First and foremost, protective gear is not an option. All safety gear should be purchased new to ensure that is had not been compromised by previous use. No one can afford to overlook quality in this area of equipment, especially for outdoor inline skating activities. Please remember, it is very important to wear all of the pieces of gear listed below to get adequate protection.
Choose good quality protective gear:
- An ANSI, ASTM, or Snell approved helmet should fit the head and have working straps. Your skating helmet should be tightly buckled, with the front coming down to right over your eyebrow.
- Knee pads should be the right size and securely fastened.
- Elbow pads are needed for protection during a fall to either side.
- All pads should be on tight, so they don't slip while you are skating.
- Wrist protectors with hard plastic linings are needed in case either wrist contacts the pavement during a fall.
In-line skating is a relatively safe sport with the right protective gear and good fundamental skating, maneuvering and stopping skills. The protective gear is designed to work together, so it is essential to wear all of it. Remember that when a young inline skater outgrows skates, protective gear should be checked in case that's too small and needs replacement, too.
