Guest blogger, Aaron Henderlite from Greyboard, gives a skateboarder’s tips for teaching a new sport to children.
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As a parent of a skateboarder, and an avid old-guy skater myself, staying safe is always top of mind for me when skateboarding. Skating is a great way for kids to learn balance, get exercise, and generally have fun, but like any sport involving wheels and speed, it should be approached with respect.
I remember starting out just learning to stand on a board, trying to push with one foot and then repositioning both feet on deck. I started my son out the same way, on a flat patch of rough driveway. Once he was comfortable, he tried navigating his way down a gentle slope. I let him lead. If he thought he was ready to try something new, I didn’t stop him. I stood by tensely watching. He successfully rolled out of my parent’s garage, and then he hopped off, and tried again. I encouraged him to try again and again. Starting slow was important. Repetition was the key. Getting comfortable was the goal.
It was only a matter of time before he would fall. It’s just part of the sport. Oddly, the first time my son picked up a skateboard, he put on an old set of my pads, and put on a helmet. I didn’t suggest the safety gear, but he seemed to want the protection. He landed flat on his rear end, the first time he tried to shift his weight to his back foot. I helped him up, gave him a hug, and congratulated him on his first slam. He fought back tears, but could tell I was proud of him. I brimmed with more pride when he got back in the saddle and skated some more.
Since then, I purchased a helmet for him that fits well, and is made for skateboarding. When skating in the driveway, I encourage him to wear his wrist guards, because his natural tendency is to put his hands down to catch himself if he falls. Helping him know his own tendencies, and what he likes to do has been a goal of mine. I really think that knowing your own limits, and getting comfortable with your current level of skating, before trying something new, is as important, or more important than safety gear.
I hope my son sticks with skateboarding. If he does, I know he will street skate, hit parks, ride ramps, all without the watchful eye of dear old Dad. Some of his peers will wear protective gear, some will slide down rails wearing a pair of jeans, some will ride an empty swimming pool barefoot. If he knows his limits and uses common sense then my job will be done. He can then enjoy the rush you get, when you do something totally new to you, on wheels.
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