Skateboarding is a cool way to move around and show off your skills. Everybody was once a beginner, so if you are thrilled to start riding your skateboard, you should have plenty of patience. Besides getting a skateboard, you should also consider protecting your body from potential falls. In fact, you will fall, more than once, and if you want to avoid any fractures and serious injuries, your head, elbows, wrists and knees should be protected. Knees are at the biggest risk of injuries, so you should consider getting knee pads. If you have already checked skateboard knee pads Australia stores, you have probably seen various shapes, forms, sizes and materials. Here is what you should focus on when buying your knee pads.
How It's Made
Knee pads are a hard shell usually made of neoprene sleeves or other breathable flexible material that you can easily slide on your legs. These caps have a piece of EVA foam (0.6-1.25 cm thick) with a hard ABS plastic shell on the outside and Velcro straps so you can adjust them. Soft pads or heavy duty pads with no hard caps may prevent some injuries. However, it's better to get a hard plastic shell to prevent not only fractures but scratches and bruises as well.
Measure the Knee Caps
First things first. Once you decided to get a hard plastic shell, it's time to measure the knee caps. It should not prevent your range of motion, which is why it's important to get the right size. Knee pads that are too tight will feel uncomfortable and will restrict your ability to bend the knee. Be sure that your knee caps fit perfectly.
Wrap a soft tape measure around the centre of your knee and measure around your outstretched leg (at the middle of the knee, at the top or bottom of the leg where the pad will rest). If you don't have a flexible tape measure, mark a string and measure it against a ruler.
Knee caps in small, medium, large, extra large and so on. For children, make sure to seek junior size (usually suitable for weight under 56kg).
Consider the Shape
Most skateboard knee pads Australia stores have various shapes of these pads. The shell should fit the knee well, which means it should not slide off as you move. This is why the Velcro strap is there to keep it on. The pad should have thick padding and bigger shells. The more padding it has, the more protective will be. Keep in mind that the padding should not stop your circulation; the velcro tab at the back of your leg should fit comfortably attached, so when you move you feel no pressure or discomfort.
Is the Thickness Right for You
The soft EVA foam padding placed between the exterior and the hard plastic shells should soften the force of impact. If it's thicker, then your risk of bruised, scratched or broken knees is far lower than if it's a thinner shell. Keep in mind that the thicker the knee pad, the heavier it feels. If you're a beginner this may add some challenge in your movements (you may feel restricted to move with the pads on).
Things to Consider
Can You Freely Move With the Knee Caps
It's important to try the knee caps on before buying them. If you can easily move with them, then they are a good choice. The knee cushion should keep the knee safe, but it should not limit your movements; you should be able to walk, bend your knees, extend them and do any other movements without feeling restricted.
The adaptability of the individual is important; some skaters are more adaptable than others. If you're adaptable, you are going to control yourself. A knee cushion should give you the most extreme security,
regardless of whether the skater is a tenderfoot or aptitude.
How Should the Knee Pads Fit
Be sure to try the knee pads over your pants but also place them on a bare knee. In both ways, the pad shouldn't stop your circulation. Most knee pads can be adjusted with the help of a velcro tab, so no matter what type of clothing you're wearing, you should always be able to make it feel comfy on your knees.
Some knee pads have no velcro tabs; they are made of stretchable material (with attached hard shell) so you get to pull them over your feet and up to your knee. These fit tight and comfortable, so you won't have to re-adjust any tabs. Try to sit down and stand up; if the knee cap makes your movements restricted, then it's not the right choice. If it falls off easily when you sit and stand up, or walk, then it's also a sign that it's a poor choice. The pad should fit the knee impeccably. In other words, it should fit like a glove (not too tight, not too loose).
