If you're going to let your child ride an ATV, make safety a priority and sometimes children listen best to an adult they don't live with. Sending your child to take some ATV riding lessons is a stellar idea, you might consider taking the class with them as it will be something fun to do with your child and even if you're a seasoned ATVer, you just might learn something!
First of all your child (and you if you're taking the course) will be taught about proper ATV attire and why it is worn. Expect to hear a lot about the importance of ATV helmets (and they are) and make sure your child really understands, a helmet simply must be worn anytime they are on their ATV.
Then you will taught about your ATVs controls and basic maneuvers such as turning, stopping, and shifting and even how to start you ATV and use the kill switch. They will also advise that before you get on your ATV, to do a little stretching of your own so your body is limber and ready to ride!
You and your child will learn how to shift and brake around corners. And also how to carefully follow others on your ATVs. Proper etiquette for trail riding will be taught, a good tip most classes teach is when you come to a fork in the trail or a shallow water crossing, wait for the ATV behind you before moving on - that way if there is a problem or you have someone who is a little slow keeping up, no one gets lost and everyone has a great time on their ATVs.
You will learn more maneuvering of your ATVs and do more complex turns such as turning circles and figure 8s. It will teach you fast shifting and braking control and teach you how to shift your body weight from side to side when turning different directions quickly.
Normally at the end of the lesson, you will be taken to a riding area and given a chance to show what you've learned and you should get a certificate of your lessons. Your child will be a safer ATVer and a proud to have earned a certificate!
