A quick guide to getting your kid sorted for skateboarding
Skateboarding is one of the most fun and freeing things a kid can do. But like any good adventure, it’s best done with the right gear, and that starts with a decent helmet and pads.
If your child is joining us for Holiday Skate Club or one of our lessons, don’t worry. We provide all the safety gear they need. But if they’re starting to skate outside of sessions, whether at the park, on the driveway or down the local ramps, you’ll want to make sure they’ve got the right kit to stay safe and feel confident.
This guide will help you pick the right gear, or check whether they’ve grown out of the old stuff.
What gear do they need?
At a minimum, they’ll need a certified skate helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Wrist guards are optional but recommended, especially for beginners.
We use Route One pads and helmets at The Skate Club because they’re built for skating and offer solid protection without being too bulky. If you’re buying new, you don’t have to break the bank. Tony Hawk-branded pads are a more affordable option and can be found in most sports shops or online.
For helmets, Route One has a good selection of kid-friendly options. Just make sure it’s designed for skating, not cycling. They’re tested differently and need to handle different types of impact.
How should a helmet fit?
A helmet should sit low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows. It should feel snug all over, without any pressure points. If it rocks side to side or front to back, it’s too big.
Check the fit using these three rules:
- The two finger test: Two fingers between the eyebrows and the bottom of the helmet.
- The strap test: The chin strap should be tight enough that only one finger can fit underneath.
- The shake test: Get them to shake their head gently. If the helmet moves, adjust the pads or straps until it doesn’t.
Most skate helmets come with extra padding that you can swap in to make it fit just right. If you’re unsure whether your child’s helmet still fits, feel free to bring it in and ask us. We’re happy to check and give honest advice, even if that means it’s time for a new one.
What about pads?
Knee and elbow pads should sit snugly without sliding down or cutting off circulation. The straps should be secure but comfortable, and your child should still be able to move freely. If you’re pulling out pads from last year and they’re looking a bit tired, or your child’s grown a bunch, it might be time to upgrade.
Again, we’re always happy to take a look and recommend something that’ll do the job without costing a fortune.
Need help?
You can always ask us for advice. Whether it’s for Holiday Skate Club or just general skating, we’ve helped hundreds of kids get geared up properly and comfortably. No hard sell. Just honest tips.
Ready to get rolling?
Holiday Skate Club runs throughout the school holidays at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) and Eastbrook Primary Academy. It’s a full day of skating, creativity and confidence-building fun. All abilities are welcome.
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