How to Ride a Skateboard

Skateboarding is one of the most iconic and popular street sports which has gone on to inspire generations of youngsters and left its decipherable mark on movies and music as well. Mastering the art of skateboarding takes time and will, beginners might find themselves getting demotivated if they do not follow the correct tips and tricks. Before one can master a perfect ‘Ollie’ one must learn the basics that have been described in detail below, to help skateboarding enthusiasts hone their skills.

1 Finding the Right Skateboard

Skateboards come in a variety of sizes and can be both cheap and expensive. It is essential for every skateboard enthusiast out there to find the one best suited for them. The two widely available skateboard types are the: longboard and the regular skateboards.

Regular skateboards have curved noses and tails, and a concave bend to help land those neat tricks on skateboard ramps that we see in movies. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and most are usually about 31″ in length and 8″ width. These are the boards’ pros use to show off their skateboarding skills at the skate park.

Longboards are also known as cruisers and are twice as long as regular skateboards, thus are more secure and stable than regular skateboards. Beginners need to buy for they are easiest to master and maneuver, these can only be used to skate on plain streets and alleys.

Finding the Right Shoes for Skating

Skateboarding shoes have a sturdy and solid side with a flat bottom, this helps to maintain balance. They are usually sold by brands like Converse, Vans, Nike, etc. Remember to never skate in flip-flops or sandals, they restrict movement and can come off easily causing one to topple and hurt themselves. An item such as skateboard grip tape will help you stay on the board, ultimately assisting in your balance.

Taking Proper Precautions

Being a beginner means one is going to lose balance and fall down flat on their faces quite a number of times. Ensure you are well protected from any fatal injuries by equipping yourself with the proper safety gear. Helmets, protective pads, and grip tapes are the three most essential safety gears when it comes to skateboarding. Some states in the US like California legally require skateboarders to wear helmets while skating on the streets. Make sure your safety gears are securely fastened so they do not come off and can absorb the maximum impact in case of a fall.

Balancing on a Skateboard

The best possible way to develop balance on a skateboard for beginners is to go slow on the by doing the ‘Penguin walk’. This entails putting one foot on the tail and the other on the head of the board and slowly waddling like a penguin.Another safe way is to get up on the board with one foot and try to balance by kicking with the other.

Turning

Turning is a rather easy task to accomplish once you have successfully learned to achieve proper balance. Take small turns by slightly pushing on the tail of the board with one foot and using the other to guide your way. Do not attempt to take sharp and quick turns as a beginner stick to small and gradual turns.

Conclusion

Skateboarding is a fun way to inculcate some physical activity in your daily life. Once you have the basics nailed down it is only a matter of time before you start doing complicated twists and turns, earning yourself a name at your local skater’s park.