Longboarding in Public: Safety First!

Speed is one of the greatest dangers to people who ride longboard skateboards. Longboarding often involves surprisingly high speeds when going downhill, and in some cases may reach more than 30 miles per hour. Greater speeds result in greater injury in the event of an accident. Because of this, longboard skateboard riders should take precautions and wear protective clothing and gear that is at least as protective as the gear worn for a standard skateboard. Longboarders who travel at higher speeds or who skate on riskier terrain are advised to use the same types of safety equipment and protective gear that dirtbikers and motorcycle riders wear, including helmets and full Kevlar or leather suits.

Inexperienced longboarders are also susceptible to what is referred to by some as “speed wobble.” Speed wobble occurs when inexperienced riders ride their longboard skateboards at an excessive speed or a board that is ill-suited for the terrain. Either variable will result in longboard skateboards wobbling from side to side rapidly, which generally results in dismantling the rider and throwing him off at some point. Riders can minimize the risk of speed wobble by using longer boards that are less inclined to turn. Riders can also adjust how they ride by controlling their speeds and weaving a little more gently. If you are at the mercy of speed wobble and are thrown, always try to take measures to land away from structures that may harm you. Try to land in soft grass or perform running or rolling stops to reduce risk of injury.

Unskilled longboarders are the primary reason for longboarding and longboard skateboards being banned in public areas such as parking garages and parks. Many pedestrians have been injured and public property has been damaged as a result of novice longboarder activity. For this reason, some longboarders avoid public areas that are high traffic areas or may choose to longboard skateboard at night to avoid public attention or risk trouble with authorities. Riding at night, however, results in further risk of bodily injury. Darkness increases the risk that a longboarder will be hit by a vehicle or not see possible obstructions such as cracks in pavement or worse. If you plan to longboard at night, try to do it in a well-lit area. If you decide to longboard in a poorly-lit area, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area in the daytime and make note of possible hazards or obstacles which you may encounter when it’s dark.

It is necessary to exercise common sense when riding longboard skateboards in public areas. Boarders should always exercise caution and restraint when longboarding on public or private property and do their best to eliminate risk of injury or property damage. And be considerate when boarding in neighborhoods so that you don’t give longboarders a bad name.