I am in the process of acquiring a mountain board so that I can try traction. So now I need safety gear. I'd like to know what others use/like and the best place to buy from.

I think I'll need a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and possibly wrist guards. It would be nice if the helmet could also be used for snow kiting (although I have a ski helmet that might work for that). Not sure if I should consider hip pads also?

Any advice is welcome.

I am skinny and very much like my Hillbilly A$$ Pads. Before them I got some major bruises on my hips. The tailbone protection is also nice. The way I ride ATB I am far more likely to be dragged on my butt than sent superman.

I have but don't use wrist guards.

Get a comfortable helmet so you won't think twice about wearing it. Once again with my style I have slammed the back of my head a few times but never face planted.

Bladerunner - Thanks for the tip on the Hillbilly pads. I hadn't considered tailbone protection but it makes sense.

If anyone else has brands they love (for any of the safety gear), I'd like to hear about it.

First thread link below is a picture of me in tons of "Plastic Courage" to quote John (Cerebite). I strongly recommend the "jacket". The second thread link below is where you can buy all the stuff if you want to got that way.

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=32153#pid31...

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=32153#pid31...

Helmet is a must and knee pads are good. No need for elbow pads and I would advise against wrist guards as you need your hands. Landboarding is a balancing act and you should be leaning back. I wear crashpants longboarding and skating pools but never when kite landboarding. Triple 8 or 661 or protec or G shock are all fine brands.

I've been using a Bern Watts helmet since I started landboarding. It's a great, solid helmet!

It came with this warm liner which I take out during the summer months. For the winter months, it's nice & cozy with the liner. Online is probably your best bet for a helmet but they could definitely be found locally, (could always check classified websites such as Craigslist, eBay).

IMO, hip pads are a bit overkill. Don't push your limits when it comes to learning! I've seen/heard many stories of people trying to jump first time they are out on a landboard; it does not end well.. A simple helmet should do you well. For injuries, the worst that's happen to me was a gashed elbow & knee.

I think i pointed out that the A$$ pads work for me because I have bony hips and butt. Even for me they are extra padding for when I am pushing it.

Gloves are probaby second most important amd I don't go out without them. I have seen some major damage and actual amputation of fingers.

Helmet is a must. The rest is somewhat optional.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

I think i pointed out that the A$$ pads work for me because I have bony hips and butt. Even for me they are extra padding for when I am pushing it. Gloves are probaby second most important amd I don't go out without them. I have seen some major damage and actual amputation of fingers. Helmet is a must. The rest is somewhat optional.

Ken, I wasn't aiming it at you :P Was just saying in general. Definitely, having more armor/padding wouldn't hurt.

I just recently started wearing gloves. I use some weight lift finger-less ones. They work wonders and help prevent those nasty blisters, (especially when flying FB on handles). I've never found the full finger gloves comfortable. Not to mention, it's a hassle unwinding lines with them, (for me at least).

Having a kite knife could come in handy as well. Make sure to learn the safety system on whatever kite you're flying, (Kite killers/QR for depower kites).

I usually wear a helmet, knee pads and mechanics gloves. Im used to operating at a high level of dexterity with the mech gloves so unwinding/winding lines is no problem, plus they offer great protection!

Thanks to all that replied. You've given me a lot to consider. I'm hoping to take it slow in the beginning (i.e. no jumping or air), but I do want to have adequate protection. I'm sure I'll be taking some spills initially.

Maybe not now, but when you start jumping hillybilly tailbone pads are a must. Almost as important as a helmet, at least for me, because that is where I'll fall if I do. For beginner I would say knee pads could be more important, especially depending on how much of a beating your body can take. But to reemphasize, I will literally go down a kite size if I don't have my hip pads, at that height, it is a must.