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Kid’s Skateboarding Safety Gear Guide: Ensure Your Little One Skates Safely

If you have a kid who wants to learn to skate but you’re not sure what type of safety gear they’ll need, this safety gear guide will provide you with a short outline of where to start with the purchase to ensure you’ve got the correct skating protective gear.

1.Helmet

picture of a little girl with pink helmet and wrist guards
source: Gustavo Fring on pexels

You should look for a helmet that covers the sides and rear of the child’s head (unlike some bike helmets). A properly fitting skate helmet should lay at the forehead line of your child.

Look for a high-quality skate helmet that meets ASTM standards to protect against repeated low-force impacts and make sure it’s also CPSC certified (single high impact). When choosing a skate helmet, start with the shell and then alter the sizing slightly with the thickness of the inside liners.

The sturdy childrens skate helmets of quality are designed to protect the user’s head from injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to cuts, concussions, shattered skull bones, and internal bleeding. Everyone will fall and strike the pavement or have risky obstructions when skateboarding at some point, it’s all part of the game, which makes helmet use imperative.

Getting the proper fit is crucial for utmost safety and comfort, so if you’re not shopping in the store where your child can try on the models, it’s important to measure up your child’s head with a cloth measuring tape and look for the helmet’s size in the info provided by the online store of your choice. This would ensure the childrens skate helmets you buy are neither too big nor too small.

Also, it’s your job as a parent to teach your child to be cautious when wearing a helmet. Even though this piece of equipment can withstand several strikes, it is not recommended for it to be thrown around. Minor fractions can affect the integrity of a helmet, so store and handle them carefully after every use. Last but not least, inspect them every time your child is about to wear one to have the peace of mind it’s in perfect condition for all the upcoming wear and tear.

2.Elbow, Knee Pads, & Wrist Guards

picture of two kids skateboarding in a park wearing helmets, knee and elbow protective gear
source: Daniel Torobekov on pexels

Children are taught to fall onto and use their elbow and knee protectors when beginning to skate instead of using their hands to break their fall out of safety reasons. Look for child-sized pads with a contoured form-fitting shape that allows for mobility and high-impact foam.

You must also measure your child’s arms and legs to determine the proper size for the skateboard pads. Measure around the arms and legs, specifically about 10 cm above and below your child’s elbows and knees with a tailor’s tape or string.

For wrist guards, take a measurement around their hand at the knuckles. Be careful not to include your thumb in the measurement. Keep in mind that the straps and padding will gradually relax as they’re being used. If you are undecided about the size, it is advisable to get the smaller choice so they fit better after breaking in.

3.Flat Sole Shoes

picture of a girl sitting on a skateboard
source: Allan Mas on pexels

Flat sole shoes, such as the traditional Vans, give your youngster a stronger grip on their skateboard since they allow more of their entire foot to remain in contact with the board during their skateboarding experience. This is unlike rounded sole gym shoes which only really allow for the ball of the foot and part of the heel.

However, skateboarding has its downfalls too. There is a strain that is imposed on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back as a result of the postural imbalance. The increased stress on the lower body might increase the possibility of injuries such as sprains, rips, or fractures, particularly when doing tricks.

There is an uneven distribution of pressure to the feet when there is poor foot posture. When a skater has a flatfoot stance, more pressure is applied to the forefoot. This can impair the ability of the feet to absorb impact, potentially leading to foot and ankle problems.

Foot insoles placed inside the flat shoes help achieve postural alignment, which can alleviate the extra stress on the lower body by supporting the feet in their corrected posture. This reduces the chance of injuries to the foot and ankle, knees, and hips, and allows skaters to retain form while attempting jumps and tricks.

4.Properly Sized Skateboard

picture of a boy skateboarding on a ramp on the beach
source: Samuel Horn af Rantzien on Unsplash

The usual adult skateboard size is not appropriate for youngsters, but there are various smaller models available for teens and children just like there are children’s skate helmets. It is critical that your child’s skateboard is properly sized so that they can learn good skating techniques, which leads to faster progression and safer skateboarding.

Typically, you purchase the skate deck first, followed by the wheels, trucks, bearings, and skate tools. However, some boards are available as “completes,” which come fully outfitted. This latter option is the better and more affordable option for beginners.

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