How much protective gear you wear depends on the terrain and your own skill level. No matter how much or how little protection you choose, you should always feel safe!
Hardshell pads
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Classic skateboard pads, e.g., for knees or elbows, have a hard outer shell made of plastic. The fit of these pads is particularly important so they don’t slip off your joints. When buying, make sure the pads fit snugly and, once fastened, cannot be pushed off the joint by hand.
Softshell pads
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These pads (without a hard shell) are designed to be worn under regular clothing. They usually have a viscoelastic foam material on the inside that is soft under light pressure but hardens under strong pressure, thereby absorbing the impact energy.
Just try out which types of protectors work best for you. But don’t think the pros ride without them! Most of them wear these softshell protectors under their clothing.
Longboard helmets
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Helmets come in a variety of styles. It’s essential to make sure your helmet fits properly. A helmet fits properly if it doesn’t wobble when you shake your head (making a “no” motion) without having fastened the chin strap. If you want to skate fast, freeride, or go downhill, you should definitely wear a full-face helmet. They are designed similarly to motorcycle helmets and completely enclose your head.
Please remember never to skimp on your helmet. Additionally, helmets that have been in a crash or have fallen from shoulder height should be replaced immediately, as their protective function is no longer fully effective.
Slide gloves
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They’re essential if you want to—as the name suggests—slide. Only with them can you drag your hand across the asphalt without getting hurt.
They are usually leather or fabric gloves with a slide puck attached to the inside. Most slide pucks are attached to the gloves with Velcro, so you can replace them without having to buy a whole new pair of gloves.
