Learn how to skateboard for beginners with this complete guide in just two sentences. Start with choosing the right size skateboard and mastering basic balancing and pushing techniques, then gradually progress to more complex tricks and maneuvers.
Skateboarding is a popular and thrilling sport that requires skill, technique and practice. It’s not just about being able to ride a skateboard, but also about performing various tricks and stunts with precision and accuracy. If you’re a beginner looking to learn how to skateboard, this complete guide will provide you with all the necessary steps and tips to get started. From choosing the right size board to mastering basic techniques such as balancing, pushing and stopping, to progressing to more advanced tricks like ollies and kickflips, this guide has got you covered. So, grab your skateboard and let’s get rolling!
Credit: www.slamcity.com
Choosing The Right Skateboard
Skateboarding is an amazing sport that requires great skills and a ton of practice. If you are a beginner, the first step in learning how to skateboard is to choose the right skateboard. With so many options available, this might seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will walk you through the process of selecting the perfect skateboard for you.
So, let’s get started!
Types Of Skateboards Available
Skateboards come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for different purposes.
- street skateboards: these skateboards are perfect for tricks and flips. They have a narrow and lightweight board that makes it easy to do tricks and manoeuvres.
- cruiser skateboards: these are perfect for cruising around the streets and commuting. They have a wide and sturdy board that provides stability and ease of riding.
- longboards: longboards are ideal for downhill riding and carving. They have a longer and wider board that provides stability and a smooth ride.
- old school skateboards: these are similar to street skateboards but are wider and have a larger nose and tail. They are perfect for riding pools and doing other types of tricks.
Selecting The Right Size
Choosing the right size skateboard is crucial for a comfortable ride and ease of learning.
- deck size: the deck size should be proportionate to the rider’s height and shoe size. A general rule of thumb is that the deck should be around 7. 5-8 inches for riders under 5’3″, 8-8. 25 inches for riders between 5’3″ and 5’8″, and 8. 25-9 inches for riders over 5’8″.
- wheel size: the wheel size should be compatible with the skateboard’s deck size. Smaller wheels are ideal for street skateboards, while larger wheels are perfect for longboards and cruisers.
- truck size: the truck size should also be compatible with the skateboard’s deck size. The width of the truck should be similar to the width of the deck.
Choosing The Right Trucks, Wheels, And Bearings
When it comes to selecting the right trucks, wheels, and bearings, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- trucks: make sure to select trucks that match the width of the skateboard deck. Also, consider the height of the skateboard, as taller trucks provide more stability, while shorter trucks offer more manoeuvrability.
- wheels: the size and durometer (hardness) of the wheels should be compatible with the type of skateboard and riding style. For example, smaller and softer wheels are ideal for cruising, while larger and harder wheels are perfect for tricks and flips.
- bearings: the bearings should be high-quality and durable to ensure a smooth ride. Abec ratings are a widely accepted standard for measuring bearing quality, so choose bearings that have a high abec rating.
By keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to choose the perfect skateboard for your needs and skill level. So, go ahead and get yourself a skateboard and start practicing those tricks!
Safety Tips For Skateboarding
Being a beginner skateboarder can be an exciting experience, but it’s crucial to learn about safety before stepping on your board. Skateboarding can be a risky sport, especially if you don’t know how to protect yourself. In this section, we’ll cover some essential safety tips for skateboarding, including the importance of protective gear, proper ways to fall, and skateboarding etiquette.
Importance Of Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear is an absolute must for all skateboarders. Falling off your skateboard is inevitable, and you need to be adequately prepared to avoid any significant injuries.
- A helmet: always wear a helmet that suits your head and covers your forehead. Helmets can prevent severe head injuries in case of any falls.
- Elbow and knee pads: they help to protect your elbows and knees, which can get scraped or injured in case of any falls.
- Proper shoes: regular shoes aren’t suitable for skateboarding. Wear shoes that provide excellent grip and have flat soles.
Proper Ways To Fall
Even with adequate protective gear, you’ll still fall while skateboarding. But, it is possible to learn how to fall correctly, which can help prevent injuries.
- Try to stay relaxed while still falling: being tense can increase the likelihood of injuries.
- Always try to fall forward: falling forward may reduce your risk of hitting the back of your head.
- Roll when you hit the ground: rolling helps you to spread the force of impact and reduce the risk of fractures or dislocations.
Skateboarding Etiquette
Skateboarding etiquette is essential for every beginner to learn. It ensures the safety of everyone nearby and makes for a more pleasant skateboarding experience for all.
- Respect other people’s property: do not skate on private property without permission.
- Skate in designated areas: only skate in skate parks or areas where skating is allowed.
- Look before you skate: avoid colliding with others by looking before crossing paths.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you stay safe while skateboarding and make your overall experience more enjoyable. Remember, safe skateboarding is a great way to have fun while getting some exercise.
HOW TO SKATEBOARD FOR BEGINNERS | HOW TO SKATEBOARD EPISODE 1
Basic Skateboarding Techniques
Skateboarding is an exciting and thrilling sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or skill level. Whether you are trying to learn the basics or aiming to become a pro, it is vital to understand the basic techniques of skateboarding.
This guide will help you get started and provide you with the basic skills required to enjoy the sport.
Stance And Foot Placement
Your stance is the fundamental aspect of skateboarding.
- Regular stance: your left foot is positioned towards the front of the board, facing forwards, and your right foot is placed on the board’s tail, perpendicular to the board’s length.
- Goofy stance: your right foot is positioned towards the board’s front, facing forwards, and your left foot is placed on the board’s tail, perpendicular to the board’s length.
Pushing And Balancing
Once you have mastered your stance, the next step is to learn how to balance and push.
- To push, place your back foot on the ground, and use your front foot to push the skateboard forward.
- To balance, put your weight on your front foot, keeping your knees bent, and maintain a low center of gravity while riding.
Turning And Stopping
Turning and stopping are essential skills in skateboarding.
- To turn, shift your weight to the direction you want to turn. For example, to turn left, shift your weight to your left foot.
- To stop, use your back foot to drag on the ground, applying pressure to the skateboard’s tail, or place your back foot on the ground to slow down gradually.
Mastering these basic skateboarding techniques is essential for any beginner rider. Understanding the proper stance and foot placement, pushing and balancing, and turning and stopping will make your learning journey much smoother, and enable you to progress to more advanced techniques.
So go ahead and grab your skateboard, and start practicing these skills today!
Advanced Skateboarding Techniques
Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that has been around for decades. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skateboarder, you should always strive to improve your skills. In this section, we will focus on advanced skateboarding techniques, namely ollies and kickflips, grinds and slides, and riding ramps and bowls.
These techniques require a great deal of practice, patience, and determination, but with the right guidance, you can master them in no time. So, let’s dive in!
Ollies And Kickflips
Ollies and kickflips are two essential tricks in skateboarding that every skateboarder should learn.
- To perform an ollie, start by crouching down and then jumping up while simultaneously sliding your front foot forward and snapping your tail down with your back foot. This will cause your skateboard to pop up into the air. Once it’s in the air, level it out by sliding your front foot forward and keeping your back foot slightly angled.
- To perform a kickflip, start with your foot positioning like you would for an ollie, but instead of just sliding your front foot forward, use it to flick the board while you jump. This flick will cause the board to rotate in the air.
Grinds And Slides
Grinding and sliding are two fundamental skateboarding techniques that allow you to ride on obstacles such as rails and curbs.
- To perform a grind, approach the obstacle with enough speed, ollie onto the obstacle, and then lock your trucks onto the rail. Keep your balance and ride it out to the end. To dismount, ollie out of the grind.
- To perform a slide, approach the obstacle with enough speed, ollie onto the obstacle, and then slide your board along the surface. Keep your balance and slide until the end of the obstacle. To dismount, ollie off the surface.
Riding Ramps And Bowls
Riding ramps and bowls is an essential skill in skateboarding that requires a lot of control and balance.
- When riding up a ramp, make sure you bend your knees and keep your weight over the center of your board. Pump your legs to gain speed and maintain your momentum.
- When navigating a bowl, keep your weight centered and use your shoulders to turn. Start by riding along the corners of the bowl, and gradually work your way up to riding along the coping. Always stay aware of your surroundings and other skaters.
Advanced skateboarding techniques require a lot of practice and patience, but with the right guidance, you can master them in no time. By using these tips and tricks, you can take your skateboarding skills to the next level. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Happy skating!
Resources For Beginner Skateboarders
Skateboarding is not only a fun and exciting activity, but it’s also a great workout that helps you develop your balance, coordination, and endurance. However, starting out as a beginner can be intimidating. But fret not, as we bring to you some resources that can help you kickstart your journey as a skateboarder.
Where To Find Local Skateparks
One of the best ways to get started on your skating journey is to find local skateparks nearby.
- Use google maps: this is the simplest and most efficient way of finding skateparks in your locality. Type “skateparks near me” on google maps, and it will display a list of nearby skateparks.
- Visit skate shops: local skate shops are a great source of information for finding good skateparks. They will have updated information on the latest skateparks in the area.
- Use skatepark directories: websites like skateboard. Com. Au or concrete disciples skatepark guide offer a comprehensive directory of skateparks.
Online Skating Communities
Nothing beats learning alongside like-minded people eager to share their experiences.
- Reddit: reddit has a thriving online community for skateboarders, and it’s an excellent platform for asking questions, sharing your experiences, and learning from others’ experiences.
- Skateboarding forums: skaters can share skating tips, advice, and even sell or trade skating gear on online forums, like the skateboard-city forum.
- Instagram: instagram has a massive skating community where you can follow other skaters, pros, and brands to keep up with the latest trends, learn new tricks, and gain inspiration.
Recommended Reading And Watching Materials
Here are some useful resources to help you improve your fundamentals and learn new tricks:
- Skateboarding tutorials: websites like braille skateboarding and skateboarding made simple provide comprehensive tutorials on the basics of skateboarding, including balance, pushing, turning, and stopping.
- Skating apps: apps like skatespots, skate dice, and skateboard party 3 can be helpful in learning new tricks or locating skateparks near you.
- Skateboarding videos: watch skating videos, which can not only be entertaining but also improving your technique and inspire you to try something new. Websites like thrasher magazine and the berrics have a wide range of skating videos that cater to skateboarders of all levels.
Remember, skateboarding is all about having fun and learning at your own pace. The above-listed resources can help you get started, but the most important thing is to enjoy the process, stay safe, and keep practicing.
Conclusion
Skateboarding can be a fun, exciting, and challenging activity for anyone, regardless of their skill level. With the right mindset, equipment, and guidance, anyone can become a great skateboarder. In this guide, we have covered everything from selecting the right skateboard and gear to practicing and perfecting the most essential tricks.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a solid foundation to start your skateboarding journey. Remember, practice, determination, and patience are key ingredients to becoming a successful skateboarder. So, continue to explore the skateboarding world and have fun while you’re at it.
We hope that this guide has helped you take the first step towards a thrilling skateboarding experience. Keep riding, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!
