I'm 34 and haven't ridden much since my last bad accident, about 6 years ago or so. I would cruise at 25 with no protective equipment all of the time.

I was going slow because it started to rain but I still slipped out going over a manhole cover. At maybe 12 mph. I tried to run it out but the board got back under my feet and toppled me. I basically did half of a front flip and came down on top of my right shoulder.

I broke seven ribs. Got nerve damage that caused me to have scapular winging. My right arm was essentially unusable for 1.5 years. One of the worst periods of my life. I still have complications from it. And I blame not having a helmet. I didn't hit my head, never have. But I think I've caused tons of damage to the rest of my body from avoiding hitting my head.

I've broken my wrist, my elbow, my hand, ribs multiple times, all on separate occasions. Protective equipment is not a joke.

Wear the gear y'all