There is a reason that circus performers have been using the unicycle for ages.
Unicycles appear dangerous and difficult to operate.
Basically, to most observers, the whole process of riding a unicycle defies logic.
What kind of nut perches himself on top of a single wheel anyway? When you watch a performance, the unicyclist is rarely wearing safety gear.
This is to maximize the carefree daredevil persona that performers attempt to portray.
Almost all modern day unicyclists recognize that while riding a unicycle is actually relatively safe, the falls that do occur can be very sudden, and potentially physically damaging.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UNICYCLE HELMETS...
You've undoubtedly noticed that over the last 10 years or so, wearing a helmet to participate in many sports has become commonplace.
No sport has embraced the helmet more than cycling.
There are now far more cyclists wearing helmets than not.
Indeed, it has become the law in many jurisdictions.
Unicyclists and bicyclists often wear the same style of helmets.
There is one very good reason why they shouldn't.
For now, bicycles outsell unicycles by approximately a gazillion to one, therefore that is the market that helmets are built for.
In everyday riding situations, a bicyclist will almost never fall over backwards and bike helmet manufacturers recognize this.
Presumably in order to keep their helmets light, cool, and inexpensive, they skimp on extra protection at the back of the head.
Unicycle riders, can easily fall in any direction.
Especially dangerous is when the unicycle shoots out forward, causing the rider to fall backward with the potential for a nasty concussion inducing clunk on the back of the skull.
There are a few helmet manufacturers making their gear with increased rearward protection, search them out.
The price is a bit higher, but most definitely worth it.
WRIST GUARDS AND GLOVES ARE A MUST...
When learning, you will very likely fall once or twice.
Most falls from a unicycle involve the rider trying to soften the fall by quickly putting the hands out before a more delicate part of the anatomy hits the pavement.
Unfortunately, this situation puts the wrists in peril of being broken or sprained, and can also result in badly scraped hands.
Properly sized wrist guards are cool, comfortable, and effective.
Stay off unicycles until you have a set.
KNEE PADS AND ELBOW PADS...
Though not as commonly injured as wrists and hands, in an awkward fall, the knees and elbows may be the first thing to hit the sidewalk.
Knee pads especially, are indispensable both when first learning to ride a unicycle, and anytime that new tricks or terrain are attempted.