
A parent should reach for this book when their child expresses a budding interest in skateboarding, providing a safe, structured, and exciting entry point into the sport. This comprehensive guide from DK covers everything an aspiring skater needs to know, from choosing and caring for their first board to mastering basic moves and attempting advanced tricks. It addresses themes of resilience and perseverance, as learning to skate involves falling and getting back up. It also builds self-confidence as children master new skills. For ages 8 to 14, this visually rich book uses step-by-step photos to make complex moves understandable, offering a safer alternative to learning from unvetted online videos.
The primary sensitive topic is the risk of physical injury inherent in skateboarding. The book addresses this directly and responsibly by dedicating sections to safety equipment, the importance of wearing it, and how to fall correctly to minimize harm. The approach is practical and safety-conscious, framing protective gear as essential for any serious skater.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe ideal reader is an 8 to 13-year-old who has just received their first skateboard or is actively campaigning for one. This child is likely a kinesthetic learner who enjoys physical challenges and is inspired by action sports. They may watch skate videos online or have friends who are into skating and want a reliable guide to understand the culture and learn the skills for themselves.
Parents should preview the initial chapters on 'Choosing a Board' and 'Safety First.' This will equip them to have an informed conversation with their child about buying the right equipment and establishing non-negotiable rules about wearing a helmet and pads. The book can otherwise be read cold by a child, as it is very self-explanatory. A parent is triggered to find this book after hearing "I want to learn how to skateboard!" or seeing their child attempting to balance on a friend's board. The parent may be concerned about safety and wants to provide their child with a resource that emphasizes proper technique and protective gear from the very beginning.
A younger reader (8-10) will primarily use the book to learn the absolute basics: how to stand, push, and turn. They will be heavily drawn to the dynamic photos of professional skaters. An older reader (11-14) will use it more as a technical manual, methodically working through the trick guides and taking an interest in the sections on board customization, skate park etiquette, and the history of the sport.
The key differentiator is the classic DK Publishing format. The combination of crisp, sequential, full-color photography with clear, concise text is unparalleled in children's nonfiction. While other books or videos may explain tricks, this book's visual, step-by-step layout makes complex physical movements exceptionally easy to understand and replicate, providing a structured and safe learning path.
This is a nonfiction instructional guide to the sport of skateboarding. It is structured progressively, beginning with an introduction to the history of the sport, skate culture, and detailed advice on choosing the right equipment (boards, trucks, wheels, safety gear). The book then moves into foundational skills, such as finding your stance, pushing off, turning (including the 'Tick Tack'), and stopping safely. The second half of the book is dedicated to teaching a wide variety of tricks, categorized into flatground, ramp, and rail tricks. Each technique is broken down with step-by-step instructions and high-quality, sequential photographs of skaters performing the move.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.