Extreme Sports

Skateboards and the sport of skateboarding is enjoyed by many children the world over. From Germany to Hong Kong to the kids in your neighborhood, skateboarding is part of the Generation X culture and a physical activity that many kids, and adults also, enjoy.

However, like any other physical activity, skateboarding does have its own dangers. If we do not recognize these potential dangers, and make our children aware of them also, there is a big possibility that our kids can get hurt while they are out riding their skateboards.

In this article, we will discuss three steps that we, as parents, family members, and adult supervisors can take to make sure that our kids are protected to the best extent possible.

Get Your Kids To Wear Pads and Gear

Most kids think that helmets look a little funny, and do not want to wear them because they thing that they look dorky with them on. Also, if they do not want to wear helmets, they will most likely not want to wear elbow pads and knee pads either.

While I do believe that children should be given a say and a choice in many matters that involve them, the decision of wearing protective gear while skateboarding is not an option in my household.

When you see a seven year old attempting big tricks and bombing steep hills trying to do the things that the big boys do, if you are a parent, you will most likely be scared for their well-being. Well, it is a parents personal choice whether or not to enforce this rule, but I do believe in enforcing it fully. I would like to spare myself as well as my child the horror of stitches and broken bones as much as I can.  Read more...

Riding a skateboard always has some risk associated with it. However, you can do your part to be responsible and to have fun with it at the same time. Getting into the habit of riding a skateboard safely from the very start is very important. Even the pros have accidents from time to time. Being prepared for them can help to minimize the damages. Some parents are hesitant to allow their children to ride on skateboards due to the risk. If you explain that you will be as safe as possible they may be willing to go along with such a compromise.

Having a decent skateboard is very important. It may surprise you to learn that many you can buy at various retailers aren’t very safe. They are often very inexpensive but they aren’t designed well enough to really be used out there. Make sure you always inspect your skateboard too and keep it in good condition. If parts are loose then there is a greater risk of crashing.

Make sure you carefully inspect areas where you will be skating. Some of them aren’t well designed for such activities. Many communities feature skating parks that do have great ramps and bowls for you to enjoy. If you create your own materials you need to make sure they are very safe. Inspect them on a regular basis too so that they haven’t become more of a danger than in the past.

Since head injuries are the most common problem associated with skateboarding a helmet should always be worn. While many people don’t like to do so it should be mandatory. Many parents require it as do many skate parks. You will find many of the professionals are also wearing them in the hopes of encouraging others to do so as well.  Read more...