Summer is totally the best time to skate – no school, less rain and plenty of fit chicks hanging out in the parks.
But, as hundreds of skaters discover each year, summer has its dangers too, like mad dogs, medically stupid friends and more injuries.
Find out how to avoid or fix most of these possible problems.
Ìý| Ìý |  | In-liner pulling tricks - a more normal way of getting dizzy
|
Skating makes you thirsty, sun makes you thirsty … skating in the summer is like a Japanese torture game show if you’re not drinking enough.
Being dehydrated also affects your concentration and your ability, so even the simplest move can end in injury. So, it’s simple; have loads to drink before, during and after skate sessions.
ÌýHow not to live in the shade
| | Ìý |
| Ìý |  | Skaters out in the midday sun, feeling hot tarmac
|
To avoid sun burn and sunstroke it would be easy to suggest we all stay in the shade, but that’s just not going to happen with open tree-less sun-trap parks.
I could also say we should avoid the middle of the day, but if you’re getting up late and heading straight down to the park, that’s when you’re going to be there before you’ve even thought about it.
But these sun problems are worth avoiding so wear sun cream and a cap and know how to spot sunstroke early.
ÌýActing stupid might be sunstroke
| | Ìý |
| Ìý |  | Confused and injured? Looks like sunstroke
|
Sunstroke symptoms are feeling faint, weak or having a headache. If your mate starts acting confused and behaving more stupidly than usual, get them into the shade and get some water down them.
If they get shivery and their skin feels hot and dry, they’re in a bad way and you’d better get help. Getting cool and drinking fluids are the first vital steps though.
You can also get cramps from dehydration so if you’re having more than usual have something like a salty bag of crisps at the same time as drinking loads of water.
Ìý| Ìý |  | See those hot sparks fly
|
You don’t need to hear all the medical hoo-ha, just take it as fact that alcohol is a bad idea when skating in the sun. Or when skating at all really.
But in the summer there’s often more beer about and its effects are exaggerated by the sun.
It’ll greatly increase your chances of getting sunstroke and dehydration too, so stay off the cider even if it feels like just what your thirst needs.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Chilling and watching the skaters from the shade
|
You’re hot, your head sweats like a pig and your hair looks whack. But that’s better than splitting open your head (no, really it is!). So pleeeeease don’t be tempted to skate without a helmet or pads when you’re trying new tricks, riding street or in a park.
Everyone can handle a bit of pain but there’s no point in messing up a whole summer of skating with a bad injury. Some people think sweat is sexy anyway.
Ìý| Ìý |  | A dog in a mussel
|
There’s an old saying about mad dogs being out in the midday sun, which might not make a whole lot of sense.
But its basis is about right – some dogs get irritable when they’re hot, so don’t tease them.
According to Marlowes Vets, the number of dog bites increases during the summer and it’s the little dogs rather than the scary big beasts that you have to watch!
ÌýRemember all the local skate parks have got first-aiders either on site or very near-by.
Don’t be ashamed to use them, they know a trick or two about getting you fixed up and back on your board quicker than if you just hobble home.
Have a good summer!
| 
