Skateboardings physical limitations

[skateboarder]

Hey guys, first post so be gentle. Just thought I would share this short skateboarding clip. Very impressive stunts done by Aaron Homoki (yes it's all real). I would be very curious to see what the physics community thinks about it.

Is there a way to work out the maximum height/speed/distance a skateboarder can jump/fall from and still roll away without falling?

Also what do you think the repercussions of putting your body through these high impact situations will be later in Aaron's life?

Thanks in advance and enjoy the clip :)

youtube.com/watch?v=U2TzBJGViM4
(0:29 and 0:47 are the most interesting ones)

 

[Simon Bridge]

Welcome to PF.
Overview: physics of skateboarding.

Is there a way to work out the maximum height/speed/distance a skateboarder can jump/fall from and still roll away without falling?

Yes ... however there are so many variables that in practice it comes down to skill ... the boarder risks greater injuries with greater heights and speeds of course.

Aaon can expect the kinds of wear and tear most extreme sportsmen get. It's Achilles' choice.

 

[A.T.]

Is there a way to work out the maximum height/speed/distance a skateboarder can jump/fall from and still roll away without falling?

Unlike landing on your feet, landing on a skateboard preserves your horizontal velocity, so it involves less shear forces, which often cause the injury in jumps. But it is comparable to a clean vertical fall from the same height. You need long & strong legs as dampers.

Also what do you think the repercussions of putting your body through these high impact situations will be later in Aaron's life?

It's comparable to ski jumping or downhill skiing. Maybe there is some statistics online on joint wear in those athletes. Obviously, a single unlucky jump can cause permanent damage too, especially without protective gear.