now.
So what kind of injuries are we talking about here? Let’s break it down:
- 74% of all injuries are to the extremities
- 19% involve broken wrists (ouch!)
- 16% are facial injuries (double ouch!)
- 11% are ankle injuries
But here’s the real shocker: only about 5% of skateboarding injuries are severe. And most of those? They happen when you’re tangling with traffic, not at the skate park.
As a skater who’s taken his fair share of spills, I know how important it is to understand the risks. Let’s break down some key skateboarding injury stats that might surprise you – they sure shocked me!
Injury Type | Percentage |
---|---|
Injuries to extremities | 74% |
Facial injuries | 16% |
Broken wrists | 19% |
Ankle injuries | 11% |
Serious head injuries | 3.1% |
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1. Traumatic brain injuries
Brain injuries are by far the most serious risk in skateboarding. These can range from concussions to severe skull fractures and can have life-altering consequences.
The cold, hard truth: About 3.1% of all skateboarding injuries are serious head injuries[1]. That might not sound like much, but when it comes to your brain, you don’t want to take any chances. Even more alarming, from 1990 to 2008, the incidence of traumatic head injuries from skateboarding increased by 12.6%[5].
Wearing a helmet is absolutely crucial. I know it might not look “cool,” but trust me, a brain injury is way less cool. Always opt for a skateboarding-specific helmet that covers more of the back of your head. Shockingly, only 5.5% of injured skateboarders report wearing protective gear at the time of injury[8]. Don’t be part of that statistic!
2. Wrist fractures
Wrist fractures are incredibly common in skateboarding, accounting for about 19% of all skateboarding injuries[1]. In fact, wrist fractures make up 28% of all skateboarding injuries[9].
When you’re falling, it’s instinctive to put your hands out to catch yourself. But this often leads to a broken wrist. I’ve learned the hard way that proper falling technique is crucial.
Wrist guards can be a lifesaver here. They might feel a bit bulky at first, but they’ve saved my wrists more times than I can count. Studies show that wearing wrist guards can reduce the risk of wrist injury by up to 87% during a fall[9].
Pro tip: Just wear protective gear!
Always wear a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads when skateboarding. Studies show that 74% of all skateboarding injuries are to the extremities, with 19% involving broken wrists. Protective gear can significantly reduce your risk of injury, especially as a beginner or when trying new tricks.
3. Ankle fractures and sprains
Ankle injuries make up about 11% of skateboarding injuries[1]. These can happen from landing tricks wrong or even just losing control and stepping off your board awkwardly. In fact, ankle sprains are the most common skateboard injury, accounting for approximately 29% of all skateboarding injuries[9].
Strengthening exercises for your ankles can help prevent these injuries. I’ve found that balance training exercises have really improved my stability on the board.
4. Facial injuries
About 16% of skateboarding injuries are to the face[1]. These can include broken noses, fractured cheekbones, and even broken jaws. Not only are these incredibly painful, but they can also lead to lasting scars or facial deformities.
While it might seem extreme, wearing a full-face helmet for certain types of skating (like downhill) can prevent these injuries. At the very least, always wear a regular helmet to protect your head. Remember, skull and facial fractures account for 1-3% of all skateboarding injuries[9].
5. Elbow fractures
Elbow fractures are another common injury in skateboarding. They often occur when you fall backwards and instinctively try to catch yourself.
Elbow pads are your best friend here. They might feel a bit restrictive at first, but you’ll get used to them quickly. Trust me, they’re way more comfortable than a broken elbow.
6. Knee injuries
From minor sprains to serious ligament tears, knee injuries can sideline you for months. ACL and MCL injuries are particularly common and can require surgery.
Knee pads are essential, especially if you’re skating ramps or doing any tricks. I also recommend incorporating some leg strengthening exercises into your routine to help stabilize your knees.
7. Spinal cord injuries
While less common, spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating that can occur in skateboarding. These often happen from high-impact falls or collisions.
The best prevention here is to know your limits and always skate within your ability level. If you’re trying new tricks, make sure you’re in a controlled environment like a skate park. Remember, about 8.9% of all skateboarding injuries lead to hospitalization[8], and many of these are serious injuries like spinal cord damage.
8. Fractures in the lower extremities
Lower-body fractures can include broken legs, ankles, and feet. They often occur from high-impact landings or collisions.
Proper technique and knowing your limits are key to preventing these injuries. Also, make sure you’re using a skateboard that is appropriate for your skill level.
9. Internal organ damage
While rare, falls or collisions can sometimes lead to internal organ damage. This is more likely to occur if you’re skating in traffic or at high speeds.
The best prevention here is to avoid skating in traffic and always be aware of your surroundings. If you’re doing any downhill skating, make sure you’re wearing adequate protective gear.
10. Chronic overuse injuries
These aren’t as dramatic as a sudden fall, but chronic injuries from repetitive stress can end a skating career just as quickly. These can include conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures.
Listen to your body and don’t push through pain. Regular stretching, proper warm-ups, and taking rest days are crucial for preventing these types of injuries.
So, how do we stay safe out there?
- Gear up: Helmets, wrist guards, knee pads – the whole shebang. Studies show that wearing wrist guards can reduce the risk of wrist injury by up to 87%. That’s huge!
- Choose your battleground: Stick to skate parks or quiet areas away from traffic. Remember, most severe injuries happen when you’re mixing it up with cars.
- Know your limits: I learned this the hard way when I got back into skating. Don’t try to pull off that trick you saw on YouTube if you’re still working on your ollie.
- Stay in shape: Good physical condition can help prevent injuries. Maybe it’s time I hit the gym, huh?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
According to the 2017 statistics from Injury Facts, almost half of skateboarding injuries involve the age group 14-24. However, it’s important to note that children under 10 are at a higher risk of head injuries. This suggests that while teenagers and young adults may have more injuries overall, younger children are more vulnerable to serious head trauma when skateboarding.
According to the U.S. National Safety Council, skateboarding ranks eighth in terms of injury rates among popular sports. It’s considered less dangerous than football, cycling, and basketball, which occupy the top three positions. This suggests that while skateboarding does carry risks, it’s not as hazardous as many people perceive it to be, especially when compared to other common sports activities.
The most effective way to prevent skateboarding injuries is to wear proper protective gear. This includes a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads. Studies show that wearing wrist guards can reduce the risk of wrist injury by up to 87% during a fall. Additionally, choosing safe skating locations away from traffic, practicing proper falling techniques, and staying within your skill level can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries.
Final thoughts
Look, I get it. When you’re young and feeling invincible, it’s easy to skip the safety gear or push your limits. But as someone who’s been there and has the scars to prove it, I can’t stress enough how important it is to protect yourself.
Skateboarding is an incredible sport that can bring you so much joy and freedom. But it’s not worth risking your health or your future. Wear your protective gear, know your limits, and most importantly, have fun out there. Stay safe, fellow skaters!
Remember, approximately 74% of skateboarding injuries involve the extremities, so protecting your limbs is crucial. And here’s a sobering statistic: 64.9% of injuries occur from skating on the streets. So whenever possible, stick to skate parks or other designated areas.
Learning to fall correctly can reduce the risk of serious injury. So practice those falls in a safe environment. It might feel silly, but it could save you from a serious injury down the line.
Sources and references
- Comprehensive Study on Skateboarding Injuries
- Skateboarding Safety Tips from the National Safety Council
- Global Skateboarding Safety Statistics
- Orthopedic Insights into Skateboarding Safety
- The Greatest Skateboarding Quotes of All Time
- Skateboarding Injury Statistics and Analysis
- Understanding Skateboarding Safety Through Statistics
- Preventing Skateboarding Injuries: A Guide