Skateboarding - Instruction, Programming, and Park Design Expert Article

Robson Forensic skateboarding expert, and master trainer for Nike Skateboarding, Ben Wixon authored one of the leading texts on skateboarding instruction.

In Skateboarding: Instruction, Programming, and Park Design, Wixon provides the reader with:

• a full curriculum with progressive lesson plans and practice strategies to help you teach skateboarding safely and correctly;
• guidance through the planning and design process, including an overview of the pros and cons of various skatepark styles and construction types;
• information on key management issues such as supervision, staffing, scheduling, and maintenance; and
• strategies for managing risk through appropriate skateboarding instruction, supervision, and park maintenance.

Proper instruction in skateboarding fundamentals is the first step in providing a safe experience for all participants. Skateboarding begins with a ready-to-use curriculum that can be implemented in a variety of settings, including schools, public parks, and camps. The step-by-step lesson plans make it easy to teach everything from basic techniques to intermediate and advanced skills. The lesson plans are educationally sound, meet NASPE standards, and can be used either in or out of a skatepark. The curriculum also includes practice strategies to help participants acquire new skills and perfect their techniques, and it even includes guidelines on safety and skatepark etiquette so students will learn that avoiding risk is an important part of skateboarding fun. The book’s glossary makes technical jargon and skateboarding slang easy to understand for administrators and new instructors and gives them insight into the idiosyncrasies of skateboarding culture.

Skateboarding also features thorough coverage of skatepark management and administration. Wixon offers expert advice on planning and designing a skatepark. He presents factors and questions to consider, information on the various types of skateparks so you can choose the one that best fits your needs, and help with budgeting for construction and maintenance costs. You will also find tools and resources to help you manage both new and existing facilities. Skateboarding covers the most essential management areas. You’ll find recommendations on scheduling and programming, staffing and supervision guidelines, and instructions on establishing a maintenance routine. The book also contains helpful forms, including participation waivers and safety and maintenance checklists, and a list of recommended vendors to make it easy to order the equipment you need. Throughout the book you’ll find tips for managing risk and promoting safety in the skatepark.

Read excerpts from Ben’s book and find information on where you can purchase a copy at: www.humankinetics.com search for “Ben Wixon”

Featured Expert

Benjamin Wixon, M.A.Ed.

Skateboarding Expert & Professional Educator

Ben Wixon is a skateboarding expert, recreation professional, and certified teacher with more than twenty years of experience providing guidance, instruction, and support to skateboarders, recreation… read more.