Are Longboards Dangerous? What You Need to Know

Have you ever seen someone cruising down the street on a longboard and wondered if it’s as dangerous as it looks? Longboarding has gained popularity in recent years, but with that comes concerns about safety. Before you hop on a longboard yourself, it’s important to understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them.

While longboarding can be a thrilling and enjoyable activity, it’s not without its dangers. From falls and collisions to road hazards and speed wobbles, there are a variety of factors that can lead to accidents and injuries. However, with the right precautions and safety measures, the risks can be minimized, making longboarding a relatively safe activity.

In this article, we will explore the potential dangers of longboarding, discuss safety tips and gear that can help reduce the risks, and ultimately determine whether or not longboards are truly dangerous.

The Risk of Injury by Longboarding

Longboarding is a popular sport and means of transportation, but is it dangerous? While longboarding can be an enjoyable and thrilling activity, it is not without its risks. However, there is limited research available specifically on longboarding injuries.

Understanding the risk of injury is of utmost importance when participating in any physical activity. Although research on longboarding injuries is scarce, it is crucial to acknowledge that injuries can occur and take appropriate measures to prevent them.

Common injuries associated with longboarding include fractures, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. When longboarders are involved in accidents, they can sustain severe injuries such as intracranial hemorrhage or skull fractures.

To reduce the risk of injuries, longboarders should consider wearing protective gear such as a full-face helmet, slide gloves, and knee and elbow pads. In addition, practicing proper techniques, knowing and obeying traffic rules, and performing proper precautions like foot braking, air braking, and wearing visibility gear can diminish the risk of accidents.

Types of Longboards

There are various types of longboards available, each designed for specific disciplines and riding styles. Understanding the different types of longboards can help riders make informed decisions when choosing the right board for their needs. From downhill longboards built for high speeds and stability to cruiser longboards perfect for coasting around town, there is a longboard to suit every rider’s preferences.

Freestyle longboards are ideal for performing tricks and stunts while carving longboards are designed for smooth, fluid turns. Additionally, electric longboards offer a convenient and effortless way to commute or explore without the need for pushing. By understanding the characteristics and purposes of different longboard types, riders can find the perfect board to enhance their experience and achieve their desired level of performance.

Downhill Longboards

Downhill longboarding is a thrilling and exhilarating sport that involves racing down hills at high speeds on specially designed longboards. Unlike regular skateboards, downhill longboards are longer and have larger wheels, providing more stability and speed control. These boards are built for fast and technical descents, making them popular among adrenaline seekers and speed enthusiasts.

However, the high speeds reached while downhill longboarding come with inherent risks. Without proper precautions and protective gear, longboarders are at a higher risk of sustaining severe injuries, particularly to the head. Traumatic brain injuries, such as skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhages, are common injury patterns seen in downhill longboarding accidents.

To mitigate the risks associated with this intense sport, it is crucial for downhill longboarders to wear appropriate safety gear, including a full-face helmet, slide gloves, and knee and elbow pads. These protective measures can significantly reduce the chances of severe head injuries and fractures.

Regular Skateboards

Regular skateboards, also known as street skateboards, differ from longboards in terms of their design and functionality. These skateboards typically have a shorter deck length, ranging from 28 to 33 inches, and are generally narrower than longboards. Unlike longboards, regular skateboards are primarily designed for street skating, performing tricks and maneuvers in skateparks, sidewalks, and streets.

One of the limitations of regular skateboards is their lack of versatility for longboarding. Due to their smaller size and stricter turning radius, regular skateboards are not suitable for high-speed cruising or downhill rides. They are better suited for technical skateboarding, focusing on tricks and jumps rather than long-distance or fast-paced rides.

On the other hand, longboards offer a smoother and more stable riding experience, making them an ideal choice for beginners. The longer deck length provides a larger surface area for comfortable foot placement, allowing riders to relax and maintain better balance. The larger wheel size and wider trucks provide better stability and control, making it easier for beginners to learn and progress in their longboarding skills.

Potential Injuries from Longboarding

Longboarding, like any other sport or activity, comes with its own set of potential risks and injuries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with longboarding.

While longboarding can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience, it is crucial to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injuries. In this article, we will explore some of the potential injuries that can occur while longboarding and discuss the safety gear and precautions that can help prevent them.

Head Fractures and Traumatic Brain Injury

Head fractures, also known as skull fractures, occur when there is a break in the bones that make up the skull. In longboarding accidents, head fractures can happen as a result of a direct impact on the head, such as a fall or collision. These fractures can vary in severity, ranging from minor cracks to more severe breaks that may require surgical intervention.

TBI, on the other hand, refers to an injury to the brain that disrupts its normal functioning. In longboarding accidents, the sudden jolt or impact to the head can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to bruising, swelling, or bleeding. This can result in a range of symptoms and long-term effects, including cognitive impairments, personality changes, language difficulties, and even permanent disabilities.

The potential consequences of head fractures and TBI can be life-altering. They can affect an individual’s ability to work, participate in everyday activities, and enjoy a good quality of life. Recovery from head fractures or TBI often involves lengthy medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes lifelong care.

To minimize the risk of head fractures and TBI in longboarding accidents, it is crucial to wear appropriate protective gear, such as a full-face helmet, which can provide better protection compared to standard bicycle helmets. Additionally, learning and practicing proper techniques, following traffic rules, and wearing other protective equipment like slide gloves can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious and potentially life-threatening injury that can occur as a result of longboarding accidents. It occurs when there is bleeding within the skull and can be caused by a variety of factors, including a direct impact on the head or a sudden jolt that causes the brain to collide with the skull.

The symptoms of intracranial hemorrhage can vary depending on the severity of the bleeding and the location of the injury. Common symptoms include severe headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, and weakness or numbness in the limbs.

The severity of intracranial hemorrhage can range from mild to severe, and it can pose significant risks to the individual’s health and well-being. In some cases, it may require emergency medical intervention, such as surgery, to stop the bleeding and alleviate the pressure on the brain.

Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage during longboarding. These include riding at high speeds, engaging in downhill longboarding without proper protective gear, not following traffic rules or safety precautions, and riding on rough or uneven surfaces.

Severe Injuries and Broken Bones

Longboarding can be an exciting and exhilarating activity, but it also comes with potential risks. One of the most common severe injuries that can occur while longboarding is broken bones, including arm fractures. The high speeds and the impact of falls can lead to bone snapping and fractures occurring.

Not only do broken bones pose a significant risk, but injuries to the skin and head also need to be taken seriously. Traumatic brain injuries can result in long-lasting effects and can even be life-threatening. Head fractures can lead to intracranial hemorrhage, causing severe symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

It is important for longboarders to understand and be aware of these risks before engaging in this activity. By acknowledging the potential for severe injuries and broken bones, individuals can make informed decisions about their safety and take the necessary precautions. Wearing protective gear such as helmets and slide gloves can greatly reduce the risk of head and skin injuries.

Common Injuries from Longboarding Accidents

Longboarding accidents can result in a variety of common injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe head and brain injuries. One of the most prevalent types of injuries seen in longboarding accidents is skull fractures. The impact from a fall or collision can cause the skull to crack or break, leading to significant pain and potential complications.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are another frequent occurrence in longboarding accidents. The forceful impact on the head can result in the brain being jostled within the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, or swelling. Symptoms of TBI can vary from mild to severe and may include headache, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is also a concern in longboarding accidents. This refers to bleeding inside the skull, which can put pressure on the brain and lead to severe symptoms. The risk of ICH is particularly high with head fractures, as the broken bone may cause damage to blood vessels, resulting in internal bleeding.

Longboarders often experience cuts and heavy bleeding of the head due to the faster speeds and increased force involved in this activity compared to regular skateboarding. The risk of these injuries can be further compounded by factors such as speed wobbles and the lack of protective gear.

Ways to Protect Yourself While Longboarding

Longboarding can be a thrilling and exhilarating activity, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from potential injury. Here are a few ways you can reduce your risk while longboarding:

Wearing Protective Gear and Safety Equipment

When it comes to longboarding, wearing the proper protective gear and safety equipment is essential. These precautions can help prevent severe injuries and even save lives. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment is a helmet, which protects the head from traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures. It is recommended to use a full-face helmet for added protection.

In addition to helmets, there are other types of protective gear that should be worn while longboarding. Knee pads and wrist guards are essential in preventing severe injuries, such as fractures and intracranial hemorrhage. These protective gears provide cushioning and support to vulnerable areas of the body.

It is important to choose protective gear that is specifically designed for longboarding and skateboarding purposes. Standard bicycle helmets may not provide adequate protection for the specific risks and speeds involved in longboarding. Other recommended gear includes slide gloves for better board control, especially during downhill longboarding, and elbow pads for added protection.

FAQs

Conclusion:

While there are risks involved with any sport or activity, longboarding can be a thrilling and safe way to enjoy the outdoors. By taking the necessary precautions, wearing protective gear, and practicing proper techniques, you can minimize the chances of accidents or injuries.

So, grab your longboard, hit the streets, and embrace the exhilaration of this incredible sport! Remember, life is too short to not embrace the thrill. Keep shredding and stay safe!