I was a vert skater when I was a kid.
Had one of the first half pipe ramps on the island.
Broke my left arm once, and my right leg another time, along with numerous cases of road rash and sprained wrists.
Never used pads or a helmet, just shoes and Levi's.
I can still spin 360's, but the last time I went to the skatepark I ended up doing a faceplant when I tried dropping into the bowl... I was unconscious for a short period, and woke up being walked to the car. I didn't seek medical attention, I just stayed home and took it easy for a few days.