As the parent of a child who wants to learn to skateboard, there are two questions you will have as you help launch your young skater.

First of all, what equipment should my child use to start? The answer is a skateboard and safety gear. First the skateboard: under no circumstances buy a skateboard in a toy store or chain of great discounts. It may have cute graphics, but it will end up causing your child a lot of frustration. Think about it, you didn’t use a toy vacuum cleaner to clean your first apartment. The same goes for sports equipment. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but buy a real skateboard at a skateboard shop, either near you or online. Also, when you go shopping, buy what is called a complete skateboard, one with the deck, wheels, trucks, and grip tape. If you have to select each element, you will go crazy and more than likely make a mistake.

The next question is where to skate. You’ll need help for him or her, assuming you’re not a skater guy yourself. If you’re lucky enough to live near a public or private skate park, find out if it offers a clinic or lessons. Sometimes the classes are in a group, and other times you can hire a private session. The teachers are almost always teenagers and young adults. If classes aren’t offered, go to the park, talk to some skaters, and see if there’s someone who can come to your house and teach your child. Skaters are passionate about their sport and most older kids/teens who skate need some extra money.

There are plenty of DVDs out there offering tips, tricks and ways to learn, but the information is often presented too quickly and it’s hard to watch a DVD and practice pumping in the den or kitchen, although we know plenty of open-minded moms about where your children learn! But assuming you’d rather your kids don’t skateboard INSIDE the house, you can look for a solid e-book that explains a list of skateboard tricks.