At what age can children start skating? All you need to know about minimum age, materials and tips - Inercia Shop Blog (2024)

If you are wondering what is the right age for children to start skating, it is important to consider several factors. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the minimum recommended age, the necessary equipment, tips and more so you can help your children get started in the world of skating in a safe and fun way.

Minimum recommended age to start skating

Although there is no fixed age to start skating, skating experts recommend that children be at least 3 years old to start skating. From the age of 3, children have already developed basic motor skills that allow them to move with greater ease and balance.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the minimum recommended age may vary depending on several factors, such as the child’s motor development and personality. Each child is different and it is important to adapt the activity to their needs and abilities.

Equipment required for skating

Before starting to skate, it is important to make sure that the child has the proper equipment to protect him/her from possible falls and injuries. The materials needed for skating are listed below:

Skates for boys and girls

For boys and girls from 3 to 5 years of age, it is recommended to use hard-booted skates and fasteners to facilitate stability, balance and positioning. Also, keep the wheels small (less than 72mm) to reduce ground clearance. From 5 years of age onwards, it is possible to use skates with a semi-soft boot and larger wheels, although the use of hard-boot skates is always a good option.

Helmet and protections

It is essential that children wear helmets and protective gear to avoid injuries in case of falls. The protections include knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards. You must not only put the protections on them, but help them know how to put them on by themselves.

Adequate clothing

It is important that children wear comfortable clothing suitable for skating. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended to avoid scrapes and burns in case of falls.

Tips for teaching children to skate

For children to learn to skate properly, the ideal is to enroll them in skating lessons with qualified teachers. No matter how much you know how to skate, your children will always learn better with a skating teacher together with other children, since this way, the classes will be much more enjoyable for them.

However, if it is not possible for you to enroll them in a skating school, here are some tips to teach your children to skate in a safe and fun way:

Start with the basic posture

Before starting to move on skates, it is important that the child learns the basic posture on skates. This consists of bending the legs with the knees at the height of the tip of the skates and the head at the height of the knees. What you will find most difficult to understand is that the thrust is lateral, not backwards as when walking. Thus, it is best to stand behind him or her to avoid falling backwards. If we stand in front, we will not be able to avoid falling backwards.

Practice on safe surfaces

To avoid possible falls and injuries, it is recommended to practice on smooth surfaces without obstacles, such as parks or playgrounds. Also look for times when there are few people and when there are no bicycles or other means of transport.

Accompanies and supervises children

It is important to accompany and supervise children while they are skating to make sure they are safe and to avoid possible injuries. Depending on the child, he or she may want to go further and further, seeking situations that may not be appropriate for his or her level. You must be the one to monitor their progression and measure their skills.

Benefits of skating for children

In addition to being a fun activity, skating has many health and developmental benefits for children.
By skating, children can experience a sense of freedom and speed that they love, while improving their coordination, balance and strengthening their muscles.
In addition, by practicing this activity in a group,children have the opportunity to socialize and make new friends, which helps them improve their social skills and feel more self-confident. It also improves their self-esteem, since as they improve their skating skills, they feel more confident and self-assured.
Another important benefit of skating for children is that it helps them develop their attention span and concentration, since in order to skate safely it is necessary to be aware of their surroundings and focused on the movements they are making.
In summary, skating is a highly recommended activity for children, as it provides them with multiple physical and emotional benefits, as well as being a very fun and exciting activity that they love.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no fixed age for children to start skating, but it is recommended that they be at least 3 years old and that the activity be adapted to their abilities and needs. It is important to have the proper equipment and follow safety tips to avoid possible injuries. Skating is a fun and beneficial activity for children’s health and development.

You can also check our complete SHOPPING GUIDE FOR KIDS SKATES to find out which skates are ideal for kids to start skating.