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Teach my child to rollerblade
Having wheels instead of feet is nice, as long as you have mastered… When, how and where can your child ride safely? Before putting on his inline skates, make sure he is well dressed …
At what age ?
From the age of 3 or 4, your child can put on rollerblades. Although, it all depends on his sense of balance! “Starting as early as possible makes learning easier,” specifies Xavier Santos, technical advisor within the French Federation of Roller Skating (FFRS). The proof, in Argentina, a boy put on rollerblades a few days after these first steps. As a result, now 6 years old, he is nicknamed “the crack” and has a remarkable skating technique! »You do not have to do the same with your child, but be aware that skating clubs welcome young athletes from 2 or 3 years old.
A good start …
Slow down, brake, stop, turn, accelerate, dodge, manage their trajectories, let them pass… The child must be able to master all these fundamentals before going out in the more or less crowded streets. And this, even on the descents!
To begin with, it is preferable to teach him in closed places, such as a square, a car park (without cars), or even a place specially designed for rollerblading (skatepark).
The bad reflex, very common among beginners, is to lean back. They think they are maintaining their balance, but quite the opposite! “It is essential to seek flexibility in the legs,” explains the RSMC specialist. The child must therefore bend forward.
When it comes to braking, it is better to master two techniques: by pivoting on yourself or by using the brake.
If everyone can learn on their own, starting in a skating club, with a real instructor is of course recommended …
Rollerblading: safety rules
9 out of 10 accidents are due to a fall, according to figures from the Road Safety Authority. In nearly 70% of cases, it is the upper limbs that are affected, especially the wrists. However, falls are responsible for 90% of injuries. The remaining 10% are due to collisions… Helmets, elbow pads, knee pads and especially wrist guards are therefore ESSENTIAL.
Quads ou « in-line » ?
The quads or traditional roller skates from your childhood (two wheels at the front and two at the rear) “provide a larger support zone and therefore better lateral stability” explains Xavier Santos, technical advisor within the French roller skating federation. They are therefore preferable for beginners. The “in-line” (4 lines aligned), they offer more front-to-rear stability, but less balance on the sides. “Then prefer” in-line “to wide wheels” advises the specialist.
Where can I go rollerblading with my child?
Contrary to a priori, rollerblades should not use cycle paths (reserved for cyclists only), explains Emmanuel Renard, director of the education and training department at Road Prevention. Assimilated as a pedestrian, the child must walk on the sidewalks. The reason: case law considers inline skates as a toy and not as a means of circulation. »Elderly people, children, the disabled… Beware of difficult cohabitation!
It is up to the child on roller skates to be on guard. Driving at about a speed of 15 km / h, it must therefore be able to brake, dodge and stop to avoid collisions …
Another tip: be careful not to drive too close to garage exits and parked cars.