A Beginner's Guide for Skating Mums - [2022 Edition]
To all the mums out there - Happy Mother's Day, we're dedicating this day to celebrating you because, quite literally,we wouldn't be here without you!
When people think of skaters, they often imagine the stereotype of teenage boys in loose clothing, but there’s a fresh wave of skaters emerging. So this Mother’s Day, we're highlighting mums who skate. Not only are they out there enjoying themselves and living their best lives, but they’re also inspiring those around them!
Over the past few years, we've observed a surge in female skaters- undoubtedly influenced in part by the Olympics and lockdown.We had conversations with some Skate Mumsabout why they decided to start skating. The general agreement was that it's not only an excellent low-impact exercise and a break from their daily routine, but it's also a fantastic group activity for everyone family. One mum told us “My two sons were into scooting, so I was spending a lot of time getting cold and bored at skate parks. I decided I wanted to join the fun.”
We decided to compile aBeginner's Guide for Skating Mumswho might be considering taking up skating. All the advice shared was gathered from other mums and skaters we contacted for this piece! We also have a little homage to our Skater Moms here:
Research Your Skating Options
If you’re feeling nervousabout starting, it's always wise to see if there are any online girl groups near you. With growing popularity and success, we knowthere are numerous groupsappearing everywhere at the moment. A few of our favorites are @londonskatemums @gnarlymums and @shredyourfears- and all three of these skate communities are managed by mothers. If you're not finding anything nearby, then @girlskateuk is an excellent resource with plenty of information forgirls looking to connect with others.
Explore Your Local Skatepark
Many local skateparks nowhost nights for girls or gender minorities; these are specifically designed forinclusivity. We understand that as a woman attending a skatepark full of men can be daunting - even though many guys are really nice these days and people often say, “you have to start somewhere.” When skating with other girls, the entire atmosphere changes. We talked toLeicestershire Skate Mum Heidiabout her local group who mentioned, "I feel like I've finally discovered my community. Without my girl gang cheering me on, I wouldn't be nearly as committed. We celebrate all victories, whether big or small, and laugh at all the numerous, numerous falls.!”
Purchasing Your First Skateboard
Avoid wasting your money on a cheap skateboard from a toy store or a non-specialist retailer. We always recommend going to a skate shop as they can provide you with tailored advicefor your initial setup, or you can custom-build your own personalized skateboard configuration. A higher quality setup will be safer, more dependable, and easier to manage. Low-quality components on cheaper products can cause issues right from the start and may significantly hinder your progress and practice.Having experienced skatershelp with your selection, like those at SkateHut will be far more beneficialwith their specific product knowledge and suggestions.Our outstanding online customer service team is available to provide assistance 7 days a weekand more than willing to guide you through everything you need to set up and have it delivered directly to your home!
Skateboard Lessons
If you're feeling apprehensive about skating for the first time, westrongly recommend lessons or coaching.Don't be embarrassed about falling; most instructors are incredibly patient and will support you through the challenging parts (literally!). Coaches can help overcome mental barriers and anxieties we all face when starting to skate.You can find instructors at your local skateparkor through recommendations -many of the mothers we spoke with specifically suggested The Skate Retreat in Sheffield(with the wonderful professional skate instructor Danni).
Skateboard Protection - The More, The Better
Pads, helmet and more pads! We always recommend maximum paddingif you're worried about injuring yourself - there is absolutelyno shame in wearing pads.All forms of skating can involve a certain level of risk, and falling is an essential part of learning and advancing. Unlike our once youthful and resilient bodies, recognizing the importance of protection protection is crucial when taking up the sport later on - that broken wrist might not heal as swiftly as it did in our teenage years!
Overcoming Fear
Don't fear being afraid.A significant aspect of skateboarding for everyone is overcoming fear. As an adult, it's beneficial to do something that physically scares you from time to time. We found the skateboarding community, both online and in person,are very supportiveso if you're ever really concerned,encouragementis usually just a skater away! If you don't skate with other girls around, you'll also find that even the most intense-looking guys have been the kindest and most helpful in offering advice. Although it is still considered a masculine sport by many,skating is undeniably becoming more diverse,- nowadays, anyone can pick up a board and start. Regardless of age, gender, or identity, the skate community is ready to welcome new members with open arms.
Time Management
Being a mum is one of the world's most demanding roles. It requires a lot of time, but there are many ways to fit skating into your day. If you start to really enjoy skating, you shouldn't feel guilty about prioritizing yourself, just like people do when they go to the gym, even if it's just for 15 minutes in your garden or local park.It's also a productive use of time, if the whole family skates, it’s another way to bond with your kids (if they are skaters). If you still can't regularly fit skating in, some mums have suggested doing HIIT workouts that enhance their skateboarding core stability and balance exercises - for example, various squats, jumps, and lunges.
Mental Health & Skateboarding
Stresscan be influenced by a variety of factors and develop in numerous ways. It is often the precursor to anxiety and depression.Being a mum is very stressful.You have so much to do and think about. We spoke to many mums about why theylove skatingand almost all of them mentioned the sense of escapism and freedom they experience. "when I'm skating, I can forget about everything else going on; the bills, the kids, the housework, etc. It's an escape from my adult life, it has given me so much confidence and a new identity since becoming a mum" and another mum said, "I love how free being on your board makes you feel, and overcoming the challenges of skating increases your self-confidence and self-worth."Skating has such a positive impact on mental healthif it boosts confidence, helps with anxiety, and gives you a proper rush of natural dopamine, skating will definitely nurture your heart and soul.
Most of the mothers we spoke to were not concerned about being the best; it was more about challenging themselves to do something they never thought they could do, stepping out of their comfort zone, and inspiring others and their children, showing them that they can achieve anything if they are determined. And most importantly, because it's fun…