Skatepark – a training ground, not a playground!
When your child starts riding a BMX bike, skateboard, rollerblades, or scooter , it's a natural step to find a safe space for them. A skatepark seems like the perfect place , after all, because it was created with freestyle sports in mind. But is it really a safe environment for beginners?
Dagmara Falasa, mother of 6-year-old Hubert, a rider of our Rebel Crew Team, shares her experiences:
"A skatepark is not a playground. It's a place where advanced riders perform complex stunts, often unaware of what's happening around them. Many parents treat the skatepark like a neighborhood playground – they sit on a bench and ignore their child. Unfortunately, this approach often results in dangerous situations."
So how can you prepare your child for their first visit to the skatepark and ensure their safety ? Here's a practical guide based on the experiences of coaches, skaters, and parents .
The most common mistakes made by beginners
According to Tomasz Hanuszewicz , an experienced BMX trainer, the biggest problem among children is the lack of awareness of their surroundings .
"Often young riders enter the skatepark without looking around. They think it's just their space. Even though I always repeat the safety rules, many only really start paying attention when they have their first collision. Fortunately, I've never had any serious injuries, but it goes to show that practice works best."
The most common mistakes in the skatepark:
🛑 Driving into obstacles without checking if anyone is coming.
🛑 Stopping in the middle of obstacles, which blocks others from driving.
🛑 Lack of control over equipment – especially in the case of scooters.
🛑 Treating the skatepark like a playground – running, sitting on obstacles, disregarding the rules.
Dagmara Falasa describes a situation that could have ended in a serious accident:
"During one session, I saw a boy on a BMX start his line from the other end of the skatepark. I stopped Hubcio because I knew he was about to do a trick next to us. Suddenly, a toddler on a scooter came out from behind us, right in front of the BMX wheels. I yelled 'Stop!', but the child didn't hear me. Luckily, the rider reacted quickly and avoided a collision by millimeters. The toddler fell, but he was unharmed. When I asked if his parent was with him, he pointed to his mother – she was sitting a few meters away, staring at her phone. She didn't even know anything had happened!"
Golden rules for safe skating in a skatepark
✅ 1. Look before you move!
- Before driving over an obstacle, make sure no one is approaching from the other direction.
- Always look where other riders are starting – they often start their lines from the other end of the skatepark.
✅ 2. Don't block obstacles!
- If you fall, quickly get up and step to the side – do not stand in the middle of the ramp.
- Don't sit on obstacles - they are for riding, not resting.
✅ 3. Respect other users!
- The skatepark is a common space for everyone – BMX, skateboards, scooters.
- Don't drive under anyone's wheels, don't overtake in queues at obstacles.
Tomasz Hanuszewicz compares riding in a skatepark to crossing the street:
"Just as we learn to cross the street, we also have to make sure we can enter the skatepark safely. People don't have brakes and their reaction to stopping is very limited."
Protective equipment – an absolute must!
It's not enough to know the rules - you also need to properly prepare your equipment and protect yourself against injuries .
🎯 A helmet is essential!
- Regardless of your skill level, do not enter the skatepark without a helmet.
🎯 Knee and elbow pads
- They minimize the effects of falls – especially at the beginning of learning.
🎯 Brakes on a beginner's bike
- A child should have control of the bike before deciding to ride without brakes.
🎯 Basic First Aid Kit
- Dressings, gauze pads, plasters – minor injuries happen often.
Dagmara Falasa explains why she always carries a first aid kit with her:
"At first, I only had gauze pads and plasters. Now I have full equipment because I know that falls are inevitable. Not just for my son – we mostly help other kids whose parents never even considered that they could fall in the skatepark."
How should a parent prepare their child for their first visit to the skatepark?
🟢 1. Teach your child basic rules – let them know that a skatepark is a place to skate together, not a playground.
🟢 2. Equip them with a helmet and pads – this is an absolute must.
🟢 3. Be present at the skatepark – observe what your child is doing, teach them the rules and react if necessary.
🟢 4. Consider signing up for classes with a trainer – it's the best way to make quick progress and get off to a safe start.
Tomasz Hanuszewicz sums it up simply:
"Parents need to understand that BMX is an extreme sport. A child will fall more than once and get bruised knees more than once. This is normal – it's important that they are prepared for this."
Summary – how to avoid accidents in the skatepark?
🔹 Watch others – don’t enter without checking your surroundings.
🔹 Don't block obstacles – will you fall? Stand up and step to the side.
🔹 Wear a helmet and pads – safety is key.
🔹 Parent = support, not an observer – be present, teach your child the rules.
A skatepark can be a fantastic place to learn and grow – as long as everyone follows the rules and respects other users . 🚲🔥
