A Birthday to Remember

Getting Your Uncool Dad Into Skateboarding

by Gregory Kuhn

Are you huge into skateboarding and feel like your dad could really benefit from learning this skill? Perhaps you want him to exercise more or simply want him to gain a new hobby. For whatever reason, you want him to board, but he refuses. Here are a few simple ways you can get your dad ready to learn how to ride the half-pipe.

Discuss The Health Benefits

Skateboarding isn't just a way to look cool: it's also a very healthy exercise. Let your dad know about the health benefits of skateboarding as a way to ease him into the idea. Purported health benefits of skateboarding include:

  • Increased flexibility
  • Boosted endurance
  • Better coordination
  • High levels of burned calories
  • Crossover appeal

For many fathers, these kinds of health benefits will catch their interest. After all, he'll be reaching the age when it's time to really start watching out for his health.

Appeal To His Youthful Side

If your dad is still not convinced by your health-related arguments, tap into his youthful side. These days, a larger number of middle-aged men are starting to get into skateboarding. A large portion of them are getting into it simply to feel younger. Discuss this with your father and tap into his desire to feel younger.

Lay it on thick by sharing videos of heavy shredding middle-aged men. Seeing somebody his own age not only skateboarding, but excelling at it may give him the slight push he needs to give in and buy his first skateboard.

Do Everything With Him

Once you've gotten your dad intrigued by skateboarding, make it more meaningful by helping him every step of the way. Go with him to buy his first board and help him choose his safety gear. Teach him a few basic moves on the board and be there to help him up when he falls. And make time every week to go on a special father-son skating trip.

Tapping into the father's need to connect with his son and do things with them is a great way to fuel his love of skateboarding. And it can even help him feel like he's doing what it takes to be a great father by connecting with you on a deeper level. Honestly it's a win-win situation!

If you've done this properly, you'll have a dad that loves skateboarding as much as you. And this will give him something to do long past the time you leave the house. And what greater gift can a shredder give their dad than that?

For more information, contact an online skateboard retailer.

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