Many thanks to everyone that took the time to respond.
Completely agree that our kids should enjoy riding and have fun doing it (appreciate nature/riding together etc), however I would rather teach my kid proper riding techniques in the beginning as it will help make his riding more enjoyable with less falls etc and he will grow in confidence. The learning curve for a kid who doesn't know the correct techniques is longer and less enjoyable imo, and he/she will have to unlearn any incorrect techniques.
Techniques/tips that I have taught my son so far:
* Shoulders back and chest out (helps breathing)
* Slightly bent elbows in attack position (gives better control of the handlebars)
* Correct foot position on the pedals (ball on pedal enables better power and weight transfer)
* Looking ahead and choosing the best line (gives more time to adjust and you go where you look)
* Deep breaths and hydration (oxygen and electrolytes enable energy transfer)
* Bike position, when to lean back or forward depending on gradient or obstacle, transferring of weight etc.
* Pedal positioning in corners, looking through corners etc
* Pace yourself (prevent over exertion and fatigue)
Most kiddies bikes are quite heavy and rough to ride, since he got his specialized rhyme fs bike he is more excited and keen to ride
Have I got this all wrong, should I rather not teach him correct riding techniques and just let him do his thing, when is the right time?
All I am hearing is let your child be a kid???
I started surfing in my teenage years and some of my mates who started a whole lot earlier progressed sufficiently enough that when they where in there teens they already had coaches and represented at top level, and the awesome experience that comes with that... I wish I had that opportunity when I was young and to have had the early exposure and coaching, or maybe I am wrong?
