It is never too late to start skateboarding. If you are thinking about picking it up alongside your kid, go for it–even if they think it’s embarrassing! On the other hand, for most kids, there is a threshold for how old they should be to start.
To make a clear distinction, most children under the age of five should not be skateboarding. With a high center of gravity, poor balance, lack of coordination, and under-developed motor skills, being on a skateboard could put them at high risk of injury. Even with safety equipment on, the risk isn’t worth it.
(Max Fischer/pexels)
When children reach around the age of five, their motor skills begin improving and their ability to adapt to difficult physical conditions develops. Between the ages of five and ten is a great time to start your child on a board. Children of this age should be allowed to skateboard only under close adult supervision. Injuries for children on skateboards can be more severe than when teenagers or adults have skating mishaps, so maintaining a close watch is critical. As with all age groups, safety gear should be on every time your child is on their board.
How do I keep my child safe?
Equipment
Thanks to the constant growth of the skater community, there are now more options than ever for younger people looking to get into the sport. For children under ten, skateboards scaled down to proportions suitable for smaller bodies can help them master skills more quickly and safely. Our guide to picking your first skateboard can provide some insights if you aren’t sure where to start.
Thankfully, many helmets, as well as knee and elbow pads, are designed with kids in mind. No matter what age your child is starting at, whether they are little kids or teenagers and beyond, you should always ensure that they have proper safety equipment suited to their size.
While hand-me-down safety equipment is a great way to save money, ensure the equipment is the proper size and fit for your child. Additionally, check that there are no signs of damage and if there is any cracking or breakage, whether new or used, replace the gear as soon as possible.
Environment
Where your child learns to skate is also important. Of course, you want the environment to be physically safe, but you also want them to feel emotionally comfortable and supported. It is important for your child to feel safe to make mistakes and mess up without judgment. Starting off in the driveway at home can provide a familiar and safe place for your child to feel comfortable learning.
In terms of physical safety, try to avoid roads and sidewalks when starting out. With a lack of control on the board and not understanding proper falling and failing techniques can result in significant injuries. Attempting to use the larger ramps and bowls at community skateparks is also risky as a lack of experience on the board can prove dangerous.
In terms of weather, it’s a good idea not to let your child skateboard on rainy, snowy, or icy days. The slippery surface decreases the wheels’ grip and can increase the likelihood of falls and injury.
Tricks
The tricks and moves your child devotes time to learning should correlate with their level of skateboarding. Attempting moves that are too difficult or advanced can cause entirely avoidable injuries. More advanced tricks can be made attainable and safer after developing basic skills.
Why should I let my kid pick up skateboarding?
There are actually many benefits for children and teens who start skateboarding, and they vary by age. Five to ten-year-olds can often develop skills and progress rapidly in as little as six months to a year. Skateboarding helps children develop motor skills and balance. For teenagers, skills may develop more slowly, but skateboarding offers opportunities to learn about hard work and commitment.
At any age skateboarding can help develop active habits to keep kids exercising and moving their bodies. Skateboarding also teaches resilience and the ability to overcome failures.
What do I do if I don’t think my child is ready?
If you don’t think your child is developmentally ready to pick up skateboarding, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to keep your child involved in the sport until they are prepared without discouraging them from starting a little later. If your child is eager to learn more about boarding, wearing kids’ skate clothing can let them feel part of the community.
Getting used to wearing baggy skater outfits can help prepare them for when they’re ready to take up the sport. These fits will look great on your children while they’re watching the bigger kids at the skate park or skateboarding on tv. With so many stylish girls skate apparel options and boys skate clothes online, your kid can fit in with skater culture while keeping safe.