Monday, September 29, 2008

How To Children To Skateboard Safely

Author: Jay Brandley
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.

Help Your Children to Be Modest About Their Abilities

Children often act and feel invincible. They sometimes think that they can do all sorts of stunts and tricks because they often do not have the fear of getting hurt or of falling. While this is not entirely bad, try to help you child see the need to be modest so as to not attempt a stunt that they cannot complete.

It is a bit of a hard thing to have a proper view of this and find the balance between modesty and cowardice for children, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If the ramp is too steep or the hill too dangerous, there should be no shame at all in backing down.

Be Involved In Your Childrens Activities

It is always a good thing to get together and do activities as a family. The streets and roads in front of your house may not be a safe place for your children to skateboard on. Perhaps you can plan a family outing at a skate park or at a safer place where you can supervise your children while they are riding their skateboards.

Children love to show their parents what they are able to do, and if you take an interest in them, they will be happy if you show them that you are proud of them.

So be conscious of the need for protective gear, help you children to be modest, and be involved in your childrens lives. These are just three small steps you can take to make sure that your child is safe.

About the Author:
To find out more about skateboards, you can visit Jay's site Skateboard Trends. Here you will find great brand name skateboards including the popular Birdhouse skateboards, a skateboard company that sponsors professional skater Tony Hawk.

Surfing a Begginers Guide To Buying A Surfboard

by: Curtis Ashford
Generally people begin surfing on long ultra buoyant boards that are easy to paddle and easy to balance on after the take off. If you don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars to try a sport your not sure you will like I would recommend you find a close surf shop and rent a board and wetsuit if you need it. If you have balance and can surf than the only difference between you and I is time in the water! I try to surf as much as I can to hone my skills, you must commit yourself if you are going to be a surfer. I have taught dozens of friends to surf and get immense joy in seeing surfers having such a good time during a session.

I recommend a long board if you’re learning the basics and are always going to beginner breaks. A shorter board will give you more speed and more maneuverability on the wave. Manipulating the barrel and hitting the lip are extremely important and the shape and design of each board has different results on different waves. A pin tail helps in the barrel so you can sit your back foot right on the foam ball…but that comes in years and years of surfing. I have a grave yard of short board because I buy boards used…usually. For $100-$250 you can find a decent short board to start learning to RIPP!

I don’t know much about long boards but I know they are very unique in their own way. I hope some one that has something to contribute about long boards would post a similar article.

If you are intimidated about going out to a surf spot just go to ANY surf shop and they will tell you of a beginner beach that you can go to a get used to swimming in the surf and taking a pounding or two by a clean up set. Don’t worry I was a kook not to long ago but 5 years ago I decided to put in TIME and really get to learn about the culture and sport. I love everything about it and it has changed my life around. I hope you can surf and have fun as often as you can because it means so much too so many people around the world. For some people I know good waves are the only thing that truly matters in life.

About The Author

Curtis Ashfort
http://www.SurfBarrel.com