I never had protective equipment for anything until skateboarding. I got a new skateboard for my 15th birthday and my dad said we would go the next day and get knee/elbow pads. I rolled my eyes and went out to ride it. Went straight to a friends and tried going over a ramp. Well, I guess tried isn't the right word for it. I DID go over the ramp. The board not so much. walked back home with blood pouring from my knees and picking rocks from my palms. I didn't complain so much when we went to get the pads and gloves the next day.
The good part is I get to leave early! 
