Nosegrind, noseslide, 360, Ollie, kickflip-these all sound like factors the NTSB might attribute to airplane crashes. In reality, these are some of the many tricks practiced by high-flying skateboarders in their quest for air. The more daring the trick, the higher the risk. Watching pros take to the skies it is hard not to imagine how much thrilling it must be to launch yourself into the air, reconnecting with your board on the way back down.

It is a risky sport, but amateurs have more than their share of accidents. Of the 15,600 annual sojourns made to the ER by street skaters, about one third of the injured have been skateboarding less than a week. Many bone and skull fractures occur from rider error, but there are many fatal collisions with cars in the streets. To stay safe, you have to be watchful, and it is also a good plan to wear protective gear.

Well-padded helmets are needed, for obvious reasons. Protection for defenseless joints is helpful, too, especially for knees, elbows and wrists. Special shorts with padding can be found to save wear and tear on your hips. Good shoes that grip the board are also vital.

Besides equipment, you should understand that there are actually good and bad ways of falling. If you find yourself losing your balance, go into a crouch position-that way you fall from a shorter distance! Always try to land on softer body parts, as opposed to your knees, for instance. Finally, relax into the fall-try not going rigid, which causes more injury. If you think of it, roll with the fall; it lessens the impact.

There are lots of web sites dedicated to teaching skateboarding techniques and fully equipping riders. In addition, there are incredible online stores where you can find all types of gear from every top name in skating. You can find skateboarding shoes, wrist guards, board parts, hip clothing, and instructional videos. If you need it to skate, you can find it there!