Inline skating (also known as rollerblading) and skateboarding are fun pastimes and excellent forms of physical activity. Because these activities involve speed, balance and coordination, and are practiced on hard surfaces, there is potential for injury to occur. Read on to learn about some important safety considerations for rollerblading and skateboarding!

• Always wear full protective gear. This includes: a CSA or Snell certified helmet designed specifically for inline skating or skateboarding, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and safety gloves. This is important for all age groups! If children see their parents wearing safety gear, they will be more likely to wear it themselves.
  
  
• Have a trained professional give you a lesson on how to properly use your skates or skateboard for the first time. Ask the store you purchase your equipment from to provide you with some basic instructions on skating/skateboarding safety or where you might find instruction.
  
  
• First time skaters/skateboarders should practice on a soft lawn or gym matt. From there, move to a flat surface that won't have a lot of people or traffic on it. An empty parking lot is a great place for beginners to practice. Try to master a few basic moves such as braking, turning, being able to control your speed, and being able to avoid pedestrians and other obstacles.
  
  
• Skate/skateboard on the right side of sidewalks, trails, and pathways. Pass on the left as cars do, giving some kind of warning to the person you are passing so as not to startle them. It is a good idea to just yell "passing on the left" before you go by. Remember to use hand signals before you turn as well. To signal a right turn, have your upper left arm straight out parallel to the road, with your forearm and hand straight up in the air. To signal a left turn, have your left arm straight out and parallel to the road. To signal that you are going to stop, have your upper left arm straight out parallel to the road, with your forearm and hand pointing straight down towards the road.
  
  
• Only experienced skaters/skateboarders should venture out on the streets. It is best to avoid this if possible as it can be dangerous. If you choose to skate/skateboard on the streets be watchful for cars and other traffic. Remember that you must obey all traffic regulations.
  
  
• Skaters should choose good quality skates that fit their feet properly. Rollerblades should be snug - but not uncomfortably tight. Like figure skates, rollerblades should be laced or buckled up tight enough to provide adequate ankle support.
  
  
• Skateboarders should choose a good quality skateboard that will support their body weight.
  
  
• Check your skates/skateboard regularly to make sure they are in good condition. All screws should be tightly in place and the wheels should be secure. Replace wheels that have become worn. It is a good idea to rotate your wheels on a regular basis, as the front wheels will wear out faster than the rear ones. Worn brakes on Rollerblades should also be replaced.
  
  
• Warm up before skating/skateboarding and cool down afterwards with a few stretches and some walking. This will help you to avoid injury and will help prevent you from feeling stiff and sore the next day. Check out Physical Activity for more information about physical activity.

References:

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario - Inline Skating Safety
Safety Resource Centre - Roll Out the Safety