Downhill skateboarding is an exhilarating sport, but it demands respect and preparation. Before you tackle any hills, it’s crucial to have the right gear and skills. This guide outlines the essentials to get you started safely and confidently. While these aren’t strict requirements, having them will significantly improve your experience and reduce the risk of injury.
Downhill Skateboarding Checklist
Essential Safety Gear
Safety should be your top priority. At a minimum, you’ll need a helmet and slide gloves.
A certified helmet is non-negotiable. It protects your head from serious injuries, like concussions, which are inevitable at some point in your skateboarding journey. It’s not uncommon for skaters to go through several helmets over the years, as they do their job by absorbing the impact of falls. Choose between a standard skateboarding helmet or a downhill (DH) or mountain bike (MTB) full-face helmet. Avoid motorcycle helmets as they are too heavy and can cause more harm in a fall.
Slide gloves are equally important. They allow you to use your hands to catch yourself when falling, preventing upper body injuries. They’re also essential for performing controlled hand-down slides, a vital technique for safely slowing down.
Other recommended safety equipment includes knee pads, hip pads, and elbow pads. These are wise investments that provide additional protection as you progress.
A skater wearing a full-face helmet and slide gloves, showcasing the essential safety gear for downhill skateboarding
Proper Downhill Skateboard Setup
Using the correct equipment is crucial. A generic cruiser board won’t cut it for downhill skateboarding. You need a stiff board designed for high speeds, equipped with high-quality trucks that reduce wobbles, fast-rolling wheels, and coarse grip tape to keep your feet securely on the board.
Research and choose a board specifically made for downhill. This will provide the stability and control needed to navigate slopes safely. Check out articles that discuss the best downhill longboards for beginners to understand the types of setups available.
Board Comfort and Control
Before you even think about hills, ensure you’re comfortable on your board. This means you should be proficient in pushing, turning, and simply controlling your longboard on flat ground. Developing these fundamental skills builds confidence and provides a solid foundation for learning downhill. Mastering these basic longboard skills is critical for success.
Mastering Footbraking
Learning to stop using footbraking is crucial before you attempt any downhill runs. Footbraking allows you to control your speed and stop when needed, even when sliding isn’t an option. Situations may arise where sliding isn’t feasible, such as when encountering obstacles or losing confidence mid-slide. If you can’t bring your speed down in a controlled way, the road will do it for you, and that’s painful.
Footbraking also means that you can continue to skate and enjoy hills while you work on improving your sliding skills.
Learn to Shutdown Slide
Before tackling larger hills or exceeding 30mph, you need to master the shutdown slide. This controlled slide technique enables you to shave off speed and come to a complete stop. The pendulum slide is a good place to start when learning how to shutdown slide. This method will help you manage your speed and maintain control as you progress.
The Mental and Physical Game
Downhill skateboarding can be physically demanding and mentally challenging. Be prepared for the realities of the sport:
Mental Fortitude for Falls
Expect to fall – a lot. Bruises, road rash, and worn-out gear are part of the process. It’s important to accept that falls are inevitable and that you’ll learn from each one. This is part of the learning process, and it is worthwhile to continue to improve.
A skater with road rash on their arm, highlighting the physical realities of downhill skateboarding
Proper Use of Safety Equipment During Falls
When falling, be ready to engage your safety gear. This includes your gloves, knee pads, and hip pads. It’s essential to learn how to fall correctly to minimize injuries. This targeted falling technique takes practice, but it’s important for safe riding.
Skate Within Your Limits and Prioritize Safety
Always skate within your limits. This means:
- Don’t skate faster than you can stop.
- Avoid hills beyond your skill level.
- Don’t push your limits too far, too soon.
Skate safely by:
- Avoiding peak traffic times.
- Inspecting the hill before skating.
- Ensuring your gear is secure.
Is Gathering the Basics Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. Preparing yourself with the right gear and skills is essential. It will result in a safer and more enjoyable experience. Investing in the basics reduces your risk of injury and allows you to progress with greater confidence and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Don’t undervalue the importance of these basics. Having the right equipment, skills, and mindset will make your downhill skateboarding journey far smoother and safer. Be patient, practice diligently, and enjoy the ride.
