How to fall on your skateboard properly

Skateboarding hurts—there’s no way around it. Every board sport comes with its share of injuries, but skating is as raw as it gets. Grass is a luxury fall, but more often, it's pavement, concrete, rails, and stairs. The key is learning to minimize the damage. Falling is inevitable, but learning to fall correctly can make it hurt less.

Best practices

Wear Protective Gear, Especially at the Start
If you're trying something new or just learning, wear protective equipment: a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and possibly a mouthguard. You can remove them as you gain confidence—but honestly, you shouldn’t.

Don’t Put Your Hands Down
Your first instinct will be to break your fall with your hands, but this increases the risk of broken wrists or arms. It takes practice, but remember: bruises heal faster than broken bones.

Fall on Your Back, Butt, or Stomach
When you lose control, tuck in your elbows and twist toward the ground. Keeping your limbs safe from awkward bends is crucial.

Learn to Roll
Rolling with the momentum reduces friction and protects vital body parts. At high speeds, tuck in and roll until you stop or regain control.

Bail Early, Not Late
Speed wobbles rarely even out. Whether skating vert or street, if you feel out of control, aim for a soft spot if possible—or roll it out.

Protect Your Head at All Costs
Your head is the most vital organ. Hitting it on concrete can be catastrophic. Use all the above methods to control your momentum and keep your brain safe.

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Learning to Fall is Learning to Succeed

‍Fear of falling can hold you back, but you can’t progress without risk. There’s so much to explore on a board that it’s worth the effort. Learning to fall boosts your confidence, allowing you to experiment and improve. Don’t take unnecessary spills, but use real falls as practice opportunities.

Avoid high-risk situations where you could lose control from great heights. Falling at board level is safer. If you’re airborne, prioritize landing on your back, side, or butt.

Big Risks Come with Big Consequences

‍Confidence is essential, but overestimating your abilities can sideline you for months. Before attempting big tricks, assess the environment—heights, speeds, and terrain—and have a crash plan. Pros do this with their crew, ready to help if things go wrong.

If you’re eyeing a big stair set, ensure you can clear the distance. Use a soft mat at first and practice moving ollies on flat ground. If you’re not ready, don’t push it. Live to skate another day.

Finally, if you lose control at high speeds, stop early. Speed wobbles only get worse, and faster falls hurt more. Bail sooner, try again, and keep shredding.

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