What Are The Disadvantages of Skateboarding? [Explained]

Skateboarding is a popular activity among young people, providing an outlet for creativity and a way to stay in shape.

However, the activity comes with its own set of risks and disadvantages. From potential physical injuries to the wear and tear on skateboards, understanding the potential drawbacks of skateboarding is essential for safely and responsibly enjoying the activity. In this article, we will explore the main disadvantages of skateboarding.

1. Risk of Injury

Skateboarding is a popular sport, and undoubtedly one of the most glamorous sports around. But behind every exciting trick there is also an ever-present risk of injury. Skaters know this all too well and take into account the possibility of injury when attempting to perform any stunt or trick.

The most common injuries associated with skateboarding can range from cuts, scrapes, bruises and broken bones to more serious spinal cord trauma or head injuries. Skaters regularly wear protective gear such as helmets, wrist guards and knee pads to help protect themselves while trying new tricks but it doesn’t guarantee safety against every possible hazard associated with skateboarding. In some cases, even that isn’t enough to prevent an accident from happening. Face plants are particularly painful—it’s almost like skydiving without a parachute! 

2. Expense

Skateboarding is certainly not a cheap hobby. From the board itself, to the protective gear and ability to get to your local skatepark, expenses add up quickly. 

Skaters are some of the most resourceful people for finding ways around spending too much money on their hobby. But at some point, if you want to keep progressing in skateboarding, expensive equipment becomes a necessity.

For starters, just getting a decent skateboard can cost you upwards of $70-$200 depending on your style preference and level of quality desired. Then there are safety precautions like helmets and pads that should be taken into consideration before hitting any ramps or rails that come with an additional price tag. 

And even though it’s possible to make do without having those items sometimes, skaters should always prioritize safety over anything else when skating!

3. Weather Dependent 

Skateboarding is a pastime that most people don’t fully understand. It’s not just rolling around with your buddies; it has its own unique culture, with its own unique nuances. Unfortunately one of those nuances is how dependent skateboarding can be on the weather. Wet or icy conditions make it impossible for even the most experienced skaters to ride safely and comfortably, leaving us all stuck inside looking out at the rain in our street clothes.

I personally have had days where I’ve planned out a great evening of skateboarding only to find out that the weather isn’t cooperating. From rain that ruins my grip tape to chilly temperatures that leave my fingers too stiff to do tricks, these occasions always leave me feeling frustrated and helpless against Mother Nature’s fickleness. I suppose if there was ever an argument for global warming, this would be it!

4. Limited Range

Skateboarding is undoubtedly a thrilling and liberating activity, but its limited range can be restrictive. There are only certain areas that can accommodate a board while providing a safe surface to ride on. 

For example, skateboarders typically require large paved surfaces, such as flat roads or sidewalks, to glide safely on their boards. These ideal skating grounds often don’t exist in rural areas and small towns with winding roads and dirt driveways. 

Furthermore, parks usually have specific rules about where skateboarders are allowed to ride on the premises; many times these laws dictate that skateboarders must remain within designated spaces such as skateparks or half-pipes. 

As a result of this limitation of acceptable places for skating, some riders may not have access to an area suitable for the sport in their local community – making it difficult for them to hone their skills and partake in this beloved pastime.

5. Limited Mobility 

Having limited mobility can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it comes to commuting or running errands. Skateboards are an accessible and affordable mode of transportation, but unfortunately, they are not suitable for long-distance travel. This makes them less than ideal for getting around town or traveling between cities.

Although it might be tempting to rely on skateboards as a means of transportation due to their affordability and convenience, this is simply not practical in the long run. Even if you’re able to use a skateboard for short distances such as running errands in your neighborhood, you’ll eventually need another form of transportation for longer trips. Buses, trains and even cars may be more expensive options but they offer much greater comfort and convenience over skateboards for long-distance travel.

6. Safety Gear

Safety gear for skateboarding such as helmets, pads and other protective gear are essential for ensuring a safe skating experience. However, these safety items can be bulky and uncomfortable when worn during skating sessions.

It’s understandable why so many skaters may opt to go without safety equipment – no one wants to move around feeling hindered by their attire, especially when competing. Yet, this attitude could lead to serious injury if an accident were to occur on the board.

That’s why it’s important that skaters find ways to enjoy skateboarding safely through wearing appropriate safety gear that fits comfortably and allows them freedom of movement while riding. There are plenty of options available today designed with comfort in mind!

7. Physical Limitations

When you first think of skateboarding, it may not seem like a very physically demanding activity. But in reality, skateboarding requires a certain level of physical fitness and coordination in order to really perform tricks or ride well. 

My friend, who is an avid skateboarder, has told me that the amount of physical strength and agility needed to do any type of cool trick can be quite exhausting. He says that he spends hours every week building up his core strength so he can keep his balance while performing flips and tricks.

Not only does skateboarding require physical fitness for stunts, but even just riding around town or cruising on flat ground takes some degree of strength and endurance too.

8. Limited to Flat Surfaces: 

My son says:

I’ve always been a fan of skateboarding. I remember the day my parents bought me my first board and how excited I was to try it out. But as soon as I stepped on that board, I realized that it had some limitations – it was limited to flat surfaces! While this at first felt like a huge restriction, over time, I found ways to make the most of what the board could do and have since been able to use it for some really cool tricks.

At the beginning, mastering tricks on flat surfaces can be daunting but through practice and dedication, you’ll be able to find your flow with ease. There are endless possibilities when skating on a flat surface – ollies, kick-flips, heel-flips and so much more!

9. Boredom 

The rush of adrenaline that comes with landing a new trick is incomparable. But unfortunately, like with anything else in life, skateboarding can become boring and repetitive after a while, especially if you’re not learning new tricks or exploring new areas. 

Whenever this happens to me I’m quick to remind myself why I started skating in the first place: it’s fun! So instead of dwelling on the monotony, I switch up my routine by trying out some new tricks or finding different spots to skate. 

Researching and scouting for these places can be just as exciting as the act of skating itself! Whether it’s a school car park nearby or an upcoming competition, there’s always something fresh around the corner that will get me excited about my hobby again.

10. Public Perception

Skateboarding can be seen as a nuisance by some people, leading to an overall negative perception of skateboarders and the sport in general. People find it inconvenient when skateboarders take up public spaces meant for other uses, such as walkways and sidewalks. 

The sound of wheels grinding against pavement can also be bothersome to those who don’t understand the thrill of riding a board. Worse yet, skaters often ignore no-skate signs or vandalize structures with graffiti or stickers. 

As a result, many view them as disobedient delinquents who don’t respect the laws and rights of others. It’s disgusting that skateboarding has been so harshly judged simply because a few people have chosen not to follow the rules.

Are any of the famous quotes on skateboarding related to the disadvantages of skateboarding?

Some notable skateboarding sayings do touch on the disadvantages of the sport. One such quote by Tony Hawk goes, The bruises fade, but the regret of not pushing yourself lasts forever. This suggests that not taking risks and striving for improvement can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction or missed opportunities. These sayings provide insight into the challenges and potential drawbacks of skateboarding.

Merits of Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a hobby that many people around the world enjoy and it can be seen as a form of art. Despite having some demerits, skateboarding has plenty of merits too. One of these merits is promoting physical activity, which is highly beneficial for our health. 

Physically active people are less prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, so skateboarding can be an excellent way to stay healthy.

Moreover, skateboarding helps improve balance, coordination and motor skills. Going through different tricks while skateboarding helps sharpen those skills and adds diversity to workout routines which allows us to keep enjoying it without getting bored. 

Besides being fun, this sport also encourages creativity since skaters find new ways to perform each trick and express themselves in their own unique way by performing amazing stunts on the board.

Must Read: Detail Merits of Skateboarding

Conclusion

Skateboarding is an activity that can bring a great deal of joy and fun to anyone who gives it a try. It’s a fantastic way to get exercise while expressing yourself with creative tricks. Although skateboarding does come with some risks, including the potential for injury or property damage, taking the right precautions will minimize these risks and make skateboarding worthwhile in the end. With proper supervision and protective gear, almost anyone can enjoy this thrilling activity to its fullest extent, regardless of age or experience level. 

At the end of the day, skateboarding involves weighing your personal risk tolerance against the rewards that it brings. For those willing to take on any potential disadvantages associated with skating in exchange for all of its upsides – like improving balance, coordination and physical fitness – then they should absolutely go ahead with it!