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Skateboarding Maths

Skateboarding match or routine time maths challenge

A child-friendly sports challenge using match or routine time to practise time with real examples.

Quick answer

You can use skateboarding routines and match times to learn how to add and subtract time, tell time, and understand how long things take.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to measure and compare skateboarding routine times and match durations using minutes and seconds. Success signs:
  • You can read a stopwatch or timer showing minutes and seconds
  • You can add together skateboarding routine times
  • You can compare how long different skateboarding routines take
  • You can work out how much time is left in a match

Why this matters

Time is important in skateboarding. When you watch a competition, you need to know how long each rider has to do their routine. When you practice, you want to see if you're getting faster. Understanding time helps you plan your practice, improve your skills, and enjoy the sport more. Time maths also helps you with school, cooking, games, and even when you're waiting for your favourite TV show to start.

How it works

Time is measured in minutes and seconds. A minute has 60 seconds. When you're timing a skateboarding routine, you might see it takes 1 minute and 30 seconds. If you have two routines, you can add the times together. If a match lasts 30 minutes and 15 seconds, and it's been 12 minutes and 45 seconds, you can work out how much time is left.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're watching a skateboarding competition. Here are some examples: Example 1: Adding times If one rider takes 1 minute 20 seconds to do their routine, and another takes 1 minute 45 seconds, how long do they take together? 1 minute + 1 minute = 2 minutes 20 seconds + 45 seconds = 65 seconds 65 seconds = 1 minute 5 seconds So together they take 2 minutes + 1 minute 5 seconds = 3 minutes 5 seconds Example 2: Subtracting times If a match lasts 25 minutes and 30 seconds, and it's been 12 minutes and 15 seconds, how much time is left? 25 minutes - 12 minutes = 13 minutes 30 seconds - 15 seconds = 15 seconds So there are 13 minutes 15 seconds left Example 3: Real-world match time In a skateboarding match, each rider gets 30 seconds to perform. If there are 5 riders, how long does the whole match take? 30 seconds × 5 riders = 150 seconds 150 seconds = 2 minutes 30 seconds

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a skateboarding time challenge! Adventure: Skateboarding Time Quest You are a young skateboarder preparing for a competition. Your coach has given you a challenge. You must plan your practice routine and figure out how long everything takes. Step 1: You warm up for 3 minutes 20 seconds. Step 2: You practice 3 different tricks, each taking 1 minute 15 seconds. Step 3: You cool down for 2 minutes 30 seconds. How long does your whole practice session take? Step 1: Warm up = 3 minutes 20 seconds Step 2: 3 tricks × 1 minute 15 seconds = 3 minutes 45 seconds Step 3: Cool down = 2 minutes 30 seconds Now add them together: 3 minutes + 3 minutes + 2 minutes = 8 minutes 20 seconds + 45 seconds + 30 seconds = 95 seconds 95 seconds = 1 minute 35 seconds Total time = 8 minutes + 1 minute 35 seconds = 9 minutes 35 seconds Great job! You've completed your practice and know exactly how long it took.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 60 seconds = 1 hour Why it happens: Children often confuse the units of time. Fix: Remember: 60 seconds = 1 minute, 60 minutes = 1 hour.
  • Mistake: Not borrowing when subtracting time Why it happens: When seconds are smaller in the second number, children forget to borrow. Fix: If you have 1 minute 20 seconds minus 45 seconds, you need to borrow: 1 minute 20 seconds = 0 minutes 80 seconds, then 80 seconds - 45 seconds = 35 seconds.
  • Mistake: Adding minutes and seconds separately without converting Why it happens: Children may add 1 minute 30 seconds + 1 minute 45 seconds as 2 minutes 75 seconds. Fix: Remember to convert 75 seconds to 1 minute 15 seconds, so the answer is 3 minutes 15 seconds.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using a real stopwatch or timer to practice timing short skateboarding moves
  • Playing a game where you take turns timing each other's tricks
  • Creating a chart showing how long each part of a routine takes
  • Practising adding and subtracting times during real skateboarding sessions
  • Using the time challenge as a fun way to learn about time
When helping, remember:
  • Keep it fun and not too competitive
  • Use real examples from skateboarding
  • Don't rush - take time to explain each step
  • Encourage children to make mistakes and learn from them
  • Keep the focus on learning, not just getting the right answer

Practice questions

  1. How long do two skateboarding routines take if one takes 1 minute 10 seconds and the other takes 1 minute 25 seconds?
  2. If a match lasts 20 minutes 30 seconds and 8 minutes 15 seconds have passed, how much time is left?
  3. How long does it take to do 4 tricks if each takes 1 minute 5 seconds?
  4. If a rider has 30 seconds to perform, how long does it take for 6 riders?
  5. What is the total time for a warm-up (2 minutes 30 seconds), 2 tricks (1 minute 40 seconds each), and cool-down (1 minute 15 seconds)?
Answers:
  1. 2 minutes 35 seconds
  2. 12 minutes 15 seconds
  3. 4 minutes 20 seconds
  4. 3 minutes
  5. 6 minutes 25 seconds

FAQ

What is the best way to learn time maths for skateboarding?

Practice with real skateboarding examples using a timer or stopwatch. Make it fun by timing tricks and routines.

How can I help my child understand time better?

Use everyday situations like cooking, sports, or games. Ask questions like "How much time is left?" or "How long did that take?"

Why is learning time important for skateboarding?

It helps you plan practice, understand competitions, and improve your performance by tracking your progress.

Can I use this time learning for other sports?

Yes! All sports use time. You can practice with football, swimming, or even dancing.

What if my child finds time maths hard?

Start with simple examples, use visual aids like clocks, and make it a game. Practice a little bit every day.