Story: Roller skating and skateboarding

Captain Safeskate

Captain Safeskate

In 1981 the Ministry of Transport issued a booklet called Thrills not spills with Captain Safeskate: guide to safer skateboarding. The colourful publication included information on safety gear and tips on riding and maintaining boards. It is hard to imagine young skateboarders taking much notice of Captain Safeskate, and especially these words of wisdom: 'You wake up in the morning and the sun is shining. You leap out of bed grab your skateboard and head for the park. DON'T!!! Take your time, have breakfast and always warm up your body before stepping onto your board. You can do this by jogging, touching your toes and windmilling your arms.'

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: Eph-A-SKATING-1981-01-front

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Courtesy of Ministry of Transport

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Roller skating and skateboarding - Skateboarding', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/39808/captain-safeskate (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 Sep 2013