Skating Safety Tips for Kids: Gear, Fit and House Rules

Skating is great exercise, and falls are part of learning it. The goal is not to stop every fall. Instead, it is to make sure a fall ends with a quick bounce back up, not a trip to the clinic.

Three things make the biggest difference: the right gear, worn properly, in the right place. Here is how to get each one right.

The four pieces of protective gear

Gear	Protects	Why it matters	Fit check
Helmet	Head	Head injuries are the most serious kind	Level, two fingers above the eyebrows
Wrist guards	Wrists	Children put their hands out when they fall	Firm splint on the palm side
Knee pads	Knees	Most forward falls land on the knees	Hard cap centred on the kneecap
Elbow pads	Elbows	Sideways and backward falls hit the elbows	Hard cap centred on the elbow

Our helmet and pads option includes all four for KSh 400 more. The page on skates with protective gear shows exactly what comes with each pair.

How to fit a helmet

A helmet that slides around does not protect well. Check these four points every time:

Eyes. The front edge sits about two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
Ears. The side straps form a V just under each ear.
Mouth. With the chin strap closed, your child should feel the helmet pull down when they open their mouth wide.
Shake. The helmet moves with the head, not on its own.

Replace a helmet after any hard knock, even if it looks fine. The foam inside absorbs one impact and may not protect as well the second time.

How to fit pads and wrist guards

Knee and elbow pads go on with the hard cap over the joint. Tighten the straps so the pads do not slip when your child bends.
Wrist guards slide on like a glove. The firm splint sits on the palm side, where the hand meets the ground in a fall.
Check after a few minutes. Straps loosen as children move. A quick re-tighten keeps everything in place.

Where and when to skate

Where your child skates matters as much as what they wear.

No roads. Never skate where cars, motorbikes or boda bodas move.
Smooth and flat. Paved compounds, tiled verandas and smooth concrete courts are ideal. Avoid murram, gravel and steep driveways.
Dry ground only. Wet surfaces are slippery, and water damages the bearings.
Daylight. Skate in daylight or in a well-lit, enclosed space. Light-up wheels are fun but do not make a child visible to drivers.
Clear space. Sweep away stones, sticks and sand before a session.

Our guide to the best surfaces for skating in Kenya goes into more detail.

Simple house rules

Children follow rules more easily when they are short and always the same. Try these:

Helmet on first, skates on last.
All four pieces of gear, every time.
Skate only where a grown-up says it is safe.
No skating on roads or slopes.
No holding onto bikes, cars or other skaters.
Take the skates off before going up or down stairs.

Check the skates before each session

A 30-second check catches most problems:

Buckles and straps close firmly.
Wheels spin freely and are not wobbling.
No cracks in the boot or frame.
The size is still right, with toes not pressing the front.

If the toes press the front, it is time to extend the skates. Our guide on how to adjust adjustable skates shows how.

Frequently asked questions

What safety gear does a child need for skating?

A child needs four pieces of safety gear for skating: a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads. The helmet is the most important.

Are wrist guards necessary for kids?

Wrist guards are necessary for kids, because children put their hands out to catch themselves. Wrist injuries are among the most common skating injuries.

How should a kids skating helmet fit?

A kids skating helmet should sit level, about two finger-widths above the eyebrows, with the chin strap snug enough that only one finger fits underneath.

Can my child use a bicycle helmet for skating?

Your child can use a bicycle helmet for skating if it fits well and sits level. Many kids helmets, including ours, are made for skating, cycling and scooters.

Is it safe for kids to skate on the road?

It is not safe for kids to skate on the road. Skate only in places with no cars, motorbikes or boda bodas, such as a closed compound.

At what age can a child skate without supervision?

There is no fixed age at which a child can skate without supervision. It depends on their skill and the place. Young children and beginners should always have an adult close by.

Can kids skate in the rain?

Kids should not skate in the rain. Wet surfaces are slippery and water can rust the bearings. Wait until the ground is dry.

How often should I replace protective gear?

You should replace protective gear when it no longer fits, when straps or buckles wear out, or, for a helmet, after any hard knock.

Need gear? Choose the helmet and pads option when you order skates, or buy our kids skating helmet on its own for KSh 1,750.