7 Skateboarding Safety Tips

Last Updated: Oct. 4, 2018

Skateboards and schools don't always mix, yet it's also unrealistic to think your child has to completely give up the things they have enjoyed over the summer.

 Before you let them loose on ramps and rails, consider these skateboard guidelines:

1.) Extreme moves should be reserved for extreme skateboarders who know their own limitations.

2.) Poor balance could make very young riders susceptible to falls. For stability on the street, start your child with a tripod with two wheels in the front or a razor scooter with handle bars.

3.) Heading halfway down the block still means full protection. Your child should always wear appropriate protective gear even for short distances, including wrist and chin guards, and a helmet that covers the back of the head.

4.) Riding in the road means skateboard privileges will be revoked. Skateboards are never a match for large moving vehicles that can slow down quickly and the jarring of uneven street surfaces.

5.)Yesterday's sidewalk does not always mean smooth skateboarding today. New construction or roadside repairs could mean unknown obstructions, especially as skateboarders roll through blind spots like corners and hills at high speeds.

6.) If it's dry, you can fly. Otherwise, teach your child to limit their skateboarding speeds and sophisticated tricks when surfaces are wet and slippery due to rain or run-off.

7.) Outdoor activities with friends should certainly be encouraged, as long as you approach skateboarding like any athletic or extracurricular activity. If the homework is complete and checked off, and it's safe to skate outside, then proceed.