Out of nowhere, your kid runs up shouting, “Mom! Dad! I want to know how to skateboard!” This triggers flashbacks to the good old days, shredding with the homies until sunset every day. Just as you thought you were slowly losing your mind… the best day ever has arrived. The question of whether they are ready for a challenging commitment.
The best age to start skateboarding is 6 years old. Although I’ve known parents starting their children much earlier. Several skaters’ dads have been successful that I know, but this may not be the case for everyone. With close supervision, proper gear, one can influence their child to grow into a true ripper.
This short guide covers skateboard safety, buying gear, and how to start skating again.
Is There An Age Limit To Start Skateboarding?
At virtually any age, you can learn how to skateboard. When and how to take action is the question. From toddlers, teenagers, to grown men and women, there are no boundaries. To figure out whether skateboarding is a good fit for your child, consider the following:
- Do they lack interest in other hobbies or sports? This was my problem! I began playing basketball, went to practice, but nothing clicked. Following rules, with pressure to make quick decisions, was not my forte.
- Are they into other outdoor activities such as biking, playing in the dirt, or even looking for summer camp activities?
- Your friend’s child skateboards. This is the best way to get them motivated to start.
How Dangerous Is Skateboarding?
The first time I stepped on a skateboard, I fell flat on my face! The hardest part of skateboarding in the beginning is learning how to keep and maintain balance.
There is always a level of risk during the learning curve. There will be times of failure and instances where pain scares them away from getting back on the horse and trying again. No matter how advanced or skilled they become, the risk never changes.
Compared to other sports, skateboard injuries are lower than activities such as cycling, or major contact and non-contact sports, for example, soccer or basketball.
The increased chance of injury depends on risk factors, which we base on skill level. A prime example I can relate to is grinding a handrail for the first time. The level of fear is extreme at first because outcomes are unknown.
Thoughts such as:
- How high to ollie onto the rail
- Sticking to the rail
- Speed upon approach, and on landing
- The highest risk factor with many outcomes
The Most Common Injuries
- Shinners
- Knocked out teeth
- Rolled ankles
- Sacking rails
- Road Rash
- Heel bruises
How To Prevent Skateboard Injuries
Always wear protective gear until mastering the fundamentals. Falling is a huge part of the learning process, and bringing your child to school banged up never looks good. There will be a time your youngster turns into a teenager, and likely refuses to wear pads and a helmet. You may enforce this upon them, but it’ll be like telling them they can’t move out when they turn 18.
Most indoor parks require you to sign a waiver and wear a helmet for liability reasons. Outdoor parks are open to the public, which allows you to “skate at your own risk.”
- Avoid skating with injuries. Twisting an ankle or pulling a muscle is not worth further damage, and recovery becomes difficult. The temptation is far too great sometimes when the sun is out, and your friends are out shredding.
- Exercise and proper warm-up techniques will help prevent injury and excessive soreness.
Skateboarding Fundamentals For Beginners
Whether your kid wants to learn how to ride a bike or play basketball, basic core fundamentals apply to the learning process. To learn the basics may take longer than others, and this can frustrate anyone!
What Skateboarding Will Teach You
- Learn how to balance. This is one of the biggest challenges, like learning how to ride a bike!
- How to push. To gain momentum, you push off with either the left or right foot. Whichever foot feels more secure will decide the rider’s stance.
- How to stop. There are a few ways to stop on a skateboard: to slow down or come to a complete stop.
- How to turn. Once a child develops comfort pushing off and has better control, learning how to turn, and is closer to learning tricks.
- Learn how to fall, overcome, and endure pain. To achieve this requires hours of practice and mental focus to power through the worst part of the learning experience.
Equipment Setup For Beginners
The first step is to buy your Child’s first skateboard! In order to do this, you may visit a local skate shop or shop online. I will discuss further details on where and how to find products, without spending a fortune.
5 “Must Have” Components
- Complete skateboard
- Helmet
- Knee & elbow pad set
- Willpower
- Support and motivation
Complete Skateboard
To purchase a skateboard, the choice to buy parts separately or as a complete is optional. I recommend a complete skateboard package, as they are affordable, and we can replace parts as needed.
Skateboard Helmet
I suggest heading to the local shop to try on helmets for the first time. A nice, snug fit, not wobbling off your head, is key. Bike helmets don’t offer the same level of protection as aasskateboard helmets do.
Knee/Elbow Pads
They come in complete sets to save money over buying separate knee/elbow pads. They are durable and not too bulky. There are kkids’sets available.
Willpower & support
Nobody enjoys skateboarding alone. Meeting new skaters gives someone to talk to and keeps the motivation flowing.
There are several of you out there who might be parents looking to get back into skateboarding. In any case, I’ve got you covered.
How Do You Get Back Into Skateboarding?
I love hearing older dudes stoked to return to the game. Whether returning after a two-year break or going through a midlife crisis, you’ve got reasons.
The question is, where to begin?
We can pick up skating quickly from memory. As far as boards and gear, this depends on your skating style. Were you into carving bowls, flat ground tricks, street skating, or cruising for pleasure? There are many styles of boards, different shapes, and sizes to select from.
“Am I Too Old To Skateboard?”
You are NEVER too old to start, or get back into skateboarding! Age has been one of those controversial topics I’ve come across plenty of times. From what I gathered, this is a universal question pondered by people in their early teens to mid-thirties.
Some view skateboarding as a toy for kids. Watching older adults riding one is “immature” and silly. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and honestly, worrying about what other people think shouldn’t define who you are or your interests.
Whether you are 16 or 65, don’t hold back because of what anyone else believes.
Age may be just a number, though, health plays a huge role, too. The difference becomes changes in energy levels, time to commit, and recovery.
- Impacts from falling may take longer to recover
- Some of you may have worn joints from stress at the job or prior injuries
- Limited time to commit to learning new tricks in busy adulthood
When To Stop Skateboarding
Nobody should quit skating for any reason. Although life throws obstacles that prevent stepping back on the board. Several instances raise concern.
Serious injury can get us out of our jobs. This is a scary reality nobody wants to face. Insurance to pay for medical bills and other expenses because of injury is a huge issue for those not covered by employment.
These are real-life sacrifices and risks only you decide. Again, life itself is a risk you live only once!
Related Topic: Revolutionary Skateboard Training System That’s Transforming How Kids Learn Tricks
