Skateboarding has become a fun physical activity for many kids. If your kid is interested in skateboarding, teaching them how to skateboard may be a bit unnerving at first. However, if you are well prepared, teaching your kid this skill will become much easier.
Benefits to Skateboarding
There are many benefits of learning how to skateboard. They include:- Physical exercise. Skateboarding is a full-body workout. It works on your child’s muscled, heart and lungs. It is also a great way to maintain physical fitness.
- Builds confidence. Skateboarding helps your children build their confidence.
- Helps with coordination. Skateboarding is a great way to enhance coordination in your child. The child will have to learn how to balance on the board and move their torso while measuring distance.
- Teaches patience. Skateboarding requires a lot of patience. Learning takes time, and your child will need to learn to fall and get up.
- Builds resilience. Skateboarding helps to build resilience because it involves a lot of falling. The more they fall and get up, the better they get at it.
Skateboarding Tips
Get the Right Skateboard
Learning skateboarding is made easier with the right skateboard. There are different types of skateboards, and looking for the right skateboard for your child may be challenging. However, ensure that the skateboard is the right size for your child because they will be able to maneuver it easily. The quality of the skateboard should also be top-notch because a quality skateboard is safer.Get the Right Gear
The right skateboard alone is not enough. You should also ensure that your child has essential skateboarding gear. This includes:- Thick socks. Thick socks will protect the child from harming their ankles.
- Skateboarding shoes. If your child is a beginner, they can start with running shoes. However, they will need to get skate shoes if they plan on spending a lot of time skateboarding. Skateboarding shoes are made specifically for that and provide better grip, durability, and resistance. Using running shoes consistently can end up hurting their heels, cause injury, and interfere with the learning process.
- Protection. This includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These are important not only as the child learns but even when they become a pro as they help protect them from getting serious injuries.
Safety First
This is the most important rule. Ensure that your child has their protective gear on. As they are learning the sport, let them be accompanied by you or another adult. In addition, always inspect the skateboard before they ride to ensure it is in the right condition. Always skate in a place that does not have a lot of vehicle traffic.Moreover, only try tricks when you are comfortable and after you have learned the basics. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children under five should not skateboard because their bodies will not be able to handle the impact and may sustain
Figure Out Which Foot to Use
This is one of the most important things to know before you start the learning process. Your child should know whether they prefer using their left or right foot. Their dominant foot will determine which foot they will use.Pace Your Child
We all learn in different ways. Do not push your child to learn the skill faster. Let them learn it at their own pace. They can start with basics such as balancing. Once they learn that, they can move on to other tricks. Teach the tricks one at a time to help them master them better.Learn to Fall
Falling is part of the learning process, especially when you are getting the hang of it or learning new tricks. Therefore, don't fear falling. Learning how to fall will help your child become more confident with the process and minimize the risk of injury.Avoid Skateboarding in the Rain
Skateboarding in the rain is dangerous. This is because the ground becomes slippery when it rains. Water also damages the wood and metal parts of the skateboard and should therefore be avoided.Maintenance
It is important to maintain your skateboard. This guarantees that it functions at maximum capacity. Ensure that the board is not slippery or cracked and that the wheels are functioning well. If you cannot work on the repairs yourself, get someone who can. Moreover, teach your child how to handle the repairs themselves.
Skateboard Basics
There are skateboard basics that your child can learn before they move to more advanced tricks. These include:
- Balancing
- Pushing
- Slowing down
- Stopping
- Turning
- Tic Tacs
Training your child to skateboard may be nerve-racking. It is easy to focus on all the scary things that can happen. However, do not worry. Not only will your child pick up on your fear and get scared, but you may end up slowing down their learning process.
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