Summer is just about here now, and many parents are undoubtedly looking for new, fun activities to do with their kids. We all know swimming pools and water guns are a must on those steamy summer afternoons, but why not work up a bit of a sweat before having a dip. And if you are going to do a bit of exercise, why not make it fun? If you haven’t considered roller skates before, maybe you should. Keep reading, and I’ll explain some more.

Dating back to the 1760’s, roller skates are something that many children in the modern world adore, whether riding alone or with a group of friends! But a far cry from its 18th-century origins, these days there are tons of models to choose from. For a sneak-peek into what we mean, check out this great range of roller skates from Xino Sports.

So, once you’re all laced up and “rolling”, the benefits of roller skating are indisputable – they help develop balance, motor skills, plus it is an excellent form of exercise. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Not to mention that after a good and tiring ride, the kids will sleep like babies.

But how do you make the right choice on which roller skates are right for your kids?

Choose your type

As with everything, you need to know what types are available so that you can choose the one that best suits your child. There are two types of roller skates. The first is called quad skates and is actually the original four-wheeled model with two front and two rear wheels – these are most commonly used indoors. The second is inline skates and have 4-5 wheels in one row. 

If your child is a beginner and still at a young age, quad skates would be more suitable for the simple reason that they are more stable and it is difficult to reach higher speeds. Inline skates are more suitable for teenagers because teenagers have more strength in their joints and legs and could more easily stand up straight.

The benefits of both types are almost the same – apart from the fact that rollerblading is a great physical activity, rollerblading is also a way to socialize and work on their mental and cognitive health.

Choose the right size

In fact, this is not something you should worry about too much, because the design of roller skates is quite advanced nowadays. Thus, some models are adaptable, and you can adjust them to the growth of your child’s foot. This is done with a simple mechanism that allows the boot to pull forward. This is very convenient because children outgrow things quickly, so if you buy size-adjustable skates, they will serve you for at least 2-3 seasons.

Since sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, the best and safest way to check the size that suits your child best is to look for the size guide on the manufacturer’s website. The general rule is to choose one size larger than normal.

Don’t forget about protection

There is nothing more important than injury prevention, so invest in good protective equipment for your child. The head, knees, elbows, and wrists must always be protected – whole sets are available that you can buy but make sure they are certified. 

It is advisable for the child to always wear a helmet as it is the best protection when falling backwards. For extra safety, it is good to follow a few simple rules that will save you from unwanted injuries:

• Do not allow your child to skate in the dark, as cracks and bumps are hard to see.
• Teach him to avoid water surfaces as liquid can cause the wheels to rust and prevent them from working properly.
• Put the child in clothes that allow him to move easily.
• Teach the child to skate on the right side because the left is always used to overtake.
• Do not let the child ride on open roads.

Maintenance practices

Maintenance is fairly easy. The most important thing is that the brake is always in excellent condition because it can be a major reason an injury occurs. Occasionally, manually rotate the wheels and make sure they are free of defects and that they rotate smoothly. If the rollers are wet, never leave them in the sun as they can be easily deformed, but let them dry naturally.

Do not hesitate at all – roller skating is great fun for you and your child. Whichever model you choose, enjoyment is guaranteed as long as you follow the basic safety rules.