dont get crash pads unless your going really big....nothing in PA requires crash pads...if your careful and know what your doing you should be fine...taking a spill here and there is apart of the sport and wearing padding gives you a sense of invincibility....not wearing pads shows confidence in your ability, this is just my opinion...if your scared of getting hurt or if you have any thought that you may get hurt you probably shouldn't be attempting it. be safe, have fun, and knows your limits.....