Beginners

Can be tough to master, especially on inline skates, although perseverance and a willingness to take a few tumbles will soon develop expertise.

You can leap off skateboards at the first sign of trouble. Long boards are the most stable and easy to learn on. The biggest obstacle facing an adult is being teased for taking up such a youthful pursuit.

Lower body benefits

Does wonders for hamstrings, quadriceps and bottom. A University of Massachusetts study found that inline skating causes less than 50% of the impact shock to joints compared with running.

Skateboarding also requires propulsion, but only in the leg that pushes - you'll either be regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward).

Avoiding injury

The most common injury is a sore bottom, but hand/wrist/arm fractures are a risk if you fall awkwardly. Wearing protective gear, such as a helmet and elbow and wrist guards, can help prevent injury.

A US study found that there were 8.9 injuries involving trips to hospital per 1,000 skateboarders in one year - about twice the rate of inline skating, although mainly from people attempting tricks.

Brain boosting

Hones your coordination and balance, especially as you get more advanced and learn to skate backwards and do twists. Develops excellent coordination and balance, though tricks such as ollies (striking the tail on the ground, to send rider and board into the air) are more complex.

Fitness

An excellent fitness booster - the American Heart Association recommends skating as an aerobic workout, and a 10-stone person would burn about 580 calories per hour of vigorous skating.

Will boost heart rate and improve aerobic fitness, especially when travelling rather than hanging about and pulling off the odd trick! A 10-stone person burns about 350 calories per hour.