Falling Safely

Every rider falls, so you practise it on purpose. Going forwards you drop onto your knee pads and slide; sideways you guide yourself down and sit; backwards you bend your knees and turn so you land on your side, not your spine.

1. Crouch

   Bend your knees deeply so you have less far to fall.

   CueGet low

2. Knees

   Drop forwards onto both knee pads and let them slide.

   CueCaps first

3. Elbows

   If you keep going, roll onto elbow pads, then wrist guards.

   CuePads in order

4. Sideways

   Falling sideways, sit down towards the side instead of reaching out.

   CueSit down

1. IfCatching yourself with straight arms.
   ThenGo down to your knee pads first and let your wrist guards touch last, if at all.
2. IfGoing stiff as you fall.
   ThenBreathe out and stay soft so the pads, not your joints, take it.
3. IfFalling straight back onto your spine.
   ThenBend your knees and turn your shoulders so you land on your hip and side.
4. IfPractising falls without pads.
   ThenWear helmet, knee, elbow and wrist pads every time you practise this.