Longboards Risks

The recreational sport of skateboarding has become increasing popular in the United States. With more and more of the population enjoying the thrill of this sport, injuries are bound to happen. Injuries associated with the sport can be on a minor level – musculoskeletal or lower extremity injuries – but can also be deadly. According to Keays study, “There were 5 deaths associated with longboarding in Canada and the United States, 4 in 2013, and 1 in 2014.” Longer skateboards, also known as longboards, have become the trend for skateboard lovers. Aside from having a longer length of 42 to 80 inches when compared to skateboards which are 30 to 38 inches long; its longer length allows for long distance travel, higher speeds, downhill cruising, and carving (Fabian, 2014). At the same time, faster speeds and downhill cruising can result in even more devastating injuries. It is very important for the skateboard loving community to be aware of and understand the potential injuries that may result from taking risks to enjoy the thrill …show more content…
As a driver who drives frequently in the city on a daily basis, it has occurred to me recently that more and more skateboarders are enjoying the sport on busy downhill roads and within the busy districts of San Francisco without wearing sufficient protective gear. Even while going down hills at surprisingly fast speeds next to cars and pedestrians, many skateboarders, mostly adolescents, choose not to wear any protective gear. According to McKenzie, the most common injuries treated in emergency departments associated with skateboarding were fractures and dislocations, lower extremities for older individuals, and face; head; or neck injuries for younger individuals. These injuries can be reduced or even prevented by changing a skateboarder’s behavior – in this case wearing protective gear and being aware of one’s