Should I Wear Elbow Pads for Skateboarding?

Deciding to wear elbow protectors is ultimately your choice, but having a pair can help prevent cuts and bruises to your elbows. Injuring this area can lead to a prolonged recovery period that may keep you from skating for a while.

You will find a variety of elbow guards on the market that differ in size and hardness. Hard pads typically feature a large plastic shell on the outer layer, while softer pads focus more on comfort and use foam technology to absorb impacts from falls. Regarding size, you can choose a pad that just covers the elbow or opt for a longer sleeve or gasket-style protection.

Remember, skate pads are not just for skateboarding! Wearing skate elbow pads is also beneficial if you enjoy longboarding and cruising.

How to Wear Skateboard Elbow Pads

You should wear your pads so that they feel secure and snug but do not restrict your range of motion. If it’s difficult to bend your arm, this is a sign they are too tight. Some styles of pads come with Velcro straps, allowing you to easily adjust them to your size.

Softer pads are generally smaller and can often be worn underneath clothing, while bigger, harder pads are designed to be worn over clothing. Moreover, many elbow pads feature an ergonomic and lightweight design, ensuring that wearing protection won’t interfere with your skating.

Elbow pads are just one part of the protective gear you should wear when skating. If you need the full set, take a look at our 3-Pack Protection Sets.