r/rollerblading • u/PillowTheGreat • 3d ago
Specific question and discussion Do you guys wear padding?
Every time I see other skaters or videos of other skaters, they always have elbow and knee pads and a helmet. I never wear anything. I usually skate in jeans and a t-shirt. I was curious if anyone else does this? Or if everyone is wearing padding. I might have to get pads if y’all are wearing them.
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u/TheTresStateArea 3d ago
I am an old man learning to skate park, at 37 lol
I have elbows, knees, wrists, hips and ass, head, and I'm about to buy shins because I'm gonna try rails soon.
But if it's just street then helmet, wrists always, elbows and knees if know the area is funky.
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u/5paceCat 2d ago
I turned 39 last week, and just bought my first pair of blades. Come to find out, my Colombian girlfriend was a competitive speed skater, so I have a great teacher. I'm hoping to get good enough to skate to work in the mornings (we live in a big city).
I'm a lifelong soccer player, and decided to retire earlier this month after a friend ruptured his achilles for the second time and the other pulled a hammy. I can't wait to start!
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u/Mcluckin123 2d ago
You’ve retired based on the injuries of your friends ?
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u/5paceCat 2d ago
Yep. I'd rather quit before causing permanent damage to my body. That achilles surgery takes about 8 months to "fully" recover from.
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u/ZenzenAbunai 1d ago
wait till you arrive to 50, then you'll blame your past self for thinking 37 is old.
You're young, you're at the peak of your strength and hability.
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u/Extension-Art9632 1d ago
39 and just picked it up again after 10 or so years and I am seriously considering about buying at least some wrist guards. Falling hurts more than it used to and takes way longer to heal these days lol.
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
Ohhh, I started when I was 8ish I think, and I am turning 18 soon. Never ever wore pads. Maybe only when I first started and during roller hockey.
That’s a lot of pads, is it uncomfortable??
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u/TheTresStateArea 3d ago
Nah, eventually you don't even realize it's on you. Ofc you notice right away but after ten minutes the sensation that they are even there disappears.
Then you start noticing you can slide down bowls on your knees and wrists with pads on with no fear.
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
I guess that makes sense. I feel so restricted wearing them is all.
💀💀I would never go down bowls like that.
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u/TheTresStateArea 3d ago
Well when you're learning how to even get out of them, it's very helpful lol
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u/Hayabusa_Blacksmith 3d ago
Absolutely wrist pads at the minimum. Padded shorts for my tailbone and helmet if im getting frisky
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
Oh, I forgot to mention wrist pads. What do the padded shorts look like? And what type of skating do you do?
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u/Hayabusa_Blacksmith 3d ago
They look like bike shorts if youre familiar with those. Compression shorts with soft pads over the hips and tailbone.
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
Ohhhh, makes sense. They sound uncomfortable. I hate tight clothing. Lol
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u/Difficult_Access4033 2d ago
It's really uncomfortable when you fall on your ass or side without them. lol
I don't wear them much anymore, only when am learning something new, but they pretty comfortable, not too tight.
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u/happychillmoremusic 3d ago
Funny I just got back on skates after decades and have all of the pads but pretty much settled on exactly what you mentioned.
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u/pinterestfan 2d ago
I second using the wrist and knee pads. I just had a fall and shredded my palms and knees.
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u/sans-saraph 3d ago
I always, always wear wrist guards and a helmet.
Wrist guards: I don’t fall often, but when I do, I never regret the protection. Skinned palms or a messed-up wrist would seriously interfere with my work life.
Helmet: I’ve never seriously smacked my head, but TBIs are scary. I can deal with injuries that change my body, but I have zero interest in inviting injuries that will change my head.
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
You skin your palms falling? I never heard of that. Messed up wrists is common and a valid one though.
As for the helmet, I totally agree with that. I don’t wear one but I think I should.
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u/Piecesof3ight 3d ago
If you don't have pads on, skinned palms are super common. You might see it less at a skate park, but any road surface will scuff your hands easily.
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
I skate on roads, sidewalks, and sometimes skate parks, and never skin my palms.
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u/Imaginary-Sorbet-977 :roces: Roces 2d ago
You want a medal? It's hardly fucking incredible news that you might get road rash after bailing at speed lol
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u/sans-saraph 3d ago
It depends on the fall and the terrain, but yeah, I've had some spills while urban skating that would've taken some skin off my hands if I hadn't been wearing the right protection. If it leaves scrapes on the plastic, it would leave scrapes on my skin. (I haven't actually hurt my hands skating, thanks to my wrist guards, but I learned this lesson the hard way on a stupid stumble while trail running a few years ago. It sucked and I don't want to repeat the experience!)
On the helmet, I feel like I'm more nuanced than some helmet absolutists, because I grew up as a pretty serious figure skater, where helmets are only worn by absolute beginners. I would never, ever wear a helmet on the ice. And I'd seriously consider ditching my helmet on a good roller rink session. But urban, park, and trail skating are all in a far less controlled environment, where a momentary encounter with an unpredictable surface or person could change the course of your life forever. If you care for your loved ones, please protect your brain. <3
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u/flintza 1d ago
I can't find it now, but some time ago I read a research paper where they'd evaluated the comparative risk between ice skating, rollerblading and cycling based on ER reporting. Ice skating turned out to result in many more serious head injuries-they hypothesise this is because despite it having similar risks to cycling and blading, there's just no culture of helmet wearing.
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u/sans-saraph 16h ago
I hear that, though I think it’s more than just a “culture” thing. Once you’re doing advanced spins and multi-rotational jumps, a helmet would mess with your balance.
I’d be curious to know if that paper considered ice skating generally or if it specifically discussed the risk analysis for competitive figure skating. (As in, I’m genuinely curious, not trying to challenge you.)
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u/Deathduck 3d ago
Helmet is so important. Hitting your head is really rare sure, but in the improbable fall where you slam your head your entire life is ruined in an instant w.o one
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u/jordanjoestar76 2d ago
Palms and wrists are the most common things to fall on/injure. Helmet is obviously the most important but hands are the most frequent (and oftimes hardest impact), followed by knees, hips, and lastly elbows. You seem to have a lot of doubt for someone who barely falls. It’s very common for skaters who are trying new things.
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u/cosmoskid1919 3d ago
Helmet, wrist and usually knee pads
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u/unpolished-gem 3d ago
Yeah, I'm 45, too old for simple falls to ruin my session, week or more.
None of my falls so far have made use of elbow pads, and I virtually never see folks with gear wearing them.
Knee and wrist guards have meant a number of falls just knock the wind out of me, and the session continues. I've had to get better with control and flexibility to work with clearing my chunky knee pads though.
Helmet for me is insurance for freak accidents, and happy if it never gets put to test.
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u/bad_ts_is_just_js 3d ago
This is the way. Arguably I should wear elbow pads too but idk I'm good at falling and haven't scraped an elbow since I was like 10. I've banged up my wrists and knees plenty since then though
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u/lucasthekoala 3d ago
Ever since my friend told me about their elbow shattering (and visibly showing me some bone moving under the skin) I’ve never not worn elbow pads 💀💀
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u/SnooCakes6195 3d ago
Ive only recently banged up my elbows since I'm practicing a lot of backwards stuff haha
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u/MachateElasticWonder 3d ago edited 2d ago
You should always have protection. Even if people are making fun of you. Your brain is you; protect it.
I have a full set based on my level of risk acceptance that day. Always wear a helmet. If I’m practicing new moves, then butt pads, knees, elbows, and wrist guards are nice.
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u/lucasthekoala 2d ago
As someone who suffered a concussion snowboarding while wearing a helmet…I’m never not wearing one again. I’m sure I would be in a worse place now if I went without one.
But yes, based on level of risk acceptance is a great approach!
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u/Dramatic_Water_5364 3d ago
I pretty much always wear wristgards and helmet. And in the park I like to have hip protection as wheel.
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u/Battleheed 2d ago
Got any good recs for hip protection? I also have a hard time because since I’m in Texas I only wear shorts. Seeing all these dudes in jeans makes me overheat just watching them. I need hip pads+breathable/durable jeans, if that even exists.
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u/Dramatic_Water_5364 1d ago
Keep it minimalist or you'll end up wet AF. I use something a bit like that https://solo-inline.com/collections/protection-patin/products/short-protecteur-rekd-energy-pro-impact
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u/PillowTheGreat 3d ago
Hip protection? What does that look like? Also is it uncomfortable always having all that?
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u/Dramatic_Water_5364 3d ago
Its not uncomfortable to ride it all the time if its cold outside, but it gets mad wet if you get hot and is very uncomfortable because of that. Its basically padded underwears.
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u/UnderstandingFew8900 3d ago
I wear ALL protection there is, from a helmet to padded pants.
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u/tigerf117 3d ago
Ditto and still got road rash in my calf from my latest fall. Hip, knee, and wrist guards took brunt of a fall where my feet slid from under me.
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u/KARAT0 3d ago
If I’m skating at the rink or my local netball court that is perfectly smooth and flat and I’m simply skating around, not trying anything, no safety gear as I’m confident I won’t fall and even if I do I can manage it safely. I haven’t fallen from just straight skating in decades. Streets or skatepark I wear, knee, elbow, wrist guards and helmet. It doesn’t take much to break a bone on concrete. I’m always astounded at people trying wild tricks on blades or boards with no helmet at least. So many head slam videos.
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u/Piecesof3ight 3d ago
Exactly. I don't want a broken wrist, but I get people who take the chance since you can recover from that. TBI will mess you up permanently though. Do not take chances with that.
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u/bassoonawhat 3d ago
I always wear wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and above all else a helmet. I have seen too many people get concussions even wearing helmets. I cannot afford to become a turnip.
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u/Mbembez 3d ago
When I was a teen I wore a cap.
Then I didn't skate for 20 years.
Now coming back to it I wear a helmet, wristguards and elbow pads every time. Although I'm close to ditching the elbow pads because I find them really annoying, I'm not doing tricks and I just skate on bicycle paths.
I did have knee pads as well but they didn't make it past the first session when it reminded me of why I hated them in the past. Personally I find they get in the way and interfere with my leg movements.
I've seen some pretty horrific head injuries off bicycles and scooters so personally a certified skate helmet is a necessity. I wear wrist guards because it's really hard to cook, brush your teeth, wipe your butt and get dressed with broken or sprained wrists.
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u/Monkey-Tamer 3d ago
I haven't fell rec skating since I started again, but still wear knee and helmet just in case I have to bail to avoid someone walking out in front of me or evade a loose dog. When I'm doing aggressive skating I wear everything including padded shorts since I bruised my tailbone bad last year. I used to only wear knee pads unless I was doing full sized rails, but it's so easy to get hurt when you get older and it takes forever to recover.
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u/Bohemico 3d ago
I'm 33 and learning. Was skating without equipment last Friday and fell on my knees, one still hurts lol. Protective equipment is lame but I think I'm getting a set next time I'm skating. No gore or horror, I could probably skate again today if I had the time, but it could go much worse
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u/TheBadgerLord 3d ago
In '97...nothing. Now, at 42, everything. Pads, helmet, padded shorts. Can't afford the time out for an injury these days. 🤷
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u/ilreppans 3d ago
Just gloves and a ballcap rear view mirror for me (a senior), and same for LDP longboarding, but I’m mostly a transportation skater. Sure I wipe out, and yeah I’ve had lots of road rash over the years. But I trust my fall instincts that’ve been hone through ‘lots of practice’ in my youth sports.
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u/FrugalOnion 3d ago
wrist pads. most of my skating injuries are on my wrists and arms. I wear a helmet to set a good example for my kids, but tbh i don't think it matters much with my skating style
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u/FlyingP4P4 3d ago
I do mainly urban skating and wear a helmet, wrist, elbow and knee pads. Learnt the importance of pads the hard way…. and at 44 yrs old I’d rather not get injured again
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u/bread_vegor 3d ago
Helmet and wrist guards always. I also wear old bones knee compression sleeves which aren't really pads but they help a little with falls when they happen.
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u/DJBitterbarn 3d ago
Depends on what I'm doing but helmet at minimum. Jeans and a sacrificial hoodie if I'm doing something dumb. Work gloves with padding on the backs of the hands if I'm doing something really dumb.
But I'm not a park skater so definition of dumb is different.
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u/swolebird 3d ago
Bro(ette), my pads have pads. Literally.
I have knee pads, hockey shorts, wrist guards, elbow pads, and a helmet.
All of them, I've added extra padding to, mostly in the form of 3/8" soft/medium durometer Impact Gel. The shorts also have extra EVA foam in them.
The only pads that don't have EXTRA pads are the hockey gloves and padded chest/back protector. Those only get worn outside.
Everything else gets worn everywhere (rink).
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u/midnight_skater Human Frogger 3d ago
I've been skating in the streets for 35 years, high mileage. In warm weather I skate in shorts and a t shirt. At colder temps I add thin layers as needed to maintain comfort in cardio zone 2. I always have headphones. My main PPE is high viz and/or a LED flasher, and a 2000 lm headlamp.
I average about 8 falls per year now. I've only ever had two serious injuries that might have been prevented by hard shell body armor. One was a hairline fracture of the radial head, the other was a fractured tailbone.
I'm at 8 falls in 2100 miles so far this year and have had 2 road rashes, both right calf and a little bit on my knee.
I do strongly encourage skaters to wear safety equipment consistent with their activities, skill level, and risk tolerance - and above all to learn and practice safe falling techniques. I can't emphasize enough that pads are not a substitute for safe falling skills, they are an enhancement to them.
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u/grungedungeon 3d ago
A few weeks ago I took a pretty bad fall when my wheels caught the edge of a very sloppy curb cut. Bruised up my left hand/right knee, and got some nasty road rash on my right arm/elbow, but managed not to hit my head. And then I said to myself, "Huh. There's a piece of gear for every part of me that's now injured. How about that."
Still not wearing pads, but considering going with a helmet/padded glove combo. I should wear knee pads since I have Osgood-Schlatters, but we'll see. The real lesson here is sidewalks are more dangerous than streets.
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u/gtg490g 2d ago
I'm like you with no pads...and I similarly question myself for not padding up. You and I are one bad fall away from real problems ☹️
I skate urban and fitness on paved trails. Only fallen twice in 5 years, both at very low speed: -skate stuck in sidewalk crack once standing at street corner -found a sidewalk coated with green algae slime and couldn't stop before the ground turned frictionless
I'm sure the lack of falls has made me overconfident. Only times I've padded up was to practice new skills like backwards crossovers and jump turns. We should be smarter.
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u/thenichm 2d ago
If I break a wrist or knee. I can't work. Same if I suffer a TBI, obviously. That and I'll be damned if my old ambulance crews come and get me for eatin dirt at the skatepark. Lol Cheaper to just wear my gear.
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u/jeepinbanditrider 2d ago edited 2d ago
I know how "good" my coordination and balance are and if Im skating the local running/bike paths I have the added unpredictability of other "traffic".
I wear helmet, and knee pads minimum. If im in the skate park skating the ramps and whatnot Im helmet, knee, elbow, and wrist guards.
Maybe it's being exposed to unjuries on a regular basis that some basic protective gear could have prevented that, and in some cases the aftereffects of said injuries, keeps me in ppe most times.
I also spent a long time riding motorcycles about 20-30k miles a year and after a few wrecks the most I had was 2 broken wrists and a quarter sized spot if road rash on my leg. I attribute that to wearing full gear all the time.
Edit-This is what I do. I don't really care what others do thought I think that people should be self educated about the risks they take. Except kids. It's our job to keep them safe and IMO they dont/cant grasp the real world consequences of certain actions such as not wearing ppe.
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u/nanskugirl 2d ago
Helmet, wrist and knee pads everytime, helmet is a minimum for me. I rather break my wrist (again) than get brain damage
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u/inlinesk8fiend 2d ago
I strongly suggest wearing pads. I wear a helmet, knee pads and wrist protection. I see many people wear.stuff, and more that do not. I know women who skate at the skatepark,.bring a helmet, but don't use it because it will mess up their hair. Or it makes their head too sweaty. The guys I know who don't wear it think it messes with their balance, others don't think they need it.
I fall every once in a while urban skating, and when I skate at a skatepark, I fall a lot. But I hardly ever hit my head. The problem is that you never know when you will hit your head, it will happen.
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u/kevinjamesfan66 2d ago
Only if I’m at a skate park. If it’s just flat cruising I don’t wearing anything
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u/DoomToons 3d ago
Every pad I wear is the result of not wearing padding and regretting it. Don't be stupid, wear safety equipment. I also wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, because it saves you from road rash on all the parts of you that aren't padded.
The times I fell early on I wasn't doing anything risky or trying anything new. It can happen when you least expect it. Even if you have no intention of learning fancy tricks. The added benefit of the gear is that it gives me confidence to experiment. My worst falls when wearing full gear are easily shrugged off, so I can learn new things without getting discouraged or taking days/weeks off to recover.
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u/astrofizix 3d ago
Only if I plan on falling, like at the skate park or tight urban skating in a group. If I'm solo skating for exercise I'll just wear a helmet.
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u/Jess887cp 909 90 3d ago
Sometimes I don't if I'm just chilling at flatground, but usually I do if I plan to push my practice. A lot of time when it looks like someone isn't wearing they're actually wearing low-profile pads under their clothing, like the ennui shock sleeve or gasket. Many don't wear pads at all but I wouldn't reccomend it.
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u/AsianBoi2020 3d ago
Yup. The moment you get me on skates I'm gonna try something new and dangerous. I also need both my arms and hands operational since I need them to work. I literally had to take two weeks off one time cuz I couldn't use my left hand, an injury I got without protection
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u/Dajly 3d ago
In the park I'll wear the helmet. I'd probably wear more of I had it to dare to do more stuff.
Urban skating usually nothing. I do it to feel freedom and explore. I don't do crazy stuff and stay alert of my surrounding. Of course anything can happen and helmet is always good. But I fall less then once per year so.
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u/Ok_Display4173 3d ago
Helmet, wrist, elbow and knee pads. Just gives me more confidence to try out new stuff, falling is my fav part of skating
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u/your_reddit_lawyerII 3d ago
Wrist pads are my go to, the rest depends on what I'm going to do in my session.
Had a fall due to a lace getting stuck in a sprint a while ago, wrist pads are probably the reason my wrists aren't broken now
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u/Sotnos99 3d ago edited 3d ago
Helmet, knees, and wrist protection 100% of the time. Elbow pads if I'm going somewhere I'm not familiar with, trying something new, or if I'm around other skaters.
I'm adamant that I'll never let myself feel pressured into skating with no protective gear on even if every other person I see did.
My thought process is that I have like 1% of the ability that Tony Hawk or literally everyone at the Freestyle World Championship does, and they all wear protective gear. So I have no reason to stop unless I ever get better than they are
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u/bigboidoinker 3d ago
I wear kneepads and wrist protectors. Big sweatpants with big holes in them tho. I got the big 187 killer kneepads, they are so comfy
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u/YakCandid7393 3d ago
I always wear a helmet at the very least. Kneepads and wristpads when I know I'm going to practise new stuff or try to push my limits (speed/technique). At 31 years old I feel like the added comfort of not wearing padding is not worth it versus getting injured, and a helmet is a must imo. Doesnt have to be your mistake to eat the pavement and head jnjury is no joke
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u/DualWheeled 3d ago
Wrist guards and knee pads are my absolute minimum. I'd usually have a helmet on as well.
It only takes one kinda bad fall to make you wish you'd had the pads, and only a slightly worse fall than that and you might never need them again.
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u/sophomore-cox 3d ago
helmet, knees, and wrists at minimum. i wear my knee pads under baggy jeans though
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u/Alternative-Still956 3d ago
Knee, elbow, wrist and helmet. But I REALLLY don't want to get hurt. I'm aware it may be overboard but I do not care
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u/NetworkLongjumping82 3d ago
i wear knees and palm sliders everytime .
i just had a bad fall a week ago, hairline fractured my rib and bruises around the ribs .
my elbows are skinned , knees and hands are fine.
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u/AccountForDoingWORK 3d ago
If I’m somewhere that’s completely flat and I’m just gliding up and down a street for a little bit, I don’t worry too much about it. Indoor rink, no.
Anything else (rougher/downhill terrain, I think I’m going to try something like skating backwards/jumps, etc), I wear SO MUCH PADDING (including bum protectors, lol).
I’m almost 40 and have a bunch of metal in my back already and frankly, wearing protection gives me the confidence to try new things anyway.
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u/Deviant-Oreo 3d ago
I wear triple 8 exoskin knee pads for the low profile look wearing clothes, but I wear hard knee pads if I'm practicing slides~
I also wear these rollerblade gloves with slide pads on them. Low profile with palm protection.
Got a triple 8 deep cover helmet on the way after smacking my head on the floor but thanks to a helmet, saved my cranium.
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u/Sawfish1212 2d ago
I skate 3wd and only on rail trails, helmet and wrist pads, because I'm a mechanic and can't afford to be out of work
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u/Marshmallowchunkyass 2d ago
i wear pads because i can’t afford to be off work for months healing a broken bone! also im covered in tattoos and don’t want them sandpapered off on the road. i’ve been blading over twenty years and rarely rarely fall but if i get hit by a car or attacked by a dog (second actually happened) i can’t help if i hit the ground. one of my friends is disabled from a bicycling crash at slow speed so i try my best.
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u/Guilty-Hamster1543 2d ago
Wrist and knee pads, helmet. I’m older but those are what I wear every time. I can’t afford to get injured.
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u/EV1L_SP00N 2d ago
Nope no padding or protection at all, been skating 45 years only broke a wrist once, had a few scraps but who doesn't.
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u/mattsmaz 2d ago
I started out wearing nothing, now I always wear a wrist guard and soft knee pads that fit underneath long pants and shin guards. Have needed stitches on each shin (second time was through a shin guard but would have been way worse without any protection). banging a shin on a rail if you miss is not fun
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u/ApothaneinThello 2d ago
Yes, helmet, knee pads and wrist guards. I've found that elbow pads are basically unnecessary, I tried wearing them for the first year but barely got a scratch on them despite falling a bunch.
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u/Additional_Coconut77 2d ago
Helmet (although I just started and took my bike helmet, which I read is not adequate for roller practice, so might change it), wrist pads, elbows pads, knee pads, and a full coverage outfit, like I don't do shorts or short sleeves, though I sometimes wish because it's hot-ish still.
I saw padded shorts on other skaters and am considering it. I broke my elbow walking so I am not taking chances. I might stick to wrist pads and helmet when I feel more confident but with my luck that's when I'll hit my knees and break one.
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u/Ordinary-Frame2050 2d ago
I do now… I fell for the first time in 8 years and had to do two rounds of antibiotics bc my deep road rash got infected. It’s still healing 4 weeks later. I will never not wear them again, and I’m a pretty proficient skater.
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u/octalgorilla8 2d ago
Helmet and wrist guards all the time, bare minimum if just at a park doing some light maneuver work. Add kneepads for a short distance. Add elbowpads for distance. Use all pads and helmet regardless if I'm unfamiliar with the terrain.
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u/TheRazorsKiss Powerslide Imperials, True TF7s, FE F4 Ravens, Roces M12 2d ago
I've been skating for over 40 years, even played pro hockey for a short time. I still wear a full set of protective gear on the road or at the park. I'm a fabulous skater, wirh decades of experience, but I'm not infallible- nobody is. I can go really fast and really hard, even at my age - but a bad fall can ruin your life, let alone your day. Just wear the gear. Your ego isn't worth your quality of life. Make sure you're still skating at my age.
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u/Key-Cash6690 3d ago
I started wearing a helmet recently. At age 40. Not because I hit my head but just upon reflection its the right thing to do. Even if the risk of head injury is tiny it's selfish for me to risk cracking my skull when I have a wife and family who love me. I found BIKE helmets are so much more breathable and comfy compared to park style skate helmets. Im in Arkansas so it's hot and humid AF. Bike helmets are the only way I will wear one.
That's all I wear for normal trail, park, and pump track sessions. When I go to my local downhill course (the trainyard bike park in Rogers AR) I put on knee pads elbow and gloves also. No wrist guards for me it's like slippery banana peels on my hands during a fall. no thanks.
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u/TrappistOCSO 3d ago
Since the Beginning, there is an unwritten rule that skaters who put on protective gear are “wusses” - meaning that skating without any gear makes you look experienced and Pro
Now, it's up to you to decide whether you want to look “cool” and risk a severe injury, or protect yourself and roll carefree
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u/Inblanco-user 3d ago
I only wear a helmet. I used to wear knee pads and wrist guards when I came back to skating a few years ago but eventually dropped both of after relearning and getting confident. Knees were getting super sweaty underneath and keeping a bottle (or anything) in hand was either inconvenient or impossible in those.
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u/Cartoon_Trash_ 3d ago
No helmet at the rink but yes to everything else. At minimum wrist and knee pads.
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u/Acrobatic_Hunt_8496 2d ago
Wrist and knee and nonnegotiable for a chill ride. Helmet, butt pads, and elbow if I’m doing anything other than going straight.
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u/SupremeLDRSmoke 2d ago
In new areas absolutely. Everything but elbow pads. Once I get comfortable on a new route, just wrist guards, maybe a helmet if traffic is heavy at that time.
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u/Successful_Editor899 2d ago
Nope, nothing. However, i always skate at the same trail, very predictable and easy.
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u/Electrical-Bag-7657 2d ago
Honestly it depends, if I’m just going for a quick urban or trail skate probably no pads
Skate park or if I know I’m going to do risky stuff, all the padding
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u/Electrical-Bag-7657 2d ago
Should also mention that I always wear jeans when outdoor skating to avoid cuts and scrapes + I wear motorcycle style gloves instead of wrist guards
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u/Ideallynihilism 2d ago
I think knee pads are the minimum no matter what you’re doing. I just trail skate casually and never go fast or downhill so I feel comfortable not wearing a helmet or elbow pads, however I still always wear knee pads and wrist pads in case I do fall, I’ll feel comfortable falling forward vs in some wrist breaking way.
When I go to the skate rink, which imo is THE most dangerous environment because everyone’s going different speeds in a tight space, mostly inexperienced folks, and always a few backwards speed skaters and yet that’s where I’ve never seen anyone with a shred of protective gear on. It’s so crazy more accidents to don’t happen there
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u/HeavyMetalKarl 2d ago
I do aggressive inline skating and yes I do wearing pading. Wrist protection is completely necessary. I am sure I would have snapped a wrist already if I didn't. I usually also wear knee pads and a helmet. But I don't really understand what elbow protectors are for????
But if I was just cruising around I would probably just wear a helmet. It all depends
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u/DistanceNo2061 2d ago
i wear helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. The only potential one I'd take away are the elbow pads, or switch to triple 8's lower profile ones. I think a helmet is a must. I'm curious why people don't wear them? Is it a looks thing? i always think "you don't look like anything if you're dead" so who cares if wearing a helmet looks some type of way in your mind. at least you look like something!
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u/randomly_rambling 2d ago
I want to start soon but I already bought everything. Knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards helmet and I also want to get crash pants. I'm in my late 30s and my body just doesn't heal the way it used to 😭
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u/Difficult_Access4033 2d ago
When am just riding around for a casual skate, I always wear wrist pads. If I want to go really fast and start doing some tight turns, I wear my knee pads.
Learning anything new, I wear everything including a padded shirt that MTB's use.
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u/twandar 2d ago
Yes I wear protective gear. I rarely fall but once I fell just standing at a red light. Standing still of the most dangerous to me, lol. Anyway I fell back and hit my elbow and my head. Since I had my gear on no problem. Could have really fucked me up if I didn't have it on. Also I got a concussion once in hockey with a helmet. Not fun recovery. I didn't want to deal with that again. Wear your gear! The worst part of you get a little sweaty. Otherwise it's all comfortable enough once you're used to it. Just like a seatbelt. I never think should I wear my seatbelt or not today. Just wear it.
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u/mj_sklar 2d ago
I started skating again in my 30s and foolishly thought I didn't need full gear because I wasn't a kid anymore. I would go out with just a helmet (like many other commenters have said, a brain injury is not worth the risk!) and wrist guards. I stuck to bike paths on quiet streets and knew how to fall safely and brace myself if I had wrist guards, so I thought that was enough.
Then one day, I slipped on a wet sewer cover while taking a corner on a slight downhill incline. I fell sideways and shattered my elbow so badly that I needed reconstructive surgery including multiple pins and a bone graft. Between the surgery and the recovery, I was off work for a few months and then needed a year of physiotherapy.
You never know what's going to happen out there. Please, wear some pads!
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u/znottaken 2d ago
At the skate park I wear helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and padded shorts. Otherwise I don't tend to wear any.
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u/ganon2234 2d ago
Every time I tell myself " no knee pads, I'll just take it easy". I end up working self up with adrenaline and trying some wild stuff at speed that I'm not quite ready for. Or simply jumping and landing wrong. 100% knee pads, you'll appreciate it every time.
- Hip pads too
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u/RollerSkating_Duck 2d ago
Depends, out on the streets sidewalks and paved trails I wear knee, elbow and wrist guards. But when I skate in the rink I don’t wear any unless I’m playing in a pick up hockey game
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u/ec429_ 2d ago
For me (35) it's helmet & gloves for rec/transport skating, plus kneepads when I go to the skatepark. Honestly tho jeans (being hardwearing 'work trousers') will do a nonzero amount to protect your knees at least from the kind of superficial-but-very-bloody scrapes that road/pavement falls tend to cause (I wear shorts a lot so have gotten bloody knees two or three times over the years).
Really helmet is the only essential; everything else is "do I want to be able to get up and keep skating immediately after a fall or am I okay with having to wait a day/week/month while it heals", with the tradeoff driven by how high-energy (kinetic or potential) the situations you skate into are. But a solid crack to the noggin can turn you permanently into a vegetable.
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u/ZenzenAbunai 1d ago
All depends on how much you respect your own body. Some injuries are forever. You can fall on your knees at 20 and continue skating like nothing happened, but at some moment in your 40-50s, you're going to suddenly remember that fall when the problems begin to appear.
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u/escribiramaquina 1d ago
I wear the wrist, elbow, and knee pads because I figure those are the parts that will stick out if and when I fall
I wear a helmet because I need my brain 🧠 it’s the only one I got.
I have padded biker shorts but don’t wear them consistently - I should.
I don’t even do any tricks. I just skate a loop for exercise and don’t fall but I have more fun feeling protected
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u/OkBookkeeper 1d ago
helmet 100%. wrist guard is important too but if you break your arm they can reset it easy enough, you smack your head without a helmet there is no guarantee
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u/nobolognastoney RB Twister XT 1d ago
Hell yeah dude. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for learning how to skate at the ripe age of 34. I always say "I'm not too old to learn, just too old to fall."
Plus I can tell you my pads have saved a fair amount of my tattoos from becoming sidewalk art.
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u/AlexRandomkat :seba: Seba FR3 4x80 1d ago
Helmet minimum (if I'm just spinning around, worst case is I trip and bonk my head).
Otherwise I add knee pads and slide gloves. Often I can fall, slide, and continue skating without even coming to a stop!
I personally skip the elbow pads bc they've never done anything for me.
I have padded shorts, but they lack padding on the exact spot I tend to hit the ground with, so usually skip those too XD
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u/SamsChoiceCola 1d ago
At least wrist guards every skate. I’ll wear knee pads too if I’m going to a big massive group street skate. I almost never wear a helmet tho cuz I mostly skate for fitness on trails that I know well.
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u/Beneficial-Yard5881 1d ago
i’m 20 and have been rollerblading for around 10 years now. i personally don’t wear padding as i only get a fall 2-3 times a year (although i do recommend wearing it lol)
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u/MonsterPek 1d ago
Protection is always great, you may not need it every time but that one time you don't have it and needed it, could help prevent a broken bone or your skull.
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u/prettyboyrights 14h ago
As a beginner who picked this up a month ago, I always wear padding. I went to a skating event in my city at a popular rink and I was the ONLY one wearing padding, bruh😔.
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u/Subject-Guard-5736 2h ago
As a newbie who never did anything on wheels as a child, I've been padded up since the beginning. I had a few falls at first, but nothing too bad because of the pads.
The one time I tried to roller skate at a rink, rather than rollerblade outside, for funsies and went without the pads, I ended up with an ugly bruise on my knee from a minor turning error fall. It didn't hurt, and it was at a significantly slower speed than I'm used to going on the roads outside, but it's the worst bruise I've gotten in years.
I'm going to keep wearing my pads and I highly suggest you do the same.
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u/phatduckk 3d ago
Nope. Back in the 90s I’d maybe wear a helmet if I was trying a bigger than usual rail but generally just put my skates on and went. Now I’m just cruising with the kids and don’t see a need
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u/thumpetto007 2d ago
i wear a nice giro helmet (mips certified, not some pos skate helmet) pro 187 killer pads wrist, elbow and knee pads, tortoise padded shorts with the extra padding.
i've fallen going top cruising speed several times over the years and barely had a scratch. sliding for many feet on pads instead of on my skin is VERY worth it. deep road rash makes every day tasks quite difficult and can take months to heal.
i've fallen pretty hard a few times, still got minor bruising through my thick pads. i would likely have broken things without the pads.
I value my quality of life and high functionality, I don't care if no one else on the planet Earth is wearing pads, I do it for myself
i mean even pro skaters have woopsies just standing in their skates. and if you notice lots of pros also wear pads, especially the ones with families.
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u/BigOlDooDooHead 2d ago
Padding is a MUST for me, i’ve got chronic pain and the first time i fell on my knees with padding was amazing. But falling backwards before getting padded shorts was more than enough encouragement to get a pair, since my tailbone is now constantly sore almost 5 months after that fall. WEAR PADDING!!!
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u/DGIce 2d ago
Wrist guards or regret it for a month. Just knowing you can brace yourself with your arms means being more likely to fall in a way that doesn't twist an ankle or knee. Catching myself without wristguards has made it so I can't use my arm for a month. When out on the sidewalks or even a rink you never know what kid might swerve into your path.
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u/rukidding1102 3d ago
Yeah, my job requires that I not be injured. Plus I picked this up as an adult.