My son's pressuring me to get into skateboarding

[TrogL]

We're talking $100 for a board + other stuff I don't understand (probably wheels and stuff), helmet, admission fees.

It's one of those big indoor parks with the big ramps. I don't like the look of some of the people hanging around the building.

I don't know anything about skater culture other than what I've seen on Fox, computer games and viral videos.

The wikipedia article mentions links to hip-hop culture which I do understand and don't like.

CraftyGal mentioned a relative who broke an arm so many times the doctors said they couldn't fix it if it happened again.

[Crabby Appleton]

1. make sure you have good medical & disability insurance nt

[Karenina]

12. Kneepads, elbowpads, wristguards

BUTTPAD AND HELMET!!! :rofl: GO FOR IT!

[Kali]

2. ...

:popcorn:

[mzteris]

3. how old is your son?

Does the park give lessons? Can he use a "loaner" while doing so? Before you lay out all the dough for a really good board and etc - I'd make sure it's something he actually LIKES doing and is capable of doing.

Boarding looks really really cool. But it's harder than it looks and some kids just aren't very good at it no matter how hard they try. It HURTS. A lot. Some kids don't really like that part too much.

It's the "in" thing with certain groups of kids - and for the most part - they're mostly good kids. Of course not all of them are - but you get "bad kids" even in Boy Scouts with clean cut looks, etc. There are "bad kids" in orchestra. :shrug: There are good kids with long hair and black lipstick and piercings.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

There is the injury factor. What rules does the park have about pads? Helmets are a must, of course - and pads help prevent injuries. But if no one else is wearing them, he's gonna not wanna look like a dork with them on. If he's younger you can "make him" (well, you could if he's older, too, but...)

But kids get injured on bikes. Diving. Climbing trees. Nintendo thumb. (lol) Ice skating. Slipping in the bathtub. Kids who are active are going to have more injuries than kids who don't. Make sure you have insurance. :)

Depending on the age - I definitely wouldn't do one of those "drop off" things. I sit and wait. Read. Maybe run a quick quick errand. I do try to be inobtrusive. I should say I DID do those things. Since we've moved last year, the older one (pushing 14) hasn't been to the skate park. He very occasionaly gets his board and ramps out in the driveway. The younger one (nearly 9) is now getting more into it, though.

My older son is quite accident prone (hypermobile joints) and very active. Gymnastics, kungfu, dance, bikes, unicycles, etc... He broke his elbow in three places - in gymnastics. He's broken/sprained wrists and ankles more than once and I don't think any of those occured while boarding - could have though. I lose track. And he does have some very interesting looking scars on his elbows and knees.

One of the reasons he's "giving up" boarding is because A) he hasn't much time in his schedule anyway; and B) as a burgeoning danseur he's afraid of getting "too injured" to dance. (It helps that he's terrified of his ballet teacher. :rofl: )

[ghostsofgiants]

4. Yeah, that about covers it.

[mzteris]

7. I do try to be thorough...

:rofl:

[Sanity Claws]

5. For him to get into skateboarding? Or you?

From the title, I thought he wanted you to join him. From the body of the message, it sounds like he was pressuring you to buy him stuff.
I think it's great that he wants to be physically active. As someone else pointed out, active kids and adults will have accidents but physical activity is so good for your health in other ways.
As for how the kids who do it look, are you being a little judgmental about today's fashions? Kids always looked and dressed weird in their parents' eyes. It's part of rebelling against the older generation while becoming part of another group.
I see the expense involved as being an issue. He should do something to earn it, such as household chores or helping out in other ways. It'll help him understand the value of money.

[Debi]

6. Aren't you a little old to be skateboarding?

I mean, unless you're Tony Hawk or something, I thought there was this code about as soon as you have facial hair you're too old to skate :shrug:









:hide:

[dembotoz]

8. if one of my sons wanted me to do that

I would check to see if he bought a life insurance policy for me and wanted some quick cash.

I would also check to see if "she who must be obeyed" had put him up to it--cause there is some insurance already in place...

[LynneSin]

9. Shop around for skateboard parks

I know there is one I pass on the way to work where the have adults that monitor the place to ensure that troublemakers aren't hanging out there. It's a pretty safe place for kids to go do skateboaring and BMX Biking. They're building another one up the road. The property is under highway overpasses, which let's face it - nobody really wants.

[Omphaloskepsis]

10. I have been skateboarding for 20 years.

The board is the cheap part.. Shoes are expensive and need to be replaced often. When I would skate for five hours every day I would spend about $80 every two months on shoes. The nice thing is that trucks and wheels last forever. You can buy a blank deck for $35 when needed. For a noob, maybe every six months.

It is a great sport. The best thing about it. You cheer when your friend does something cool. For example: I was out with friends learning switch 360 flips. We all wanted to be the first to land one. I wasn't the first to land one, but everyone in the group gave Andy a hug or high-five when he did. It was never competitive, we never felt like we lost.

Like I said earlier, I have been skating for 20 years. I have never broken a major bone or had to see the doctor from a skateboarding accident. I bid break my big toe once. Well twice.

The nice thing is that you can find a empty parking lot and skate for hours.. This kept me out of trouble, I spent all my free time skating. Unlike football were you need a group of people and it only lasts for a few hours.

[Yavin4]

11. Tell Him He Has To Wait For His Inheritance Like Everyone Else

This is why you should spend every dime before you go.

[styersc]

13. I don't know how old your son is but take advantage of any time

he wants to spend with you. When he hits the mid-teens, the party is over.