LIHUE — Kanani Fu was pleased to see Kauai Skate Ohana provide introductory lessons on skateboarding on Saturday at Wilcox Medical Center. “Rayn has been wanting to learn for a long time,” Kanani said. “Every time we’re at the store,
LIHUE — Kanani Fu was pleased to see Kauai Skate Ohana provide introductory lessons on skateboarding on Saturday at Wilcox Medical Center.
“Rayn has been wanting to learn for a long time,” Kanani said. “Every time we’re at the store, she asks about getting a skateboard. Now, we’re going to have to get one.”
Rayn Fu took advantage of the skateboard skills enhancement course where KSO instructors worked with riders on the use of safety gear and skills during the Keiki Bike and Safety Day.
Wilcox Medical Center partnered with other community organizations to offer the free bicycle and skateboarding safety education event, which was attended by more than a hundred keiki.
“May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists,” said Thomas Noyes of the Kauai Path. “This is one of several other events taking place that celebrate bicycling.”
Gary Pacheco of the North Shore Lions Club and Wayne Mukai of the East Kauai Lions Club were kept busy fitting helmets which were initially measured by pediatrician Dr. Brigitte Carreau.
“These are good helmets,” said Dr. Randy Blake of the Kauai Path. “They’re thin and are durable. The previous ones were ‘one fall and done’ because the protection pads separated. These can be used for several falls.”
Youngsters had an opportunity to decorate their new helmets before using them to negotiate the specially designed obstacle course to test their bicycling skills.
Youngsters could earn stamps on their passports, and a completed passport made them eligible for drawings of free bicycles and skateboards.
“We’re not making them do anything today,” said Dr. Ronald Fujimoto of United Healthcare. “They just come and get a choice of a cold pack or a band aid kit — and the stamp.”
Other stations offered information, including the Department of Education on the Wellness Guidelines, and the Kauai Medical Reserve Corps about concussions, and a healthy smoothie snack from the Wilcox Medical Center.
