Extreme Sports Safety Guide

Extreme sports come with a high level of thrill and entertainment, but they also come with a high risk of injury. Height, speed, terrain, weather and tricks all make it easier to get hurt enjoying an extreme sport compared to more traditional sports. Whether you enjoy BMX biking or something a little tamer, such as rollerblading or snowboarding, you must take precautions to make sure you stay safe. This includes choosing the proper equipment and knowing the rules and basics of the sports before you get started. Before you step on a skateboard, strap on rollerblades or hop on a BMX bike, you must prepare yourself for the extreme challenge you are about to face.

General Tips

While every extreme sport is a little different, many of the safety rules are the same: use quality equipment, wear a helmet and follow basic rules of safety. While you can always walk off a football or basketball court if you decide you are not prepared in the middle of a game, it is not as easy to step away when you realize you are unprepared in the middle of a twist or while speeding down a hill on a snowboard.

What is an Extreme Sport? – Make sure you are clear on what extreme sports are and the risks that come with them. Seymour Air Force Base offers a short word of warning for those considering participating in extreme sports.

Extreme Sports: Ignore the Safety Advice at Your Peril – The Emergency Medical Journal gives a brief illustration of the risk involved with extreme sports and the importance of being prepared.

Which Helmet for Which Activity – Helmets are an important safety component of most extreme sports. Learn which helmet fits your needs through this guide from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

X Games vs. X-treme Pain – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has seen many injuries from extreme sports firsthand. Learn some of the facts about extreme sports injuries and gain some tips to help prevent or reduce your risk of becoming seriously injured.

BMX Biking

The pros in the X Games and other BMX competitions may take on obstacles and do tricks with ease, but even they know to be safe while competing. You need a strong bike and the best helmets and pads to keep you safe as you travel rough terrain and bike to the extreme.

About BMX Racing – A popular BMX Club in the UK, the Hawks of Hayes BMX Club provide some general safety and performance tips, such as practicing your starts to make the rest of the ride easier.

How to Choose a BMX Helmet – Your helmet is one of your most important pieces of equipment when riding BMX. Learn how to choose the best helmet to keep you safe.

Rules of the Road – Keep this poster handy to help you remember basic safety and maintenance tips for BMX bikes.

Skateboarding and Rollerblading

Skateboarding and rollerblading are popular with kids and adults. However, no matter what age you are the safety risks are the same. A teen showing off for his friends can just as easily break a bone as a dad showing off for his kids. While these sports may be cool, you will look even cooler if you play it safe.

Skateboarding Safety – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics provide some rules and safety tips for kids and teens who enjoy skateboarding.

Skateboarding Safety Tips –Find out what protective gear you need and learn the basics of falling with safety tips from the National Safety Council.

CPSC Fact Sheet: Skateboarding Safety – The Consumer Product Safety Council offers some basic tips for staying safe on a skateboard, including recognizing and preventing a speed wobble. Also remember not to drink and ride.

Skateboarding and In-line Skating – Head injuries are only one type of injury that can result from skateboarding and in-line skating. The American Academy of Pediatrics outlines the possible injuries and provides tips for avoiding them.

Extreme Skiing and Snowboarding

Getting out and playing in the snow is a favorite winter activity. Navigating the slippery terrain can be tricky, even when you do not have a board or skis strapped to your boots. If enjoying some extreme skiing or snowboarding, be sure to dress for the cold and make sure you know lots of tricks to help you stay in control in the snow.

Safety Tips: Snowboarding – KidsHealth explains why snowboarding safety is important and gives tips to help you gear up properly and dress for excess in the snow.

Ski and Snowboard Safety – The National Safety Council helps you shape up, prepare to hit up and learn the rules of the slopes before you head out to ski or snowboard.

Health Hazards of Snowboarding – Knowing what you are getting yourself into and the type of injuries that can result from snowboarding can help you prevent them. Read up on all of the potential injuries and health hazards involved with snowboarding.

Skiing & Snowboarding Safety – The Center for Injury Research and Policy presents a handy poster highlighting basic skiing and snowboarding injury facts and tips for preventing those injuries on the slopes.

Guide to Snowboarding Safety – Learn about the different safety equipment and procedures you need to help you stay safe while snowboarding.