Whether you’re a newbie or an oldie to skateboarding, you should really think about protecting your body from plausible injury. You don’t necessarily want to look like you’re going snowboarding when you’re skating on a summer day, but essentially, there are all kinds of protective gear to wear when skateboarding. If you’re the daring type who throws herself down a half-pipe or tries sliding down a railing without any practice, then you’ll want the best protective gear used for skateboards. Whether you’re a guy or gal, landing saddle style on a bar, face first on the concrete or elbows back on the ground is more painful than you can imagine. Here is some protective gear to think about the next time you want to roll down the road on four wheels.

Skateboarding protective gear falls under one of the six following categories: wrist guards, kneepads, groin guard, helmets, gloves and elbow pads. When you have an mélange of these protecting you when you ride—whether on the half pipe or at the skatepark—you’re more likely to go home in one, un-bruised piece. Follow these protective skateboard gear guidelines to make sure you’re using the equipment to its fullest, most preventative ability.

Wrist Guards: Though you don’t want to look like your overweight aunt with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, wrist guards are probably the most overlooked and important piece of skateboard protective gear. Wrist protection should be worn at all times, whether for tricks or for simple street/sidewalk riding. Be sure that the wrist guard has a plastic splint—these offer the best safeguard to a fracture or break.

Knee Pads: Knee pads will keep you skating for years to come if worn correctly at all times. This means beginners and pros alike. Be sure to wear the proper size kneepad and that the strap fits snuggly, without impeding movement, around the back of the knee. The longer kneepads offer the most skateboard gear protection from scrapes, cuts and gravel.

Groin Pad: If you plan on doing tricks that are out of your trade, it may be wise to wear a groin pad or lined shorts. Guys and gals alike will need to protect the genital area from injury. Flying high over that railing and landing with both feet on either side is sure to produce the loudest laughs. Rather, go for the applause and practice with groin protection the next time you perform.

Helmet: It’s hard to dispute that a helmet is important in almost all wheeled sports. Skateboard gear protection is only truly done properly when the head (and often chin) are protected from would-be injury. Be sure that your helmet fits snuggly. When you bob your head, make sure the helmet stays secure without moving back and forth. The helmet, then, should be about two fingers from the tops of the eyes and be sure to replace any helmet that has undergone any falls.

Gloves: Gloves are a prime necessity for proper protective skateboard gear. It is natural instinct to fall and place the hands in front of the body—it is really impossible to stop. The thing that is impossible to stop, however, is finger, palm and hand injuries. Gloves are usually cut at the knuckle to allow the widest range of movement. Some skaters prefer full-length gloves, though, which double nicely for warmth when it’s cold outside.

TRIPLE 8 SLIDE GLOVES S/M List Price: $65.95 Sale Price: $52.99

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TRIPLE 8 SLIDE GLOVES S/M

Elbow Pads: The number one way people break their arms is by falling backwards, catching themselves on their elbows. The best way to avoid this sort of injury, by the way, is to buy a certified pair of elbow pads. This protective gear used for skateboards and skateboarding will keep you skating much longer. It is recommended to always wear elbow pads, especially if you’re an aggressive or beginning skater. There’s no use taking eight weeks to recover due to an injury. Stay safe and practice smart with proper protective skateboarding gear.