Protective equipment helps you feel more confident and relaxed when you're riding or skating . . . you also look pretty cool too! Make sure your riding gear is durable and securely fitted. And don't worry about what other kids may say about your safety gear, what is important is you and your body.
Take a lesson: the best way to start any new sport is to take a lesson with an instructor. Many shops that carry rollerblades and scooters offer instructional clinics. Or you might ask a knowledgeable friend to teach you. Sometimes community or adult educational centers and local retailers will offer lessons, you may want to purchase a book or video to introduce you to the sport. The more you know, the safer you'll be and the more fun you'll have.
You may even want to try out your new sport before you buy your roller skates or ice skates at an indoor rink. This gives you the chance to try out the equipment in a safe place, and can be fun to do with your family or learn with a friend.
In-Line Skating/Rollerblading tips:
Always wear your protective gear - helmet, wrist protection, elbow pads, and kneepads.
Master the basics first - striding, stopping, and turning.
Keep your equipment in poroper working order. Store equipment in a safe place.
Always obey all traffic regulations. When on skates, you should consider yourself subject to the same rules of the road as a cyclist or a driver of an automobile.
Stake under control at all times, and with a buddy if you can.
Watch out for road hazards, and road repair workers.
Avoid water, oil, or sand.
Avoid traffic when you can.
Skate on the right side of the road, pass on the left side.
Announce your intentions by saying "passing on your left."
Always yield to pedestrians.
Avoid hills and declines when you are first starting out. You can build up speed on even a slight decline, so you should feel confident in your braking ability before you head for the hills.
Scooter Riding tips:
Always wear an approved helmet, knew and elbow pads.
Never ride at dusk or night.
Avoid wet or icy road conditions.
Begin at a speed and at angles that you're comfortable with.
Learn to stop with the rear fender brake, and by lowering one foot to the fround.
Don't take chances: water, speed bumps, gravel, etc. are dangerous and can also damage your scooter.
Tricks and stunts come with lots of practice. Don't try any daring moves until you're really ready to handle them.
Never ride in traffic.
Always yield to pedestrians (and be on the lookout for other obstructions, such as skaters or bikers).
When about to pass, always announce your intentions by saying, "passing on your left."
Before climbing aboard, check out all the bolts, steer tube extension, and handlebars to make sure they're securely fastened.
Keep you equipment well maintained and store in a safe place.
Now go outside and have fun on your equipment, be safe and discover the outdoors around you.
