The role of protective gear when you’re new to skateboarding

When you starts skateboarding we strongly recommend wearing protective gear. But should you rely on it alone, or is knowing how to catch yourself also important?

In this video we discuss the theme of protective gear. Le coach apporte un point de vue nuancé pour pouvoir progresser en skate en toute sécurité.

Confidence

We recommend wearing protective gear to feel confident, especially when start skateboarding.

During our skateboard lessons We teach skaters how to use them properly.

Using protective gear

Wearing protective gear and putting it in the right place does not mean you know how to use it.

Used properly, they're useful for catching yourself when you fall. You do need to know how to use them correctly.

Tips from Max Cherarak professional skate coach

Learning to use protective gear properly means knowing how to use it in a fall.

Here are 5 tips from professional coach (My skate coach) that will help you use your protective gear properly.

Trusting your protective gear:

Tip #1: Let yourself fall onto your knees – 5 times with your eyes open/5 times with your eyes closed

Learning to slide

Tip no. 2: Use your knee pads to slide on your knees with some momentum – 5 times with your eyes open/5 times with your eyes closed

Regain your balance on flat banks

Tip no. 3: ride down the skatepark’s slopes, starting from a standstill, then with some momentum. Gradually try to make it all the way to the bottom.

Slide on your knees

Tip no. 4: Slide on transitions or quarter pipes of different sizes, starting with the smallest

Warm-up

Tip No. 5: Do these exercises at the start of lessons or session to make it second nature. It is very useful as a warm-up and helps you build a habit!

No need to feel embarrassed: you can warm up however you like. Just make sure you don't get in the way of anyone's session.

As we know, falls can happen in any situation and sometimes come unexpectedly. What should you do when that happens?

Learning to catch yourself

The coach points out that knowing how to catch yourself in a fall is very important, even without protective gear.

Because wearing protection is good, but knowing how to catch yourself is even better!

Protective gear shouldn’t become a crutch you rely on. Practicing without it may be useful as mental and/or physical training for a fall.

Of course, it all depends on your circumstances, health, age and level. These factors are individual and can affect your confidence. Above all, do what's right for you.