Getting started in trials is pretty easy - it's one of the cheapest and most accessible forms of motorsport and even if you never intend to compete it's fantastic excercise for all ages. If you live in the Scarborough area it's especially easy since SDMC welcome riders of all ages and abilities to Low North Park, one of the best trials practise areas in the UK. With that in mind, the first step you should consider is becoming a member of your local trials club. See the ACU's list of affiliated clubs for the club closest to you.
Although relatively safe compared to speed-based sports trials can still be dangerous, especially for the inexperienced and the following equipment is very stronly recommended for all riders (note that a helmet is REQUIRED):
A helment is mandatory equipment for obvious reasons. You can use any motorcycle helmet although an open face style is recommended to allow a wide field of vision. Beginners and children may prefer to use a motocross-style full-face helmet for additional mouth and chin protection. A wide range of trials-specific helmets are available and differ from "traditional" designs by being extremely lightweight while incorporating advanced cooling features and offering excellent impact protection. A helmet is the most important part of your riding kit: Second-hand helmets are not recommended, always buy the best you can afford and consult your local dealer for advice.
Boots should provide good protection to the toes, ankle and shin while allowing freedom of movement. Motocross/enduro boots can be used but tend to be very stiff around the ankle and extend a long way up the calf to brace against high speed impacts. Trials boots, while visiually similar to motocross boots, are much more flexible, have a deeper treaded sole and are slightly shorter in the calf while offering protection in all the important areas. If you start out using motocross boots, you WILL notice a big difference when/if you switch to trials boots.
Some riders prefer not to use gloves at all although they're strongly recommended to provide protection to the fingers when riding through trees and undergrowth and to avoid palm blisters (as well as keeping your hands warm in the winter!) Gloves should be snug-fitting and flexible to provide "feel" on the handlebars while offering a decent level of protection. Again, motocross gloves can be used and work reasonably well but are typically too stiff in the fingers for serious trials use. Trials-specific gloves are made from soft leather or neoprene and are strongly recommended.
Once again, what you're looking for is a good balance between freedom of movement and protection. Trials-specific clothing is available and is designed to offer exactly this balance although some riders prefer motocross-style items (and not everyone can pull off wearing a latex one-piece!) Personal preference is the key here and long-sleeved shirts are recommended, as is some kind of protection for the back of the calves (you'll know why the first time your foot slips of your bike's kick-starter...)
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