What are some exciting extreme sports options for kids. How can children benefit from alternative athletic pursuits. Which unconventional sports are suitable for young thrill-seekers. Where can families find extreme sports programs for youth in Charlotte.
Aerial Silks: Soaring to New Heights
Aerial silks offer a unique and captivating athletic experience for children looking to push their boundaries. This mesmerizing art form involves performing acrobatics while suspended from fabric hung from the ceiling. It’s an ideal choice for kids who love climbing and spending time on jungle gyms.
Amy Tynan, owner of AerialCLT in Charlotte, explains: “If your child is one that gets nervous when in a team environment, then aerial arts would be a great alternative for him or her.” The sport provides similar physical and mental benefits to dance and gymnastics, making it an excellent option for children aged 8 to 14.
Getting Started with Aerial Silks
Interested families can explore aerial silks through various avenues:
- Register for a semester of classes at AerialCLT
- Book a 30-minute private lesson to assess fit
- Take advantage of drop-in visits during the first two weeks of each semester
Safety is a top priority in professional aerial arts programs. Tynan assures parents: “We are very slow in our teaching progressions and all of our students have to prove competency at a skill before advancing to the next skill.” Beginners start close to the ground, gradually progressing to greater heights as they gain experience and confidence.
Indoor Rock Climbing: Scaling New Challenges
Indoor rock climbing has surged in popularity, offering children a thrilling way to develop physical strength, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. This sport simulates outdoor rock climbing experiences in a controlled, safe environment.
Grant Lindholm, director of youth programs at Inner Peaks Climbing in Charlotte, highlights the many benefits: “Rock climbing is like solving a puzzle — it takes time and trial-and-error, and pushes us to stay patient. Rock climbing also allows kids to tap into their creativity and come up with their own way of doing things.”
Why Choose Indoor Rock Climbing?
Indoor rock climbing offers numerous advantages for young athletes:
- Promotes discipline and problem-solving
- Builds trust and fosters community
- Encourages creativity and independent thinking
- Suitable for children as young as 5-7 years old
Inner Peaks Climbing provides various youth programs, including Team Discovery, which introduces rock-climbing fundamentals through age-appropriate activities. Lindholm emphasizes: “Most importantly, I believe that if a kid seems interested in climbing, then that’s a good enough reason to go check it out.”
Parkour: Mastering the Art of Movement
Parkour is an exhilarating discipline that challenges participants to navigate complex environments swiftly and efficiently. This sport, which originated from military obstacle course training, involves running, jumping, and climbing over various obstacles.
Often described as a non-combative martial art, parkour helps children develop spatial awareness, agility, and creative problem-solving skills. It’s an excellent option for kids who love to climb, jump, and explore their physical limits in a structured environment.
The Benefits of Parkour for Kids
Engaging in parkour can provide children with numerous physical and mental advantages:
- Improved balance and coordination
- Enhanced spatial awareness
- Increased confidence and self-reliance
- Development of risk assessment skills
- Promotion of creativity in movement
Many cities, including Charlotte, offer parkour classes and programs designed specifically for children and teens. These structured environments allow kids to learn proper techniques and safety precautions while exploring this dynamic sport.
BMX Racing: Pedaling to the Extreme
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) racing is an adrenaline-pumping sport that combines speed, skill, and daring on specially designed dirt tracks. This high-energy activity appeals to children who love bicycles and crave excitement.
BMX racing offers a unique blend of individual performance and team camaraderie. Riders compete against each other but also form supportive communities, fostering both personal growth and social skills.
What Makes BMX Racing Appealing to Kids?
BMX racing captivates young athletes for several reasons:
- Fast-paced action and thrilling jumps
- Opportunity to master bike handling skills
- Combination of individual achievement and team spirit
- Accessible entry point with various skill levels
- Potential for competitive advancement
The BMX Supercross Track in Rock Hill, S.C., near Charlotte, provides a world-class facility for aspiring BMX racers. Many local communities also offer BMX programs and tracks suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Skateboarding: Rolling into Adventure
Skateboarding has long been a popular alternative sport, offering children a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and self-expression. This versatile activity can be enjoyed casually or pursued competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of interests and skill levels.
Skateboarding helps children develop balance, coordination, and perseverance. It also fosters creativity, as skaters often invent new tricks and styles. The skateboarding community is known for its inclusivity and support, providing a welcoming environment for young enthusiasts.
Getting Started with Skateboarding
For children interested in skateboarding, consider these steps:
- Invest in proper safety gear (helmet, pads, wrist guards)
- Start with a beginner-friendly skateboard
- Practice in safe, smooth areas like driveways or empty parking lots
- Consider enrolling in skateboarding lessons or camps
- Explore local skate parks for a more challenging experience
Many cities, including Charlotte, have skate parks and programs designed to introduce children to skateboarding in a safe, supportive environment. These facilities often offer lessons and workshops for beginners.
Safety Considerations for Extreme Sports
While extreme sports offer exciting opportunities for children, safety should always be a top priority. Parents and guardians should take several precautions to ensure their children can enjoy these activities responsibly:
- Research and choose reputable instructors and facilities
- Ensure proper safety equipment is used at all times
- Start with beginner-level classes or programs
- Encourage open communication about fears and concerns
- Teach children to respect their limits and progress gradually
By prioritizing safety and proper instruction, families can help their children explore extreme sports while minimizing risks. Remember that professional programs are designed with safety in mind, incorporating age-appropriate progressions and supervision.
The Long-Term Benefits of Extreme Sports for Kids
Engaging in extreme sports can have lasting positive impacts on children’s physical and mental development. These activities offer unique challenges that contribute to well-rounded growth and character formation.
Physical Benefits
Extreme sports provide numerous physical advantages for young participants:
- Improved strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Enhanced coordination and body awareness
- Development of sport-specific skills
- Increased overall fitness and health
Mental and Emotional Benefits
The psychological benefits of extreme sports for children are equally significant:
- Boosted self-confidence and self-esteem
- Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Improved focus and concentration
- Development of resilience and perseverance
- Stress relief and improved mental health
By participating in extreme sports, children learn valuable life skills that extend far beyond the activity itself. They develop a growth mindset, learning to embrace challenges and persist in the face of obstacles.
Choosing the Right Extreme Sport for Your Child
Selecting an appropriate extreme sport for your child requires careful consideration of their interests, abilities, and temperament. Here are some factors to keep in mind when exploring options:
- Consider your child’s natural inclinations and preferences
- Assess their physical abilities and limitations
- Evaluate the availability of local facilities and programs
- Consider the financial commitment required for equipment and training
- Discuss potential risks and safety measures with your child
Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another. Encourage your child to try different activities to find the one that resonates most with them.
Supporting Your Child’s Extreme Sports Journey
As a parent or guardian, your support plays a crucial role in your child’s extreme sports experience. Here are some ways to encourage and facilitate their participation:
- Show enthusiasm for their chosen activity
- Attend events or competitions to cheer them on
- Help them set realistic goals and celebrate achievements
- Provide necessary equipment and transportation
- Encourage a balanced approach to sports and other activities
By fostering a supportive environment, you can help your child make the most of their extreme sports journey, promoting both physical prowess and personal growth.
The Future of Extreme Sports for Kids
As alternative sports continue to gain popularity, the landscape of youth athletics is evolving. Many extreme sports are now being recognized at higher levels, including the Olympics, providing new aspirational paths for young athletes.
The increasing mainstream acceptance of extreme sports is likely to lead to:
- More accessible training facilities and programs
- Improved safety equipment and protocols
- Greater integration into school physical education curricula
- Expanded competitive opportunities at various levels
- Increased media coverage and visibility
This growing recognition may open up new avenues for scholarships, professional careers, and lifelong participation in extreme sports. As the field expands, children who begin exploring these activities now may find themselves at the forefront of an exciting and dynamic athletic landscape.
Embracing the Extreme Sports Revolution
The rise of extreme sports offers a unique opportunity for children to push their boundaries, discover new passions, and develop essential life skills. By embracing these alternative athletic pursuits, families can help nurture well-rounded, confident, and adventurous individuals.
Whether your child dreams of soaring through the air on silks, scaling towering walls, navigating urban obstacles, or racing on two wheels, the world of extreme sports awaits. With proper guidance, safety measures, and enthusiasm, these thrilling activities can provide a lifetime of benefits and unforgettable experiences.
5 Extreme Sports for Kids
A world of alternative sports awaits adventurous children.
Emily Schappacher,
Photo by Wendy Waddle.BMX racers at the BMX Supercross Track in Rock Hill, S.C.
If the young athlete in your life itching to move beyond the baseball field or the basketball court, there’s no lack of opportunity to explore athletic pursuits that aren’t so traditional. Alternative sports, such as rock climbing, aerial arts, skateboarding and parkour, can provide children a number of physical and mental benefits that can last a lifetime.
“The same benefits that a child receives from any sport they will receive from an alternative sport — it really is just a matter of personality and interest,” says Amy Tynan, owner of AerialCLT, an aerial arts gym with locations in Charlotte and Pineville. “The goal is to keep children active and playing.”
While the thought of your child swinging from the rafters or biking full speed through bumpy terrain on a bicycle motocross — also know as BMX — course may make you cringe, experts agree that staying educated and informed about the sport can help alleviate some of that anxiety.
Like other sports, alternative activities provide children a number of physical and mental benefits that can last a lifetime. If you have a sensation-seeker who prefers something different from the usual team sports, read on to learn about about five alternative sports kids can explore in Charlotte, and how it might be a fit for your child.
Aerial Silks
Aerial silks are acrobatics performed while hanging from a suspended fabric which is used to wrap, suspend, swing and spiral the performer’s body into various positions. AerialCLT offers aerial silks classes for children ages 8 to 14 years old.
“If the jungle gym is your child’s favorite hangout spot, chances are they will really connect with aerial,” Tynan says. “If your child is one that gets nervous when in a team environment, then aerial arts would be a great alternative for him or her.”
The physical and mental benefits that a child receives from aerial arts are similar to those they would receive from more traditional sports like dance and gymnastics, Tynan says.
To get involved in aerial silks, children can register for a semester of classes on the AerialCLT website, or sign up for a 30-minute private lesson to help determine if the sport is a good fit. AerialCLT also allows drop-in visits for the first two weeks of each semester so kids can try a class without commitment.
Like all sports, aerial arts are not without risk of injury, but Tynan says the professional programs are designed to keep students safe. Children practice low to the ground during their first year, and progressively climb higher as they become more experienced. Instructors are within reach at all times and students work over crash pads.
“We are very slow in our teaching progressions and all of our students have to prove competency at a skill before advancing to the next skill,” she says.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Indoor rock climbing is an increasingly popular form of rock climbing performed on artificial structures designed to mimic real outdoor rock.
Grant Lindholm, director of youth programs at Inner Peaks Climbing, a rock climbing gym with two locations in Charlotte (Crown Point on Monroe Road and South Tryon Street in Southend), says indoor rock climbing promotes discipline and problem-solving skills for young children. The sport also requires kids to put trust in one another, which creates a sense of community among participants.
“Rock climbing is like solving a puzzle — it takes time and trial-and-error, and pushes us to stay patient,” Lindholm says. “Rock climbing also allows kids to tap into their creativity and come up with their own way of doing things. The rock climbing community is an awesome environment, and it brings people of all backgrounds together.”
Lindholm recommends introducing interested youth to rock climbing between the ages of 5 and 7, when children are able use problem-solving skills they’ve acquired from other activities. Inner Peaks Climbing offers a number of different youth programs including Team Discovery, its most popular program, which introduces rock-climbing fundamentals through activities appropriate for each climber’s age and skill level.
“Young kids have a great awareness of their bodies and know the best ways to move themselves,” Lindholm says. “Most importantly, I believe that if a kid seems interested in climbing, then that’s a good enough reason to go check it out.”
Parkour
Parkour is the sport of moving from one point in a complex environment to another in the fastest and most efficient way possible — running, jumping and climbing over obstacles along the way. Kids can learn to literally bounce off the walls. The sport was developed from military obstacle course training and is often compared to a noncombative martial art.
Acrofitness in Mooresville offers Pee Wee Parkour, a co-ed class for children ages 4-7; and Princess Parkour, a class for girls ages 4 and older. Marie Severance, owner of Acrofitness, says success in parkour, comes with development of whole-body athleticism to meet the sport’s demand for speed, agility, upper- and lower-body strength, flexibility, coordination and timing.
“Parkour is an amazing natural conditioning program,” Severance says. “Students will develop skills which allow them to succeed not only in the parkour program, but in other sports as well.”
Severance says most kids are a good fit for this “fun” way to get in shape, and Acrofitness welcomes students beginning at age 4, or as soon as they are able to follow specific instructions and are tall enough to scale the smaller mat systems.
There are risks associated with the sport, including injuries ranging from simple abrasions to broken bones. The best way to get involved in parkour is to look for a reputable facility and test the waters with a trial class. Proper training and supervised progression can minimize risks, Severance says.
“The televised ‘American Ninja Warrior’ competitions have ignited the thrill [of parkour], and anyone with the desire can succeed,” Severance says. “We are very passionate about parkour, and its fabulous incentive to get students up and inspired to move Spider-Man style!”
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is an alternative sport that has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past several years, with more skate parks opening, more competitions being held and more coverage of the sport on television.
In fact, for the first time in history, skateboarding is an event in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Rob Dunfey, founder of GoSkate Skateboard School, based in San Diego, is excited about skateboarding’s “comeback.” GoSkate provides youth lessons in more than 1,300 skate facilities nationwide, including Grayson Skate Park in Charlotte. Certified GoSkate instructors help students master the fundamentals of skateboarding through lessons based on a student’s capabilities.
“Shakespeare said, ‘The world is your oyster,’” Dunfey says. “For skateboarding, the world is your playground.”
Children as young as 4 years old can get involved in skateboarding, Dunfey says. As little as $140 can buy the necessary board, helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards; and kids can practice in skate parks or on any open stretch of concrete or asphalt, he says.
The most common skateboarding injuries are minor, such as scraped hands and elbows, bruised shins, and sprained ankles.
Data shows that three out of every four skateboarding accidents happen in the first week, Dunfey says, and proper safety gear and professional instruction can help minimize the risk of these incidents.
“Thousands of new skaters have taken lessons with GoSkate and fewer than a dozen incidents have been reported since 2009,” Dunfey says. “A majority of people jump the gun and start skating without help.”
Bicycle Motocross
For bike riders looking to up the ante on adventure, bicycle motocross — or BMX — may be the way to go. In this sport, athletes ride special BMX bikes on dirt tracks or other off-road terrain. BMX races and stunt competitions are popular among more experienced riders.
The Novant Health BMX Supercross Track, run by the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, offers a free new rider orientation each Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. and on most Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. The orientation provides an introduction to BMX with a progressive approach that prepares riders for competition when they are ready.
The track also offers additional clinics to support learning skills beyond the initial orientation session, and provides BMX bike and helmet rentals for $10.
Hornets Nest BMX welcomes interested riders to come watch or practice at Hornets Nest Park in northwest Charlotte. For $5, a new rider can join in a practice. Weather permitting, practices happen Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-8 p.m. New riders are required to wear pants, long-sleeve shirts, enclosed shoes and a helmet, and almost any bike can be outfitted for BMX.
The program in Rock Hill has participants as young as age 5 and allows “striders” (kids on bikes without pedals) to try the track. Once they master pedaling, they can begin racing.
“BMX is an all-ages sport. Starting young helps riders develop balance, strength and bike handling skills,” says Laurie Helms, marketing coordinator for the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. “Kids who take on adventure sports may be more likely to live an active lifestyle as adults, which can bring a number of health benefits, and can also lead to increased self-confidence.
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Emily Schappacher is writer, wife and mom who is soon to dive into swim lessons with her 2-year-old son.
Kids and Extreme Sports: Should They Be Allowed?
Is your kid obsessed with becoming the next X Games star, Olympic medalist, or YouTube stuntman? Young kids often have no fear when it comes to taking risks, but are extreme sports like dirt bike riding and bungee jumping dangerous for kids?
Related: Sports Safety Tips for Your Child
Though traditional sports like football, basketball, and hockey aren’t exactly going out of style, the world of extreme sports is growing in popularity. Kids and adults alike are participating in increasing numbers in these risky—if not sometimes downright dangerous—sports. But why?
From skateboarding and snowboarding to BMX biking and rock climbing, pop culture and social media have collided to amp up physical activity and make super-sized stunts seem like the norm. Long gone are the days when peer pressure from classmates, neighbors or older sibs drove younger children to drop into a half-pipe or launch their bike off a crazy incline.
Today’s kiddos are also influenced by…well, influencers. YouTube stars, TikTok creators, and even Olympic athletes have turned extreme sports from something that only the wildest child would attempt to everyday activities.
If your littles are begging to do extreme sports and you’re totally new to these types of activities, read on for more info on the risks, benefits, times to encourage your kiddo, and when to flat out say a big ‘ol, “NO.”
Extreme Sports Growing More Popular with Kids
Some kids are happier riding their skateboards than dealing with the structure of soccer practice. Others like cruising around on their BMX bikes until their legs just quit, surfing themselves silly, or spending the entire weekend learning new tricks on their inline skates.
Of course, young kids are also attracted to extreme sports because they’re cool. And who doesn’t like being on the cutting edge? Snowboarding, the bad-boy little brother of skiing, was legitimized by sports traditionalists when it became an official Olympic event at the 1998 Nagano Games.
Fast-forward to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which were actually held in 2021 thanks to the pandemic) and skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing became legit gold, silver, and bronze events!
Studies Show Fewer Kids Are Joining School Sports Teams
Have the days of dribbling a ball down a court or passing a puck gone the way of the dinosaurs? According to stats from Project Play, in 2021 the most popular youth sports for children ages six through 12 were bicycling, basketball, and baseball. Even though more than 5.2 million children biked in 2021, this was a significant change from way back in 2008.
The Project Play statistics show that only 18 percent of children reported bicycling in 2021, while a whopping 27.7 percent got active on two wheels in 2008.
Basketball team play dropped from 16.6 percent to 14.5 percent participation and baseball from 16.5 percent to 12.6 percent between 2008 and 2021. The number of children playing other popular team sports, such as soccer, tackle football, and flag football, also dropped during the same time frame.
Basketball is Less Popular But Bicycling is Big with Teens
The same downward trends didn’t happen for teen participation in all traditional sports. Bicycling participation grew from 16.8 percent to 21 percent between 2008 and 2021 and baseball play rose from 8.2 percent to 9.5 percent.
What could account for the overall downward trend in team and individual youth sports play? There isn’t one reason. But some of the possible explanations include an increasingly competitive climate, the high cost of intensive travel sports (such as hockey), or interest in other activities —such as extreme sports.
Dangerous Sports: Kids in BMX, Climbing, and Bungee Jumping?!
We spoke to Paul Vail, 29, a BMX freestyle bike rider for more than 14 years to learn more about the kinds of extreme sports kids are trying.
Vail says that when it comes to extreme sports, “Today’s kids who’ve been riding skateboards or BMX bikes since they were 12-year-olds will become the parents who say, ‘Yes, skateboarding, bike riding — perfectly acceptable sports for my kid to do.
And don’t tell me they have to play football or be on the basketball team to be accepted, because that’s no longer true.'”
Vail balks at the term “extreme sports.” “People have been skydiving, skiing, riding bikes, doing tricks, and taking jumps forever. I think the extreme sports label is a gimmick. I like the term ‘alternative sports’.”
Extreme or not, it’s important to encourage kids to express themselves physically, whether their athletic tastes are trendy or traditional. Both solo and team-oriented sports can build self-confidence, relieve stress, and promote physical fitness — all of which are vital to growing kids and adults alike.
Kids in “alternative” sports are expressive, highly skilled athletes. And sports like rock climbing, snowboarding, inline skating, surfing, skateboarding, extreme skiing, and mountain biking (to name just a few), require significant technical ability as well as strength and endurance. Plus, alternative sports can help your kids develop positive qualities like discipline, persistence, and determination.
Kids in Ski Jumping or Snowboarding
BMX, skateboarding, and bungee jumping aren’t the only extreme sports kids flock to. Even though ski jumping might seem like a new adventurous activity, it made its Olympic debut way back in 1924.
Of course, this doesn’t mean kiddos were climbing up mountains, whooshing down slopes, and flying into the air on two skis a century ago. While this soaring sport isn’t exactly new, its youth appeal has spiked in recent years. According to Women’s Ski Jumping USA, five to eight years old is the age average for ski jumpers to start the sport!
Like ski jumping, snowboarding is a winter-time extreme sport that has skyrocketed in popularity. Again, snowboarding became Olympic-official in 1998. Almost a decade later, in 2006, then-19-year-old Shaun White made his first bid for the gold. But White certainly wasn’t the last teen to take this extreme sport up a level and put it center stage.
Seventeen-year-old Chloe Kim became the youngest women’s Olympic halfpipe competitor to nab the gold in 2018 at the PyeongChang games.
With role models like White and Kim to follow, a whole new generation is getting into the halfpipe!
Not only do today’s kiddos follow these, and other top athletes, but during the Olympics, they can watch the extreme antics of snowboarders on YouTube, TikTok, and just about every other social media site.
Kids and Sport Injuries
How dangerous are extreme sports? As a parent, your child’s safety is priority number one. And that’s why you’re not so sure about your kiddo’s extreme activities. Even though extreme sports do often come with, as the name implies, extreme risks, these aren’t the only athletics that can result in serious injuries.
According to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, each year over 3.5 million children (14 and under) are injured during sports play. This includes more than 775,000 kiddos who require ER treatment. The majority of the injuries requiring hospital-level care are the result of collisions, falls, overexertion (during informal recreational activities) or object-related impacts.
When it comes to the most injuries per sport, football takes the top spot—with nearly 215,000 five- to 14-year-olds treated in hospitals in one year. This number is higher than what you find with some extreme sports. But in general, more children play this type of traditional team sport than engage in extreme activity.
A 2015 study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine looked at the prevalence of head and neck injuries in extreme sports. The researchers found that between 2000 and 2011 there were more than four million total injuries from these types of activities (this includes adult injuries).
Over 11 percent of these were head and neck injuries. Of these head and neck injuries, the extreme sports with the highest number of incidents included skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, and motocross.
Fear is probably the number-one reason many of us avoid taking risks. For athletes in extreme sports, conquering fear is part of the adventure of sport.
When a skateboarder is practicing tricks on a 15-foot ramp (commonly called a half-pipe), or a mountain biker is flying down a rock-strewn single-track trail, and he makes a mistake and falls — well, it’s going to hurt a little. Okay, maybe a lot.
But the athletes we spoke to didn’t complain about injuries. In fact, most have enjoyed relatively injury-free experiences in their sports. Brian Krause, a competitive skydiver for the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights, has taken thousands of jumps out of airplanes without so much as a sprained ankle.
But Matt Donovan, a pro downhill mountain bike racer from Massachusetts, said that when he first got serious about racing, his season was “very injury-laden. I had two concussions, a separated shoulder, a broken hand, multiple cuts, and lacerations. And I cracked a rib.”
There are two kinds of sports injuries:
1. Chronic Repetitive or Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries can cause stress fractures, muscle tears, or progressive bone deformities.
2. Acute Injuries
Acute sports injuries occur as a result of trauma from contact with a major force. Acute sports injuries include fractures, broken bones, dislocations, and more serious spinal and brain injuries.
Is It Wrong to Let Children Do Extreme Sports?
Should safety concerns stop your child from trying an extreme sport? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If your adventure-loving kiddo is all about skateboarding, snowboarding, parkour, BMX biking, or any other high-octane activity, you will need to think about:
Your Child’s Age and Developmental Level
Is your child developmentally ready to handle the challenge? What is their skill level when it comes to basic coordination and athletic tasks like running, jumping, and balancing? Can you trust them to act responsibly, follow an instructor’s directions, and wear safety equipment correctly?
Your Child’s Motivation
Does your child want to become the next Tik Tok star? If your tween has dreams of easily twisting a BMX bike around in mid-air like their fave influencer or thinks videos of teens crashing their skateboards into just about anything and everything is hilarious, they may struggle to stay safe while engaging in an extreme sport.
The Instructor or Coach
Who will teach your child about the sport? A YouTube video or IG video are not a substitute for the real deal. Only a qualified instructor or professional should instruct your child.
The Safety Equipment
Do you know what safety equipment your child will need? Will they wear it? You may need to learn more about the equipment standards before you allow your child to participate in extreme activities.
What types of equipment do children need? The specific items depend on the sport. These could include a helmet, shoulder pads, shin pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards.
According to Seattle Children’s Hospital, skiers and snowboarders should wear a helmet that meets ASTM, CEN, or Snell standards. Skateboarders should wear one that conforms to the ASTM F1492 standard. Children who ride bikes or scooters should wear a helmet that meets CPSC or Snell standards, knee pads, and elbow pads.
When is an extreme sport too extreme? If you don’t feel comfortable with your child engaging in the activity or don’t feel that they can follow safety directions, it’s okay to just say no.
Some sports are not age-appropriate for younger kids, and you should wait until they’re a bit older to try them out.
It’s also okay to talk to ask questions, talk to a pro, or take your time gathering facts, stats, and any other info about the adventurous activity! Learn more about extreme sports by taking our quiz here.
Top 5 extreme sports for children with autism
Photo: regional.kompas com
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Children with autism may find it difficult to participate in team sports or social activities that require communication and interaction with others.
However, extreme sports can be a great way for children with autism to develop physical skills, build self-confidence and improve socialization.
Here are the top five extreme sports for kids with autism according to tetongravity com:
CLIMBING
Climbing is a great adventure sport for kids with autism because it involves physical activity, problem solving, and a sense of accomplishment.
Climbing walls can be found in most indoor climbing gyms and outdoor parks. Children can climb the wall using their arms and legs, grabbing handrails and footholds along the way. Climbing is a non-competitive sport focused on individual progress, so kids can work at their own pace and improve their climbing skills over time.
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding, also known as hippotherapy, is a great adventure sport for children with autism because it involves physical activity and can help improve social skills. Riding a horse requires coordination, balance and concentration, which can help children develop motor skills and improve their concentration.
In addition, working with horses can help children develop empathy and communication skills. Horses are intuitive animals that respond to body language and vocal cues, so children need to learn how to communicate effectively with a horse.
SURFING
Surfing is an exciting adventure sport that involves riding the waves on a surfboard.
This is a great activity for children with autism because it gives them a sense of freedom and independence. Surfing can help children develop balance, coordination and agility. In addition, surfing can help improve social skills by providing children with a shared activity that they can enjoy with others. Surf instructors are most often trained to work with children of all abilities, so children with autism can get the support and guidance they need to succeed.
KAYAKING
Kayaking is an adventure sport that involves riding a small boat on the water. This is a great activity for children with autism because it gives them a sense of independence and freedom. Kayaking can help children develop upper body strength, coordination and balance.
In addition, kayaking can help improve social skills by providing children with a shared activity that they can enjoy with others. Kayaking instructors are trained to work with children of all abilities, so children with autism can get the support and guidance they need to succeed.
HIKING
Hiking is an adventure sport that involves walking through nature along a trail. This is a great activity for kids with autism because it gives a sense of exploration and adventure.
Hiking can help children develop endurance, balance, and coordination. In addition, walking can help improve social skills by providing children with a shared activity that they can enjoy with others. Hiking trails can be found in many parks and reserves so kids can explore the natural world and learn about different ecosystems.
In conclusion, extreme sports can be a great way for children with autism to develop physical skills, build self-confidence and improve socialization.
Climbing, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking and hiking are all great adventure sports that bring unique benefits to children with autism.
These activities can help children develop motor skills, coordination, and balance, as well as instill a sense of independence and adventure.
In addition, extreme sports can help improve social skills by providing children with shared activities that they can enjoy with others.
By participating in extreme sports, children with autism can develop new skills, make new friends and have fun.
Sports for children – what kind of sport to send the child to
Every year new sports sections are opened in Russia, where numerous sports for children are presented, and this is no coincidence. According to statistics, every fourth child in our country by the age of 10 tends to develop chronic diseases against the backdrop of an unhealthy lifestyle.
To avoid diseases such as obesity, diabetes and spinal diseases, doctors recommend involving children in sports from an early age. It can be family trips, active games, field trips or regular visits to sports sections.
What kind of sport to send the child to
Thinking about what sport to send the child to, few parents are aware that this choice should take into account not only the age of the baby, but also his individual characteristics.
Often, having given a child to a sports section, parents later regret their choice, because the child simply refuses to study and does not want to attend a sports club.
To prevent this from happening, you need to choose a sport for a child in accordance with the temperament of the baby:
- Sanguine. These kids love to be leaders. They need praise and victory. Such children are best suited for active sports. Any speed-strength disciplines can be an excellent choice;
- Cholerics. These kids are emotional and also ready to work in a team. They will be comfortable with cyclic sports or martial arts;
- Phlegmatic. Toddlers with this character do an excellent job with multiple repetitions of one action. This means that the best choice for them will be cyclic or complex-coordinating disciplines;
- Melancholy. For them, the severity of the coach and Spartan conditions are unacceptable. With the right approach, such kids can show success in fencing or shooting.
Intellectual pursuits can also be an excellent choice for them.
Intellectual pursuits can also be an excellent choice for them.To determine which section is right for your child, you can take a specialized test. Testing will help determine goals and objectives, find out what character the baby has and choose for him exactly the circle in which he will feel comfortable.
Important! Before enrolling in a section, you need to get advice from the local pediatrician. Some disciplines have absolute contraindications. In addition, you will have to pass tests and undergo examinations from narrow specialists.
Sports for preschoolers
Sports for young children are activities that develop basic physical skills and strengthen the immune system. Don’t expect a two-year-old to become a champion right away.
Sports for preschool children are necessary for the general development and preparation of the child for more serious activities. Doctors consider 4-5 years old to be the ideal age to start classes.
But if the baby is active and healthy, classes in certain disciplines can be started as early as two years old.
Most parents believe that at this age it is too early to attend sports sections, and the only option for physical training is swimming in the pool. But this is absolutely not true. Today, many circles invite kids of very young age, where specially trained trainers work with them.
Sports for children from 2 years old
From the age of two, babies need more physical activity. They run, jump, tumble and fall everywhere. And so that their pranks do not turn into serious injuries, parents should think about structured physical activity.
Adequate physical activity at this age – classes at least 2 times a week for 30 minutes. With age, the number of hours of classes gradually increases and by the age of 5 it can be 2 hours 3 times a week.
Training for the little ones is not full-fledged training with competitions and victories. At this time, training is based on the principle of the game.
The kid will run, jump, have fun, learn the simplest exercises and perform elementary tasks.
Ideal sports for children aged 2+:
- Swimming;
- Dancing;
- Gymnastics;
- Balance bike;
- Children’s yoga;
- Trampolining.
At this age, it is still very difficult for a baby to remain without a mother or father, so it is absolutely impossible to leave him alone among strangers, you will have to work with him. Moreover, you will have to perform all the exercises with the baby, because he will repeat exactly for you.
At the age of 3-4, the baby can already perform more complex exercises and understand the requirements of the trainer. It is this age that is considered optimal for starting classes.
The following sections are already available at this time:
- Skis;
- Martial arts;
- Tennis or table tennis;
- Golf;
- Roller skates;
- Figure skating.
If you are afraid to send your baby to these sections at such a young age, pay attention to developing centers with a sports bias. In such centers, general developmental classes include physical education lessons, where trainers teach the smallest physical exercises in a playful way.
Reference: From the age of two, babies experience an active leap in growth and development. Optimal loads will help to properly form muscle mass and the musculoskeletal system, which will further protect them from health problems.
What kind of sport to give a child 5 – 6 years old
Children who have reached the age of five are already absolutely ready for classes in the sports section. This is exactly the age when a young athlete begins to understand the meaning of a team game, adequately perceive criticism from the coach and fulfill his requirements.
If you are wondering what kind of sport to send your 5-6 year old child to, team sports can be an excellent choice, these include:
- Football;
- Hockey;
- Water polo;
- Golf;
- Rugby;
- Tennis;
- Volleyball;
- Basketball;
- Badminton;
- Handball etc.
At preschool age, training should be moderate. A growing body can react negatively to increased stress, and then instead of benefiting, classes will only bring health problems. If, while watching a preschooler, you notice that he began to sleep poorly, is often naughty and gets tired quickly, talk to the trainer about reducing the load or change the section.
Reference: According to statistics, children who study in sections from the age of 5 have strong immunity, are more diligent in the classroom, are disciplined and learn the school curriculum better in the lower grades. In high school, they also excel academically and are less likely to be influenced by bad company.
Sports for children of school age
School age is the time to learn about sports. In many schools, sections are open where children can study with classmates. Also for children there are circles in the homes of schoolchildren, where classes are held completely free of charge.
In addition, students can go to the section from specialized sports schools, where they prepare for admission to sports boarding schools.
The choice of sports for school-age children is really great. Already in the first grade, children can practice at a professional level, preparing for a sports career. Thanks to the national program “Sport is the norm of life”, dozens of sports facilities are planned to be built throughout the country to attract schoolchildren to a healthy lifestyle until 2024.
Sports for children aged 7-10
Primary school is a period of serious restructuring in the rhythm of life. Often, children in the first years of schooling suffer from overwork and distracted attention. These problems can be easily solved with physical activity. Regular classes increase endurance and performance, contribute to the assimilation of the curriculum and help the student to develop comprehensively.
Sports for children 7-10 years old – these are almost all sections, with the exception of extreme ones with a high risk of injury.
The choice of a section depends on many factors, but the main thing here should be the desire of the child himself, because at this age he can already choose what he likes.
Remarkably, modern children often choose sections that are completely incomprehensible to their parents. For example, girls might decide to go into boxing and boys into weightlifting. But parents do not need to be afraid of such a choice, because history knows many champions who went to the section against the wishes of their parents.
The best choice at this age will be team sports, because the student already understands what a team is and can fully participate in the life of the team.
The most popular clubs at this age:
- For girls – artistic gymnastics, dancing, athletics, figure skating, synchronized swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, etc.;
- For boys – football, tennis, basketball, martial arts, hockey, weightlifting, pentathlon, etc.
Whatever sport your child chooses, you should not expect great victories and achievements at this age.
At the age of 7-10, children only learn to work in a team and learn the basics of sports discipline. At this stage, it is important that the child likes the classes, and he goes to the section with pleasure.
It is important for parents to understand that a young athlete can change their mind at any time and decide to pursue another discipline. In this case, it is not necessary to force him to attend the section, it is necessary to support him and show that he has the right to independently decide what kind of sport he should do. If your child has a hard time with physical activity, consider mind sports such as chess, checkers, or go.
Important! At this age, it is necessary to choose not so much a section as a coach. Only a qualified and experienced children’s coach will be able not only to interest the student, but also to ensure the correct individual training schedule.
Sports for children aged 11-13
From the age of 11, today’s children already consider themselves adults.
Many of them choose street sports as their hobby, where they can show their talents.
Outdoor sports for children aged 11-13, these are:
- Breaking;
- Parkour;
- Skateboarding;
- BMX.
In addition, teenagers often choose diving, skydiving, rock climbing, kitesurfing and so on. If your child is already engaged in the sports section, but at this age he decided to change his occupation, do not interfere with him, because modern sports are a great opportunity to learn something new and realize himself, which means that he will be engaged with enthusiasm and pleasure.
Considering unusual sports, you can also offer a teenager such sections as gorodki, lapta or food running, which originated more than 200 years ago and are now gaining their popularity again in Russia.
Parents should know that it is at the age of 11-13 that coaches look at young athletes and choose the most promising ones to attract them to professional sports.
If you have been offered a transfer to a sports school, you need to weigh the pros and cons, because a sports career is often accompanied by injuries and numerous restrictions. But if you see that a teenager wants and can be a professional in his sport, feel free to trust the coach, because in a few years your child may well become an Olympic champion.
Important! When enrolling a teenager in a sports school or a section for professional activities, you must take out sports insurance. Insurance will allow you to receive compensation for injuries in training and competitions. Also, without a policy, athletes are not allowed to compete.
Sport in Russia, as well as a healthy lifestyle in general, is becoming fashionable. More than 80% of Russians under the age of 30 regularly visit gyms and playgrounds, go on outdoor activities and teach children to play sports. Thanks to state support, sports for children are numerous, varied, and most importantly accessible.
