Rolling Together: 5 Tips for Your First Skate Session with Your Kids

Skateboarding is a fantastic way to get active and enjoy quality time outdoors with your children. To help you get started, we’ve put together five essential tips based on the NEMO BOARDS® skateboarding basics. Plus, every NEMO skateboard comes with a quick-start guide and helpful tips to support your journey.

1. Safety First
Before stepping on the board, make sure you and your child are wearing proper protective gear. A well-fitting helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards help prevent injuries and boost confidence while practicing. You can find suitable protective gear for kids in our shop.

2. Find the Right Stance
Every skater has a natural stance—either “Regular” (left foot forward) or “Goofy” (right foot forward). A fun way to figure this out is with the “push test”:
Have your child slide across a smooth floor. Whichever foot instinctively goes forward likely determines their stance.
This small step helps your child feel more comfortable and balanced on the board.

3. Practice the Basics
Start with these fundamental steps:

• Mounting: Place the front foot near the front bolts of the board, while the back foot remains on the ground.

• Pushing Off: Use the back foot to gently push off the ground and gain momentum.

• Riding: Place the back foot on the board and align it parallel to the front foot.
  These steps are explained in more detail on our Skateboarding Basics page.

4. Learn to Brake and Steer
Stopping and steering safely is key:

• Braking: Gently place the back foot flat on the ground and apply increasing pressure to come to a stop.

• Steering: Shift your weight towards your toes or heels to guide the board in the desired direction.
  These skills take a bit of practice, so start in a safe, low-pressure environment.

5. Choose the Right Practice Spot
Find a smooth, traffic-free area for the first few sessions. Empty parking lots, smooth sidewalks, or beginner-friendly skateparks are great options. Make sure the surface is clear of obstacles so your child can focus on balance and movement.

With these tips, you're ready to start your skateboarding journey together. And remember: every NEMO BOARDS® skateboard includes a printed quick-start guide with extra advice to make learning fun and easy.

Here’s to many happy skate sessions ahead!