Believe it or not, skateboarding equals a complete workout session. Not only does it help build muscular strength, but it also improves the cardiovascular system.
That is why it is essential to learn to skateboard at some point in life. I used to be in love with this sport in my childhood days and searched for opportunities to hit the road with my skateboard whenever I could.
The reason why I found it to be so fascinating is that it offers numerous health benefits and helps relieve stress while improving body coordination. So, last week, on my nephew’s birthday, I decided to present him with a skateboard. But, I noticed that he wasn’t too excited about it.
I took it upon myself to teach him how to ride a skateboard hoping that he would eventually start appreciating it. Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be covering the topic of how to ride a skateboard for beginners.
Now, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of riding a skateboard, let’s look at the protective equipment you would need.
A quality pair of skate shoes have slip-resistant rubber soles that hold on to the grip tape and prevent shocks from moving up your feet. Thick midsoles and padded tongues are also helpful in protecting your ankles from obstacles and spinning boards.
Don’t be afraid to fall, as pads minimize the severity of the burns, bruises, scrapes, and cuts. Just ensure that your pads are cushioned sufficiently so that they can take multiple hits.
The purpose of wrist guards can’t be overlooked as it minimizes the chances of breaking or twisting your wrists when you fall while skating. I know a lot of skaters don’t wear them. But, if you are a beginner and haven’t mastered how to fall properly, I highly suggest wearing wrist guards.
Last but not least, you should never forget your helmet at home. A skateboarding helmet should cover your forehead and fasten tightly under your chin.
To check if it’s tight enough or not, try putting two fingers between your chin and the strap. If you can do so, it means that it is not tight.
Also, ensure that your helmet is durable, so that it can take multiple hits.
Keep in mind that, just like any other skill, mastering the art of skateboarding requires practice and a lot of patience. For beginners, it’s mandatory to learn the basics before trying new tricks. So, follow these steps to ride a skateboard safely.
Firstly, you have to settle on a stance. In general, there are two types of standing positions: goofy and regular.
When you skate with your right foot forward and push with the left, it means goofy. On the other hand, regular means skating with your left foot forward and pushing the skateboard with your right foot.
In order to determine the ideal stance for yourself, stand up straight, and ask someone to push you lightly from the back. Now, whichever foot you are comfortable with is going to be your lead foot.
Ensure that you are on level concrete and then stand on your board. Now, place your front foot towards the board’s nose and use your back foot to thrust alongside and move forward.
To gain momentum, push numerous times. However, I wouldn’t suggest moving too fast since you are a beginner.
Once you have achieved a little speed, keep your back foot on the tail in a way that it is 90 degrees to the deck. Since your back foot is on the board, try placing your front foot in the same position as the back foot.
Keeping your feet on the skateboard, bend in the desired direction by exerting pressure on your toes or heels. Ensure that you keep your weight centered on the deck to prevent getting off balance when the board turns.
Lastly, you need to learn how to stop when in motion. All you need to do is take your back foot off the skateboard’s tail and gently keep it on the ground aligned to the board on the toe side. Then, apply pressure on your back foot and pull it back till the skateboard stops.
After you learn how to ride a skateboard, follow these useful tips to develop your skills as a skater.
You need to learn to stay on the board before jumping with it. Since you are fairly new to skateboarding, you must focus on learning how to skate instead of getting straight into performing ollies.
Ensure that you have learned the basics first, and only then think about skateboarding tricks. Don’t worry, with enough practice; you will soon get there.
Everybody learns at different paces. So, instead of comparing yourself with others, focus on what you are doing and make sure to track the progress. You might not be good at it now, but trust me, one day, you will.
One of the most effective ways of learning fast is understanding your mistakes and correcting them. And the only way you can do that is by filming yourself.
Be it a smartphone or an action camera, filming your early skateboarding moves isn’t such a bad idea.
That brings me to the end of my guide; hopefully you enjoyed reading it.
Before I sign off, here’s my last piece of advice. Make sure that you wear all the protective gear, including the helmet, wrist guards, pads, and skate shoes, before you go off to skate.
On that note, I think I will teach my nephew a few tricks. Take care, bye!
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