Learning the Basics: Skateboarding for Newbies

Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that combines balance, coordination, and creativity. Whether you want to cruise around town, learn technical tricks, or eventually ride in a skate park, understanding the fundamentals is essential. If you’re new to skateboarding, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right board to mastering your first tricks.

Choosing the Right Skateboard

Before you step on a skateboard, it is crucial to select the right one. Skateboards come in various shapes and sizes, designed for different skating styles.

• Deck Size: Beginners should start with a deck width between 7.5 and 8.5 inches. A wider board provides more stability, making it easier to balance.
• Trucks: These metal components connect the wheels to the deck. For better control, ensure your trucks match your deck’s width.
• Wheels: Softer wheels (78A-87A durometer) are ideal for cruising and rough surfaces, while harder wheels (99A and above) work best for tricks and skateparks.
• Bearings: Bearings affect how smoothly your wheels roll. ABEC-rated bearings are common, with ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 being good for beginners.

Visit a local skate shop for expert advice on the best setup for your needs.

Learning to Stand and Balance

Once you have your skateboard, learning to stand and balance is the first challenge.

1. Find Your Stance: There are two primary stances:

• Regular: Left foot forward, right foot on the tail.
• Goofy: Right foot forward, left foot on the tail. Stand relaxed to determine your stance, and have a friend gently push you from behind. The foot you step forward with first is likely your dominant one.

2. Positioning: Place your front foot near the front bolts and your back foot on the tail. Keep your knees slightly bent and your shoulders aligned with the board.

3. Balance Practice: Stand on the board on a flat surface, like grass or carpet, to get used to the feel before rolling.

Learning to Push and Ride

After getting comfortable standing, it’s time to move.

1. Start Pushing:

• Place your front foot on the board near the front bolts.
• Use your back foot to push off the ground with small, controlled movements.
• Once you gain momentum, place your back foot on the board and shift into your riding stance.

2. Gaining Speed and Control: Keep your pushes even and controlled. If you feel unsteady, slow down and regain balance before pushing again.

3. Stopping: Dragging your back foot on the ground is the easiest way. As you progress, you can learn more advanced stopping techniques, like power slides.

Turning and Carving

Turning, also known as carving, is essential for navigating while riding.

• Leaning to Turn: Apply pressure to your toes or heels to lean the board in the direction you want to turn.
• Kick Turns: Lift the front wheels slightly by pressing on the tail and pivoting the board to make sharper turns.

Practice carving on smooth pavement to get comfortable maneuvering your board.

Learning to Ollie: The Foundation of Skate Tricks

The ollie is the foundation for most skateboarding tricks. It involves popping the skateboard’s tail while sliding your front foot up to lift the board into the air.

Steps to Perform an Ollie:

1. Foot Positioning:

• Place your back foot on the tail.
• Your front foot should be near the middle of the board.

2. Pop the Tail: Press down on the tail with your back foot to make the board snap against the ground.

3. Slide Your Front Foot: Drag your front foot up towards the nose of the board to level it out.

4. Land Smoothly: Bend your knees as you land to absorb the impact.

Practicing ollies on flat ground helps build confidence before trying them while rolling.

Essential Safety Tips

Skateboarding can be risky, so safety should always be a priority.

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
• Skate in Safe Areas: Avoid high-traffic streets and rough pavement when learning.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and watch out for pedestrians, vehicles, and other skaters.
• Warm Up and Stretch: Loosen your muscles before skating to prevent injuries.

Practicing Consistently

Skateboarding is all about practice and persistence. Set aside time daily or a few times a week to develop your skills. Start with the basics and gradually challenge yourself with new tricks.

Helpful Practice Drills:

• Balance Training: Stand on your board without moving to improve stability.
• Pushing and Stopping Reps: Practice pushing and stopping smoothly to gain control.
• Basic Tricks: Once comfortable, work on beginner-friendly tricks like manuals and shove-its.

Progress takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t master something immediately.

Skate Park Etiquette

If you plan on visiting a skate park, following proper etiquette ensures a smooth experience for everyone.

• Wait Your Turn: Parks can be busy, so be respectful and wait before dropping in.
• Avoid Snaking: Cutting in front of another skater is considered rude. Always check your surroundings.
• Help Beginners: More experienced skaters should encourage and assist newcomers.
• Keep the Park Clean: Pick up after yourself and respect the space.

Following these guidelines helps create a welcoming and safe environment for all skaters.

Enjoy the Journey

Skateboarding is about creativity, self-expression, and having fun. Everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t compare yourself to others. Embrace the falls, celebrate small victories, and enjoy the process of improving.

You’ll build confidence and develop your unique style with time, practice, and dedication. Whether cruising the streets, learning tricks, or exploring skate parks, the journey is as exciting as the destination.