Quick answer: The skateboard protective gear that matters most is a properly fitted helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. Pick a helmet certified for skateboarding, wear wrist guards with the hard splint on your palm side, and choose pads that stay put when you move.
Gear will not stop you from falling, but it changes what a fall costs you. If you have read our guide to falling safely on a skateboard, this is the companion piece: what to buy, how each piece should fit, and when to replace it.
The core kit: what to wear and why
- Helmet: protects against head impacts. This is the one piece that is worth getting right.
- Wrist guards: when you fall forward your instinct is to throw your hands out. Wrist guards have a rigid splint that helps spread that force and reduces the chance of sprains and fractures.
- Knee pads: protect the joint and cut down scrapes. They also make it easier to commit to a controlled fall.
- Elbow pads: absorb impact and sliding on rough surfaces.
Shoes count too. Flat, grippy skate shoes keep your feet on the board, which means fewer falls to begin with.
How to choose a skateboard helmet
Skateboarding can involve repeated falls, so helmet certification matters. Look for a standard that covers skateboarding, such as ASTM F1492 or EN 1078. A bicycle-style or multi-sport helmet can be suitable if its certification specifically covers skateboarding—check the label inside the helmet or on the strap, rather than relying only on the packaging. These standards use different testing requirements, and certification doesn’t mean a helmet can withstand unlimited impacts. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance on replacement after a fall.
Fit checklist:
- Measure your head just above the eyebrows with a soft tape and compare it with the maker's size chart.
- The helmet should sit level, with the front rim about one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- Straps should form a V just below each ear, and the chin strap should be snug enough that no more than one or two fingers fit under it.
- Shake your head and open your mouth wide. The helmet should not rock back and forth or side to side, and it should pull down when you yawn.
Replace a helmet after any serious crash, or if the shell or foam is cracked or dented. A helmet reduces risk but it is not concussion-proof, so end the session after any hard head impact.
Wrist guards: fit and use
Wrist guards are often the highest-value pad when you are learning, because forward falls are common on flat ground. Fit them like this:
- Check the size against the widest part of your palm.
- Put them on so the hard splint is on the palm side of your hand, with a second support along the back of the wrist if the design has one.
- Snug the straps so the guard does not slide when you grip, but not so tight that it cuts off feeling in your fingers.
Knee and elbow pads: what to look for
Look for a firm cap or hard shell, solid cushioning behind it, and straps that hold the pad over the joint when you bend. Try on every piece. Pads in a set often do not fit equally well, and a pad that slides down your shin is not protecting your knee. For learning fundamentals such as pushing and stopping and turning, a comfortable, slim pad you will actually wear beats an expensive one left in the bag.
Which gear first? A simple priority order
- Helmet (skateboard-certified, correctly fitted)
- Wrist guards
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
If your budget is tight, buy in that order. All four are best, but a fitted helmet and wrist guards cover the most common serious injuries when you are learning.
Common gear mistakes
- Wearing a loose helmet that sits back on the head and leaves the forehead open.
- Skipping the chin strap or leaving it loose.
- Wearing wrist guards backwards so the splint is on the wrong side.
- Buying pads too big because they feel comfortable in the shop, then watching them slip.
- Keeping a helmet after a hard crash because it looks fine on the outside.
Keep Pushing
Good gear takes the fear out of practising fundamentals, and confident practice is how you improve. Fit it properly, check it before every session, and pair it with sensible warm-ups. When you are ready to ride somewhere new, find spots with BUTR Spots.
Your turn: Which piece of protective gear did you resist at first, and what made you start wearing it? Share it below.
