Payout for 24 skating injuries

Whanganui thrill-seekers have made 24 claims for skateboarding injuries this year as riders around the country make headlines for risky stunts.

And Whanganui's champion skateboarder has a few safety tips for those trying to pull off the high-flying tricks.

ACC figures show the 24 claims from the River City in the first three months of 2016 cost the national compensation scheme $4952.

Whanganui skateboarder Naomi Craig says wristguards are important for those learning to skate as they will be falling on their hands a lot.

Skateparks were the places to learn the skills and she recommended people keep off roads altogether.

She said skateboarders should build up to tricks, rather than jump into something beyond their level of ability.

Ms Craig - now studying design at Massey University in Wellington - has been skateboarding for four years and won the women's open at the Cheapskates Skateboard national championship last year.

She insisted the positives made the sport worthwhile despite the risks associated with it.

"For me the biggest thing is the freedom that comes with it ... If anything's on your mind, I just go for a skate and it clears it up."

Skateboarding was a challenge and landing a new trick felt good because of the trials a skater went through to get there, she said.

Nationally, 2130 made ACC claims for skateboarding injuries in the first quarter of 2016. Those claims had cost $592,132 to date.

Several skateboarders have made headlines for risky stunts in recent months.

Kapiti man Tristan Hunter died when he fell off his longboard while skating down Maungakotukutuku Rd, near Paraparaumu, last month.

He was hit by a following car in what his family called a "freak accident".

The 21-year-old was regarded as one of New Zealand's best longboarders and had aspirations to ride professionally.

Footage of of a longboarder riding down State Highway 1 on the southern side of the Brynderwyn Hills at high speed was posted to YouTube earlier this year.

Northland police called the ride "an act of stupidity".

Bay of Plenty police said a skateboarder being towed by a car at Mount Maunganui last month was "high risk behaviour at its worst."

They travelled almost the entire length of Marine Parade reaching speeds of 40km/h.

Police media adviser Jillian Reid said skateboarders were allowed to ride on the road, but police strongly advised against doing so as there was significant risk of serious injury.

She said skateboards were defined as vehicles and riders had to operate safely and responsibly and follow the road rules.

"If people are using their boards safely and appropriately, without causing nuisance or putting themselves or others at risk, then police are unlikely to have an issue."