How to Skateboard: Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding in 2024
Skateboarding is an incredible and fun sport to learn. The thrill and excitement of learning to ride a skateboard, cruising around, and performing tricks can be quite satisfying once you get the hang of it. However, before you get rolling on your first skateboard, there are a few things you need to know. In this blog post, we’ll cover the essential basics of skateboarding so that you can begin your journey with confidence and help your child succeed!
How to skateboard: Riding Basics
Basics of Riding a Skateboard
The first step to skateboard riding is learning the correct stance.
(Push test – Clip for insta, tiktok)
Choose your lead foot – the one that you’ll keep at the front of the skateboard. If you’re comfortable kicking a ball with your right foot, then your left foot will likely be your lead foot and vice versa. This is called determining your stance and you’ll either be “regular” (left foot forward) or “goofy” (right foot forward).
Position your lead foot over the front bolts of the skateboard and place your other foot on the tail. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward a bit to maintain balance. When you’re ready to move, push off gently with your back foot while your lead foot remains on the board. Then place your back foot on the board and shift your weight to steer. Practice riding and turning in a safe area until you’re comfortable before trying more complex maneuvers.
(Skatepark Etiquette) – additional article)
Safety equipment for Skaters
Skateboarding Safety Equipment
Proper safety gear plays a critical role in skateboarding, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. It’s crucial to always wear protective gear that includes a well-fitted helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
These pieces of equipment are designed to shield your most vulnerable parts during a fall.
Skate shoes, specifically engineered for skateboarders, enhance your grip on the board, while wrist guards protect your wrists and help you fall properly.
Remember, even experienced skateboarders can have accidents, so never underestimate the importance of wearing the correct safety equipment every time you step on the board.
(Links to gear)
How to Skateboard: Pushing. Steering and Stopping
Pushing and Steering
Pushing and steering are integral parts of skateboarding that dictate the speed and direction of your ride.
To push the skateboard, position your lead foot (the one you determined as ‘regular’ or ‘goofy’) angled towards the front of the board. Take your back foot/pushing foot off the board and push off the ground, returning it to the back of the board once you’ve gained some momentum.
Remember, the harder you push off the ground, the faster you’ll go. The art of steering, or ‘carving’, requires shifting your weight. If you lean towards your toes, the board will turn in the direction your toes are pointing, and if you lean towards your heel, it will turn the opposite way.
Practice these moves in a safe, open space until they become second nature. Remember, balance and control are key in mastering the art of pushing and steering a skateboard.
How to Stop on a Skateboard
Stopping on a skateboard is just as important as learning to ride it. The simplest method is the ‘Foot Brake’ technique.
As you’re riding, carefully take your back foot off the board and lightly drag the sole of your shoe along the ground. Apply pressure gradually until you come to a halt. Be sure to maintain your balance and avoid pressing your foot down too suddenly as this can cause the board to stop abruptly, potentially leading to a fall.
Remember, safety is paramount, so always wear your protective gear while practicing this and any other skateboarding maneuvers.
Other Methods to Stop on a Skateboard
Aside from the ‘Foot Brake’ technique, there are other methods to stop on a skateboard that you can explore as your skills advance.
Tail Scrub: This involves applying pressure on the tail of your skateboard, causing it to drag along the ground and gradually slow your speed. However, this technique can cause wear and tear on your board over time.
(Photo of worn skate tail)
Power Slide: A more advanced method, the Power Slide requires riders to turn their board quickly sideways while moving, causing the wheels to slide and reduce speed. It’s a versatile stopping technique – effective even at high speeds – but it requires a lot of practice, along with a good sense of balance and timing.
(Clip of power slide)
Bail Off: As the name suggests, this involves safely jumping off your skateboard when you feel out of control. This should be your last resort, and it’s crucial to try and land on your feet while rolling to reduce the impact.
Remember, each stopping method requires practice and patience. Always ensure you’re wearing your safety gear while learning and using these techniques.
How to Turn on a Skateboard
Turning on a skateboard is an essential skill that allows you to navigate your environment effectively. It’s primarily achieved through a process known as ‘carving.’
Begin by standing on your board in a relaxed yet balanced posture with your feet shoulder-width apart. To execute a turn, lean in the direction you wish to go. If you want to turn right, lean to your right side, and to turn left, lean to your left.
The lean transfers your weight onto the board’s edges, causing the skateboard to turn at a slight angle in the desired direction.
Keep practicing this maneuver in a safe place until you can comfortably control your turns. Remember, like all skateboarding techniques, turning requires balance, coordination, and patience.
First tricks
As a beginner skateboarder, there are several tricks you can learn to enhance your skills and build confidence. Here are five of the best for starters:
The Ollie
This foundational trick involves snapping the tail of the skateboard down while using your front foot to drag the board into the air. The Ollie serves as a springboard for many other tricks and is crucial to master.
The Manual
Similar to a wheelie on a bike, the Manual involves balancing on the back wheels of your board while maintaining forward motion. It’s a great trick to improve your balance and board control.
The Pop Shove-It
This trick involves spinning the board underneath you while you stay in the same position. It’s a great way to start working on your board control in the air.
The Kickflip
An advancement of the Ollie, the Kickflip involves flipping the board over underneath you by kicking your foot out and away from the board while in the air.
The Frontside 180
This trick involves an Ollie, but while in the air, you turn your body 180 degrees to face the opposite direction.
Remember, every trick requires practice, balance, and control. Always ensure you’re wearing your safety gear while learning and practicing these tricks.
(Link articles to tricks)
Celebrate small victories
As you venture into the exciting world of skateboarding, it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate your small victories along the way. This can boost your confidence, motivate you to try advanced techniques, and most importantly, make the learning process fun and rewarding.
One of the best ways to do this is by setting achievable goals. Whether it’s perfecting your balance, mastering the art of pushing and steering, or landing your first Ollie, each step is a significant milestone worth celebrating. Noting your progression, perhaps in a skateboarding journal or a progress-tracking app, can serve as a tangible record of your improvement and a source of motivation.
Additionally, sharing your successes with friends, family, or fellow skateboarders can make the victories feel more concrete. Posting your achievements on social media, or even just mentioning them in conversation, can amplify your sense of accomplishment and may even inspire others.
Remember to treat yourself when you reach a goal. This could be anything from taking a break to enjoy your favourite snack, spending a relaxing day off the board, or perhaps investing in some new skateboarding gear.
Finally, maintain a positive mindset. Skateboarding, like any sport, requires practice, patience, and resilience. It’s okay to fall and make mistakes; what’s important is that you get back up and try again. Each fall is a step forward in your journey, and each time you get back on the board, you’re celebrating a small victory. So, celebrate your determination, for it is your greatest triumph of all.
Remember, skateboarding is about having fun and enjoying the ride. By celebrating your small victories, you enhance this joy and cultivate a deeper love for the sport.
Find a Skate Community
Finding a skate community and local skate shop can significantly accelerate your skateboarding skills. Such a community offers a supportive and encouraging environment where you can exchange tips, tricks, and techniques with other skaters.
You get the opportunity to learn from more experienced skateboarders, observe their maneuvers, and gain constructive feedback on your own skills. Moreover, being part of a skate community fosters a sense of camaraderie and adds a social aspect to your skateboarding journey, making the process of mastering the sport even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on your skateboarding journey is an exhilarating adventure filled with challenges, triumphs, and valuable learning experiences.
From mastering basic techniques to practicing advanced tricks and finding your skate community, each step you take enriches your skillset and deepens your passion for the sport. Remember, each fall is not a setback, but a stepping stone towards progress.
Stay patient, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep celebrating your victories, no matter how small they might seem. For more tips, tricks, and skating insights, don’t forget to follow us at sk8mom.com and join our vibrant community of skateboard parenting enthusiasts. Skate on!
