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Heelys, also known as wheeled trainers, are a fun and exciting way for kids to combine walking and skating.
If your child has been asking for a pair or has just received them, you might wonder how to help them learn to use these popular, rolling shoes safely and confidently. Here's a step-by-step guide for parents and carers to support a child in mastering Heelys while keeping things safe and fun.
Before your child takes their first roll, it's essential to make sure they are properly equipped.
Safety First:
- Equip your child with safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. This helps protect them from bumps and scrapes during the learning process.
- Choose a smooth, flat surface free of obstacles for their first attempts, such as a driveway, a quiet pavement, or a park path.
Check the Fit:
- Ensure the Heelys fit snugly but comfortably. Shoes that are too loose can make balancing harder.
- Confirm that the wheels are securely attached to the shoe for safety.
Balancing is key when learning to use Heelys. Here’s how your child can start:
Learn to Stand:
- Ask your child to stand on their Heelys with one foot in front of the other, as though they’re about to walk.
- Encourage them to keep their knees slightly bent to maintain balance.
Weight Distribution:
- Teach them to shift their weight onto their back foot, which will rest on the wheel. Their front foot acts as a stabiliser.
Now that they can stand confidently, it’s time to roll:
Push Off Gently:
- Show them how to push off with their back foot to start rolling, keeping their weight on the wheel.
- The front foot should stay flat for balance until they get used to the movement.
Use a Support:
- Hold their hand or let them steady themselves on a wall or railing for the first few tries.
- Gradually encourage them to roll short distances independently.
Toe Stops:
- Teach your child to gently tilt their back foot forward, allowing the heel to lift and the sole of the shoe to make contact with the ground. This acts as a brake.
- Practice stopping multiple times so they feel confident and in control.
- Learning to stop is just as important as rolling.
- Start with short sessions to prevent fatigue and frustration.
- Every child learns at their own pace, so patience is key.
- Celebrate small victories, whether it’s a smooth roll or a successful stop.
Troubleshooting Tips
Wobbles or Falls: Reassure your child that it’s okay to fall. Make sure they wear their protective gear, and encourage them to get up and try again.
Fear of Rolling: Some kids feel nervous at first. Practice just standing and balancing on the wheels until they feel more confident.
Indoor Practice: On rainy days, they can practice balance and stance indoors on carpeted floors without the wheels rolling.
