Best Skateboard Protective Gear

You should have the best skateboard protective gear possible when your on your board. This is very important to safety and prevention of long-term injury. You have a wide selection of protective gear to use when skateboarding, but what is the best protective gear to wear? You don't want to restrict your movement  or weigh yourself down when skateboarding, but some sacrifices have to be made.

1. Protect your dome. Some riders seem to have lost their minds. For those that cherish a complete thought, you're going to need a protective helmet when you ride. This is the most important part of your skateboard protective gear. A injury to the head can cause injuries that range from paralyzation, memory loss and blindness to even the death of the rider. Protective helmets provide as much protection as you can ask for from a twenty-foot drop.
2. Wrist guards. Protective wrist guards are small and not though of often, but they are missed when your wrists are injured. The most common injuries on a board involve the wrist. You need to make sure you have proper support as the wrist is involved in so many stunts that it is left open for major problems. You want a guard that will provide support to your wrist and fit comfortably. For added protection, you can even get a half glove. Make sure when you pick you gear that it is something that will be comfortable to wear.
3. Knee pads. When bailing from a stunt, you often find yourself sliding to a stop on your knees. This makes the knee pad a necessary evil. Protective knee pads will restrict some movement, but preventing damage to your knees, and the surgery that could require, is well worth the loss.
4. Elbow pads. To finish off the gear, you need elbow pads. It is important that all areas of movement are protected from damage. If you lose use of any joint, it will affect your life, and your future in the sport, drastically.
5. Protect the eyes. Another useful piece to add to your collection of protective gear is a sturdy pair of goggles. Eye protection can be necessary if you're not in a skate park. Imagine the cringing feeling if you were to grind a rail, and not take note of a branch as it brushed you across the face. Your eyes are important and need protection.
6. Body armor. For those extreme stunts, it may be good to protect your body with full upper-body armor. This is more of a restricting piece, but it will protect your full upper body and ribs and add support to your back.
7. Mouth guard. A smile is the first thing most people notice. With some stunts it is good to add a mouth guard to your collection of skateboard protective gear. You only get one set of teeth, and dentures are not as attractive as one might think at a younger age.
8. A long-sleeve shirt. It is good to try to put as much material between you and the pavement or ramp surface as possible. While a little hotter then a short sleeve, it will help protect you from skin tears, scrapes and skinning of your arms.
9. Long paints. It is never a good idea to run with shorts on any surface. If you're in a park and find yourself bailing, you leave your legs open for damage. Use a good, comfortable pair of cotton pants. They are durable and strong against the elements.
   
10. Check your shoes. Take your shoes into consideration. A good pair of skater shoes are comfortable and hold well to the board. Most are designed with the board in mind. They may cost more than simple seekers, but a good pair of skate shoes will be the best final touch to your skateboard protective gear.