Why Don’t Skateboarders Wear Helmets – 5 Main Reasons

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to any sport, especially an extreme sport like skateboarding. A helmet is required for any skater to protect themselves from possible dangers, and it applies to skaters of every level.

However, a lot of skaters still don’t consistently use proper protective gear. You might wonder why don’t skateboarders wear helmets despite the fact that they’re good for them?

why don't skateboarders wear helmets

Youngsters still refuse to wear their helmets while skateboarding

Skateboarding is all fun and games until somebody falls and injures themselves. You can never know when an accident may occur. That’s why a helmet is a critical piece of safety equipment.

In today’s article, to understand the underlying causes for why helmets are unfavored, we will explore various viewpoints on this topic. After that, we will show you some consequences of the lack of safety gear. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Why Skateboarders Don’t Wear Helmets

There are various reasons why skaters don’t wear helmets, even though they are essential. Let’s take a look at the most common ones below.

Wearing Helmets Is Uncomfortable

If you ask anyone who skates, “Why do skateboarders not wear helmets?” the repeated response will be the uncomfortable feeling while wearing them.

Wearing a helmet in hot weather is such a nightmare, especially if you sweat a lot. It makes your scalp itchy and your tangled hair cling to your face.

Qualified helmets are bulky, so they might add weight to your head, neck, and shoulders. As a result, they will make it more complicated to skate downhill or make a turn.

why do skateboarders not wear helmets

Wearing a helmet makes it difficult to skate downhill

Additionally, carrying a helmet with you is quite challenging because you have to keep a close eye on it all the time. Some sneaky hands might steal it when you are unaware.

Helmets Are Unfashionable

Helmets are generally considered unfashionable, particularly in a hot climate. Almost every skater feels that wearing a helmet makes them seem “less cool.”

why skaters don't wear helmets

Skaters think that wearing helmets is “uncool.”

Furthermore, most helmet designs are out-of-date and hefty. Many people even said that wearing a helmet wouldn’t fit into the typical hardcore vibe of this extreme sport. It makes them look like those cycling nerds in teen movies.

That’s why many skateboarders tend to go without a helmet for a more edgy look. It gives the impression that you’re someone who doesn’t mind taking risks.

Lack Of Awareness Of The Need Of Wearing A Helmet

Some pro skaters who have been practicing for years assure us that it won’t make any difference whether they are wearing helmets or not. They know what they are doing and are unlikely to fall and injure themselves since they are “professionals.”

why do skaters not wear helmets

Pros underestimate the value of wearing a helmet.

Even many beginners underestimate the value of wearing a helmet since they neglect the potential of falling and don’t understand the need for it.

The Law Don’t Require Skateboarders To Wear Helmets

In some countries, wearing helmets is obligatory for motorbikers and cyclists. However, that is not the case with skateboarders. You will draw a lot of attention when walking around with a helmet in some nations.

On the bright side, almost all skateparks in the United States require regulars to wear helmets if they want to get in. In California, skaters under the age of 18 also need to wear a helmet on any street or public area.

why skateboarders don't wear helmets

Helmets are required for those under 18 at many skateparks.

Many places have yet to pass legislation equivalent to wearing helmets while skateboarding, but their laws now cover the helmet requirement in skateparks and other skating facilities.

If wearing helmets is compulsory for skaters, perhaps everyone will accept it as usual, and no one will bat an eyelid if they see others wearing one.

The Media Discourages Skaters From Using Helmets

Pros are likewise discouraged from wearing helmets by media advertisements. Many people think that helmets aren’t cool, and they don’t match the diehard, edgy concept.

As a result, advertisements are believed not to attract as much audience if skaters in the said ads are seen wearing helmets.

Imagine if you come to a photo shoot with a helmet in hand, ready to perform a spectacular act, only to be told not to wear it by the photographer or your manager. All for the sake of not making the images look cheesy.

What Happens When You Don’t Wear A Helmet?

One of the biggest mistakes a skater can make is not wearing a helmet. When you don’t have a helmet with you, you are putting your well-being, health, and body at risk.

Skateboarding without a helmet can result in a variety of injuries. Accidents involving skaters who do not wear helmets are considerably more likely to end in scrapes and bruises to the head and traumatic brain injuries than those with proper gear.

why do pro skaters not wear helmets

Skateboard head injury

Wearing a helmet can also reduce the risk of several other serious injuries, such as skull fracture, concussion, hemorrhage, edema, and hematoma.

Skateboarders who get too close to cars or big roads can even suffer more fatal accidents.

That is to say, professional skaters are known for going big and performing massive tricks in high-risk scenarios. When they do get hurt, it’s a serious injury, or in extreme cases — even fatality.

Conclusion

After rounding up the reasons why don’t skaters wear helmets and all the possible consequences, we can ensure that safety should always be your top priority when skateboarding.

Skateboarding helmets might not be popular, but never unnecessary. Accidents are far less predictable. That’s why you need to keep safety in mind with proper protective gear.

So if you don’t want to see yourself in the hospital with unpayable medical bills, always wear a helmet no matter how skilled you are.

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