Even though there's a common thread about the newer generations — that they're as inactive as they come — there are still some exceptions to the rule. Skateboarding is one of the evergreen sports that's too fun to miss out on. The good news is that your kids will love it; the bad news is that they'll need to learn by doing. Although this will ensure some falls and bruises, it's not as bad as you think. If you make an effort to adopt these six skateboarding safety tips for kids, the learning period will be over before you know it.
1. Choose the perfect skateboard
As a parent, one of the more critical decisions you'll make that'll affect your child's safety while skateboarding is choosing the best skateboard. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should get the most expensive thing that you can find.
Choose a light skateboard that suits the style your child is going for.
Additionally, choose the skateboard that has available spare parts. Especially in the beginning, your kid will not only scratch and bump their skateboard but even destroy it.
Set your worries aside since the breaking will subside as time goes by and they get the hang of what they're doing.
2. Safety gear equals a safe kid!
Even though finding the best skateboard for your kid is essential, it's not all that you need to purchase. Investing in good high-quality safety gear will make all the difference.
Taking precautions (especially wearing a helmet) is the most important one of the skateboarding safety tips for kids.
Before even setting foot on a skateboard, let alone a skateboarding arena, your kid needs:
● A helmet that's easy to wear, doesn't affect their sight, and isn't too tight. Getting a cool pattern or a logo will make your kid want to wear it and lessen the chances of them taking it off while you're not looking
● Wrist guards, knee, and elbow pads that'll prevent any major injuries from happening
● Shoes that are just the right fit are crucial. If they happen to be even a bit bigger than that, your kid could end up falling and hurting themselves.
● You can add goggles or protective glasses to the mix, too.
2. Location, location, location
There's a big difference between skating in an arena that's safe for your kid and just a random spot. Although beginners can technically learn the basics anywhere, it's better to be safe than sorry. Choosing a nice secluded place with zero traffic and minimal (or, ideally, none) sharp and rough surfaces can do a lot. Find an area with very smooth surfaces, and make sure to monitor your kid constantly, especially if they're younger and just starting.
Letting your child test out their balance and beginner's skills in a safe spot is essential.
Additional safety tips:
● Never let your kids ride in a busy area.
● The weather should be just right, not too hot, and never rainy!
● A secluded driveway would be a great starting point.
● Respect the skateboarding safety tips for kids that each skatepark has. There's always a good reason for those.
● No headphones during skateboarding!
3. Practice makes perfect
Kids fall while skateboarding. That is inevitable. Although you can purchase the best that money has to buy and ensure their safety this way, you cannot control every single thing. A lot of skateboarding injuries happen during the learning period. However, creating a supportive and safe atmosphere for your kid to pick up on this skill will be of great help. They need to practice if they are planning to get better. Here are some things that can help the initial period:
● Teach your kids how to fall safely. Practice on softer surfaces.
● Stand near them and try to offer support.
● Help them understand how to achieve balance and teach them how to be relaxed while falling (tensing their bodies could lead to more severe injuries).
4. Gear maintenance is imperative
Teaching your kid how to maintain their skateboard is more than just one of the skateboarding safety tips for kids. This will also teach them a valuable life lesson. Like you would maintain a car or a motorbike, a skateboard needs to be tended to. Teach them how to clean it, store it, repair it (or at least spot the issues that need fixing), etc. This will also test how serious they are about this activity. If they enjoy skateboarding, they won't mind rolling up their sleeves.
5. Trust your kid's instincts
A tip that might sound a bit unconventional given the goal of this article is to trust your child's instincts. This by no means entails that you should dismiss all the previous pieces of advice and trust your kid blindly. It only means that you should acknowledge the fact that they have managed to survive up until this point. Use this to kiss all the unrealistic doubts you have goodbye.
6. Start younger than you think
Just like in any other sport, the best chances for success are if your kid starts skating when they're younger. Even though your kid's not training to be an expert, the same rules apply. Although this doesn't mean that you should push your kid to get into skateboarding as soon as possible, if they're interested, allowing your preschooler to take their first steps towards skating is encouraged! What's more, skateboarding basics might be the right type of physical activity for your kid. Skateboarding improves motor skills, stability, balance, and core strength without being tedious and repetitive.
Two young kids sitting on their skateboards.
Parent tips - To worry or not to worry?
Once you've applied all these skateboarding safety tips for kids and have spent some money on great gear, you've done about all that you could. Now is the time to trust the process. Of course, you'll worry; observing your kids in an environment that can seem dangerous is never easy. Don't let this fear overpower you and impact your child's desire and joy related to skateboarding. After some time, you'll see that nothing is as scary as it seems.
Meta: Do you need skateboarding safety tips for kids? Look no further! Let's get this show on the skateboarding road!