Rest assured that when your little ones are around 10-12 years old, they will want nothing more than to get on a skateboard like the pros. But what about the really young ones, those four or five-year-olds who are just getting into skateboarding?
What usually happens is the mistake of buying cheap skateboards like those found in supermarkets, toy stores, etc. But these are low-quality skateboards that not only risk putting your child in danger, but also break down quickly, and little ones can quickly get bored of them if they don’t work properly.
Toy skateboards are uncomfortable, too stiff, and can even be harmful to your legs and feet. Also, most of the time the wheels don’t roll that well, which can be very frustrating for little ones and cause them to fall or trip.
What you should look for when buying a skateboard for kids
At a basic level, there aren’t many differences between skateboarding for kids and adults. Some brands may make smaller boards, 21 inches or 22 inches long, but this is more of a marketing issue than a necessity.
A smaller skateboard can be fun, but kids are better off growing into the sport using a full-sized skateboard, from 27 inches to 31 inches. Also, they are not that big either. Most 4-year-olds should be fine with a standard-sized skateboard.
In addition to these things, it is important that when your child uses a skateboard, they have the necessary protection to be safe. He must wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, and if you feel the need, you can also put protection for his calves.
Correct use of the headset
The headphones come with foam pads to fit your child’s head. A properly fitted helmet must meet the following requirements:
- The helmet must fit and be comfortable without moving.
- The front edge of the helmet should be two fingers wide above the eyebrows.
- The front and back straps of the headset should form a V just below the ear.
- The front straps must be vertical and the back straps must be horizontal.
- The chin strap should be tight when the child opens the mouth (with the mouth closed, there should be a finger distance between the chin and the chin strap).
Skateboards should never be used on the street. Even experienced skaters can fall, so learning how to fall safely can help reduce the risk of serious injury.
- When you lose your balance, crouch on the skateboard so it falls short of you.
- Try to land on the fleshy parts of your body when you land.
- Try to roll when you fall. This will prevent your arms from absorbing the full force of the fall
