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Community Corner

Skateboarding Fun Begins With Proper Equipment

Make sure your child--or you--take the smart route when refining your skateboarding skills.

Before the wheels are greased, the deck is customized and your son or daughter steps on their skateboard, now is the time to look at whether they are doing all they can to maximize their skateboarding fun. And in skateboarding, that kind of fun must include safety.

Equipping your child with the necessary pads can not only let you relax while they sidewalk surf down the block, but it can also help them increase their skateboarding prowess.

“If you’re padded up, you’ll feel more confident to try different moves,” said (B3) employee and skateboard enthusiast Tyler Murch. “If you know your limits, and you have the necessary protection, you can push yourself a little bit more to progress in the sport.”

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But, Murch warned, don’t try any new moves without first donning safety gear. He learned firsthand last fall that wrist pads would have been a good investment.

“I have personal experience with how important it is,” Murch said. “I messed up and fell; I wasn’t wearing wrist pads. I caught myself on my hands and now I still can’t put as much pressure on them (because of the fall).”

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First and foremost, Murch recommends a good skateboarding helmet. This piece of equipment is not optional, but a necessity. One bad fall can result in permanent damage to the head and brain.

Second, he recommends wrist pads, elbow pads and knee pads. Though your child may look “over protected,” there really is no such thing when stepping on a board with wheels that coast on hard cement.

“If your child resists wearing the gear, it’s best to bring up examples of what can happen if they don’t wear it – like my story,” Murch said. “Some kids don’t want to wear a helmet because they don’t think they look cool. But no one will make fun of you, and you’ll be able to do more moves on your skateboard because you know you’re protected.”

Also, Murch added, remind your child that just because they are wearing protective gear does not mean they are immune from injury. But, as he said, they will be able to learn more things, knowing they are protected.

“Skateboarding is bigger now than it’s ever been,” Murch said. “You see people of all ages doing it – boys, girls, even older men and women. It’s growing into a mainstream sport now.”

And no doubt why – coasting on the sidewalk or on a half-pipe is a real thrill. And wearing the right equipment will keep that fun level up – for kids and parents alike.

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