Here is a quick guide for every new beginner scooter rider.
Get Some Coaching
The sport has a problem! Kids going into skateparks with absolutely zero etiquette or safety awareness. This can endanger lives and cause serious injuries. It is also terrible for the image of the sport!
It should be compulsory for all new riders to have a lesson or get some coaching before riding a skatepark. It is highly recommended by the International Scooter Federation and skateparks across the world, as these lessons will help improve rider safety worldwide.
Scooter Check
Always inspect your stunt scooter before you ride. Make certain it is in good working order and up to the job!.
Scooter check:
> If your doing tricks ride a proper well built stunt scooter
> No loose, broken or cracked parts. Everything is fastened and secure
> No sharp edges and you have bar ends
> Good grip tape and not a slippery top surface
> Good wheels free of any damage
Protective Equipment
Essential protective equipment should be worn when riding a scooter:
> Get a proper certified helmet
> Wear appropriate shoes such as trainers with soles that don’t slip
> Consider wrist guards, knee pads, a mouth guard and elbow pads
Learn To Fall
It might sound stupid but learn how to fall properly and know when to bail. Every rider falls and bail from tricks, even the very best pro’s in the world do. However, if done properly, falling doesn’t have to result in an injury.
> If you feel like your about to fall, bend your knees and get lower
> Try to land on the fleshy parts of your body
> Try to roll rather the taking the impact with your arms or face
> Relax your body rather than going stiff
> Practice falling on a soft surface or grass
> Build up to those big tricks and gain some experience
Wellbeing
Understand your body
> Don’t ride or push your riding limits if you’re tired
> Don’t be over-confident and attempt tricks that are beyond your ability
> Don’t ride if your feeling unwell or dizzy
> Don’t ride if you have an injury and haven’t fully recovered tricks that are beyond your ability
> Don’t ride if your feeling unwell or dizzy
> Don’t ride if you have an injury and haven’t fully recovered
Skateparks
When you arrive at a skatepark take a few minutes to settle in and check out the park layout.
> Know the Skatepark Etiquette
> Review how busy the park is
> Check the lines and flow of the park
> Take it easy while you warm up. Don’t just go straight into a banger world first
> If you notice a damaged ramp then tell a staff member
> If you feel in danger then do not ride
Understand Etiquette
This is rule NO1. Every rider, before entering any skatepark should understand skatepark etiquette, which goes for the parents too! It is so important that we’ve made a full article on the matter.
Everyone wants to enjoy their time at a skatepark and understanding a few simple rules makes everyone’s experience better and much much safer! A skatepark is not a playground.
