How to fall?

[gaiusballz]

With the last few months I’ve broken my collar bone and wrist and had the realization that I never learned how to fall properly. Did a little research and I’m honestly tempted to see if I can get a judo instructor to teach me breakfalls.

Do you guys have any recommendations on where to start and what to do?

[skunty]

1) know the different ways you could fall (slipping out, getting pitched, foot slips on ledge, landing primo) and what is likely for the trick youre doing so you're ready to bail safely and be less surprised mid trick 2) bail when somethigns going wrong and land on your feet and run it outt (but make sure not to accidentally step back on the board after bailing) 3) if its too late to bail to your feet and run it out then prepare to go to the ground gracefully, which usually means dont fight the momentum too much just try to roll with it and get to your back or butt and avoid putting your arms down to break your fall if you can cuz that's how you'll damage your wrist/elbow/shoulder

and just watch clips of nakel smith bailing and be like him

[matty_c]

Yeah try roll onto your shoulder but make sure you tuck your head in to your collarbone

[sketchyrider]

The real question is how to fall switch

[MorningSesh]

I found this helpful even though I very rarely do any hucking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxRHTr_PkOU&ab_channel=SKATEHACKS

[phlap]

The real question is how to fall switch

I hate slipping out regular, I'd rather just roll. But Switch is the opposite.

Guess I just hate the left hand side of my body.

[OldCandy]

watch nakel and cosplay airbags

[Pennybabie]

I heard parkour teaches you how to fall if you find a big enough group they'll probably show you how for free.

[layzieyez]

I'm old and wear footprint hip pads (one on each hip and one on the tailbone). I just let gravity pull me to my soft spots.

[white guy in a durag]

I champion intersectional falling. Take up bouldering, nothing will teach you how to fall from heights better.

On the real though, the only real advice is "if you can't run out, roll out, and never stick your arms behind you." It's good to have the ideas in your head, but it's really instincts built from falling repeatedly.

[S.]

Figure it out for yourself. Stay loose and find a way to use the forward momentum. Don’t try to come to a sudden halt but spread out the contact. Don’t be tense. Speed is actually your friend when it comes to bailing.  Judo roles only work in some situations. I usually role sideways, rather than over my shoulder.

I think it will help you if you don‘t try to force your trick every time. Test you Tricks first by deliberately bailing them a few times. Before you attempt a difficult trick or try a new trick give yourself enough time to feel comfortable with bailing out of it. This has done wonders for me especially for transition skating.

[biaherl]

I remember in jr high I'd wished my mom was rich enough to buy me some knee pads. The kids that had them would see how long they could slide along the smoothest section of concrete at school. still can't knee slide to this day

This was Robert Frost jr high circa combat 1987

[burm]

I feel it’s also good to note that speed is your friend here, as it helps distribute the force forward when you fall. My worst slams have been from halfmindedly goofing around with no speed and falling straight down and trying to put my hands down. With forward momentum you can roll or even slide on smooth ground and only maybe break your clothes.

As for judo, sure it might help to know the basic ukemi techniques, but maybe not the best bang for your buck as it’s usually applied in a controlled manner where as in skating your usually are not falling so predictably. With greater skill comes greater application of course, and practising martial arts or any kind of gymnastic exercise helps with your proprioception / body awareness.

I do try to look like this when falling backwards though.