The tragic suicide of BMX star Dave Mirra in 2016 sent shockwaves through the action sports community. It was later revealed that Mirra suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. This revelation raised a serious question: could skateboarding, another high-impact sport, also be facing a similar CTE crisis?
The reality is, the risk of CTE in skateboarding is not a matter of if, but when. While much about CTE is still under research, the basics are clear. The brain, floating in fluid within the skull, is vulnerable to trauma from sudden stops, violent twists, and heavy blows. These impacts can cause the brain to collide with the skull, triggering the production of a protein called “tau” that clumps, kills healthy brain cells, and eventually leads to brain deterioration. These changes manifest in three stages: initially, with issues like ADHD and confusion; later, with memory loss and social instability; and finally, with dementia and movement disorders. Doctors can only confirm CTE by examining brain tissue, which makes it almost impossible to diagnose while someone’s alive.
A digital illustration depicting how the brain collides with the inside of the skull upon impact.
While contact sports like football and hockey are known for their risk, skateboarding is not immune. Although the impacts in skateboarding may not always be as severe as in other sports, the repeated nature of head injuries puts skateboarders at serious risk. Ed Templeton, a skateboarding icon, and Ducky Kovacs, a younger pro, both have experienced numerous head injuries throughout their careers and highlight the potential dangers. Templeton recounted having six concussions severe enough for hospitalization and numerous other head impacts. Ducky also admits to hitting his head approximately once every three months while skating.
A black and white photo of Ed Templeton with a bandaged head, showing the aftermath of a skate-related head injury.
These experiences are not isolated incidents in the skateboarding world. Here are key factors that make skateboarders particularly susceptible to CTE:
- Repetitive Head Trauma: CTE isn’t just caused by severe concussions but also by repeated sub-concussive blows over years. Skateboarders often endure these repetitive hits, and the cumulative impact of falls, bails, and collisions adds up over time, contributing to the risk of brain injury. The numerous videos online showcasing skateboarders hitting their heads highlight this frequent exposure.
- Early Exposure & Long Careers: Head impacts before the age of 12, combined with longer skateboarding careers, increase the risk of CTE. As tricks get more complex and kids start skating earlier, the potential for long-term damage grows. Skateboarders are pushing limits at an increasingly younger age, which only compounds the risk.
- Lack of Proper Medical Care: Skateboarders often neglect proper medical attention for head injuries, opting for self-treatment or ignoring symptoms. The culture often romanticizes “powering through” injuries. Unlike traditional team sports, skateboarders frequently lack access to trainers or medical professionals. The emphasis on pushing limits regardless of physical harm leads to a disregard for necessary treatment.
- Industry Neglect: The skateboarding industry often fails to take CTE seriously. Many professional skateboarders are independent contractors, lacking the benefits of healthcare. They often bear the financial burden of medical bills without support from sponsors. This lack of support perpetuates the problem of ignoring necessary medical treatment.
A black and white photo of Ed Templeton wearing a neck brace after a serious fall, highlighting the serious consequences of skating-related injuries.
It is concerning that there’s been little research on skateboarding and CTE. When contacted, the Boston University CTE research center stated they had not focused their research on skateboarding. While the Mayo Clinic’s website stresses the importance of abstaining from drugs and alcohol after head trauma and promotes helmet use, more specific research into the nature of skateboarding injuries is needed.
Mike Vallely is a notable skateboarder who advocates for helmet use. He stresses the importance of wearing helmets to prevent brain injuries and advocates for a shift in the skateboarding culture. His efforts highlight a crucial need for awareness and preventative measures in the sport.
The skateboarding community needs a shift in attitude towards head injuries. Ducky Kovacs learned about CTE from an athletic trainer and now hopes for increased awareness and resources for skaters. He emphasizes that team managers, filmers, photographers, and skateboarders should be educated on the realities of CTE. He advocates for better medical access for skaters and more support from sponsors in cases of injury.
A graphic showing the brain with a highlighted area, symbolizing the potential damage caused by repeated head trauma.
Ed Templeton remains pessimistic about the industry’s response, suggesting that it will take a major career-ending injury to prompt any real change. He also notes that the long-term effects of head trauma may not be felt for years. This emphasizes the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses.
Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the skateboarding community to acknowledge the reality of CTE and take proactive steps to protect themselves. This requires a change in culture, increased awareness, better medical support, and a shift in attitudes towards head injuries.
The future of skateboarding depends on it.
