Learn Skateboarding: From Basics to Advanced Techniques

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Jul 31, 2023
12 min read

Skateboarding: A Fun and Healthy Hobby for Everyone

Skateboarding is an action sport that involves riding a board with four wheels and performing various tricks and maneuvers. Skateboarding originated in the 1950s in California as a way for surfers to have fun when the waves were flat. Since then, skateboarding has become a global phenomenon that attracts millions of enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Skateboarding is not only a fun and exciting hobby, but also a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Skateboarding can help you develop your balance, coordination, strength, endurance, flexibility, creativity, and confidence. Skateboarding can also relieve stress, boost your mood, and connect you with a supportive and diverse community.

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There are many different styles and types of skateboarding that suit different preferences and abilities. Some of the most popular ones are:

Park skateboarding: This involves skating in specially designed skate parks with ramps, rails, ledges, bowls, and other obstacles.

Vert skateboarding: This involves skating on vertical ramps or half-pipes that allow skaters to perform aerial tricks.

Street skateboarding: This involves skating on urban environments with natural or man-made features such as stairs, curbs, benches, walls, etc.

Cruiser skateboarding: This involves skating on smooth surfaces with longboards or cruiser boards that are designed for speed and comfort.

Freestyle skateboarding: This involves skating on flat ground with small boards that are ideal for performing tricks such as flips, spins, slides, etc.

In this article, we will provide you with some useful information and tips on how to get started with skateboarding or improve your existing skills. We will cover the following topics:

Skateboarding Equipment

Before you start skating, you need to have the right equipment that will ensure your safety and performance. Here are the main components of a skateboard and how to choose them:

Deck / Board

The deck or board is the wooden platform that you stand on when skating. It comes in various shapes, sizes, materials, and designs depending on the type of skating you want to do. Generally speaking, wider boards are more stable and suitable for beginners or park skaters, while narrower boards are more agile and suitable for street skaters or advanced riders. The length of the board also affects its maneuverability and. balance. Shorter boards are easier to carry and flip, while longer boards are smoother and faster. The material of the board can be either solid wood or laminated layers of wood, plastic, or fiberglass. The design of the board can be plain or colorful, with graphics or logos that reflect your personality and style.

Trucks / Axles

The trucks or axles are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the board. They consist of a baseplate, a hanger, a kingpin, and bushings. They allow you to turn and steer the board by adjusting the pressure on your feet. The width of the trucks should match the width of the board, and the height of the trucks should match the size of the wheels. The tightness of the trucks can be adjusted by using a skate tool or a wrench. Tighter trucks are more stable and suitable for beginners or speed skaters, while looser trucks are more responsive and suitable for advanced or trick skaters.

Wheels / Bearings

The wheels or bearings are the round parts that attach to the trucks and allow the board to roll. They come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and materials depending on the type of skating you want to do. Generally speaking, larger wheels are faster and smoother, while smaller wheels are slower and more agile. The hardness of the wheels is measured by a scale called durometer, which ranges from 0 to 100. Softer wheels are more grippy and suitable for rough surfaces, while harder wheels are more slippery and suitable for smooth surfaces. The bearings are the metal rings that fit inside the wheels and reduce friction and noise. They are rated by a scale called ABEC, which ranges from 1 to 9. Higher ABEC ratings mean higher precision and speed, but also higher cost and maintenance.

How to learn skateboarding tricks for beginners

Best skateboarding shoes for comfort and performance

Skateboarding helmets and pads for safety and style

Skateboarding videos and podcasts to watch and listen

Skateboarding magazines and blogs to follow and read

Skateboarding games and apps to play and enjoy

Skateboarding events and competitions to attend and participate

Skateboarding parks and spots to visit and explore

Skateboarding history and culture to learn and appreciate

Skateboarding brands and products to buy and support

How to build a skateboarding ramp at home

How to clean and maintain a skateboarding deck

How to choose the right skateboarding wheels for different terrains

How to customize a skateboarding board with stickers and paint

How to improve your skateboarding balance and coordination

How to do a kickflip on a skateboard

How to do a heelflip on a skateboard

How to do a 360 flip on a skateboard

How to do a varial flip on a skateboard

How to do a hardflip on a skateboard

How to do a frontside pop shove-it on a skateboard

How to do a backside pop shove-it on a skateboard

How to do a frontside 180 ollie on a skateboard

How to do a backside 180 ollie on a skateboard

How to do a nollie on a skateboard

How to do a fakie ollie on a skateboard

How to do a switch ollie on a skateboard

How to do a nose manual on a skateboard

How to do a tail manual on a skateboard

How to do a nose grind on a skateboard

How to do a tail slide on a skateboard

How to do a crooked grind on a skateboard

How to do a darkslide on a skateboard

How to do an ollie north on a skateboard

How to do an ollie south on a skateboard

How to do an impossible on a skateboard

How to do an inward heelflip on a skateboard

How to do an outward heelflip on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late flip on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late shove-it on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late 180 on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late body varial on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late finger flip on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late under flip on a skateboard

How to do an ollie late pressure flip on a skateboard

Skateboarding tips and tricks from pro skaters

Skateboarding injuries and how to prevent them

Skateboarding benefits for physical and mental health

Skateboarding styles and disciplines explained

Safety Gear / Accessories

The safety gear or accessories are the items that protect you from injuries and enhance your skating experience. They include:

Helmet: A helmet is a must-have for any skater, as it protects your head from serious damage in case of a fall or a collision. You should choose a helmet that fits snugly on your head, covers your forehead, and has vents for ventilation. You should also replace your helmet every few years or after a major impact.

Pads: Pads are optional but highly recommended for skaters, especially beginners or park skaters. They protect your knees, elbows, and wrists from cuts, bruises, and fractures. You should choose pads that fit comfortably on your joints, have straps or velcro for adjustment, and have hard shells or foam for cushioning.

Shoes: Shoes are essential for skaters, as they provide traction, support, and comfort for your feet. You should choose shoes that have flat soles, durable uppers, reinforced toes, and padded tongues and collars. You should also avoid shoes that have heels, laces, or slippery materials.

Others: Other accessories that you may want to have are gloves, sunglasses, backpacks, stickers, tools, wax, etc.

The best brands and shops for skateboarding equipment depend on your personal preference and budget. Some of the most popular ones are:

BrandProductWebsite

ElementDecks / Boards[

IndependentTrucks / Axles[

BonesWheels / Bearings[

Tony HawkHelmet / Pads[

VansShoes / Clothing[

ZumiezOnline Shop / Accessories[

Skate WarehouseOnline Shop / Accessories[

Local Skate ShopOffline Shop / AccessoriesN/A

Skateboarding Tricks

Skateboarding tricks are the moves that you can perform on your skateboard, either on the ground or in the air. Skateboarding tricks can be classified into different categories, such as ollies, flips, grinds, slides, grabs, spins, etc. Skateboarding tricks can also be combined or modified to create new variations and styles.

Skateboarding tricks require a lot of practice, patience, and courage. They also depend on your skill level, equipment, and environment. Here are some of the basic, intermediate, and advanced tricks that you can try:

Basic Tricks

The basic tricks are the ones that every beginner should learn first, as they form the foundation for more complex tricks. They include:

Ollie: The ollie is the most fundamental trick in skateboarding. It involves popping the tail of the board with your back foot and sliding your front foot forward to lift the board off the ground. The ollie can be done on flat ground or over obstacles.

Manual: The manual is a trick that involves balancing on the back or front wheels of the board while rolling. The manual can be done on flat ground or on ramps or ledges.

Kickturn: The kickturn is a trick that involves turning the board by lifting the front or back wheels and pivoting on the other wheels. The kickturn can be done on flat ground or on ramps or walls.

Drop-in: The drop-in is a trick that involves starting from the top of a ramp or a bowl and rolling down into it. The drop-in requires a lot of confidence and commitment, as it can be scary and dangerous.

Intermediate Tricks

The intermediate tricks are the ones that will challenge your skills and creativity. They include:

Heelflip: The heelflip is a trick that involves flipping the board with your heel while doing an ollie. The heelflip can be done on flat ground or over obstacles.

50-50: The 50-50 is a trick that involves grinding on a rail or a ledge with both trucks of the board. The 50-50 can be done on straight or curved rails or ledges.

Boardslide: The boardslide is a trick that involves sliding on a rail or a ledge with the bottom of the board. The boardslide can be done on straight or curved rails or ledges.

Melon Grab: The melon grab is a trick that involves grabbing the board with your back hand between your legs while doing an aerial maneuver. The melon grab can be done on ramps or half-pipes.

Advanced Tricks

The advanced tricks are the ones that will impress your friends and spectators. They include:

Hardflip: The hardflip is a trick that involves flipping the board with your front foot while doing an ollie and spinning it 180 degrees. The hardflip can be done on flat ground or over obstacles.

Crooked Grind: The crooked grind is a trick that involves grinding on a rail or a ledge with one truck of the board tilted at an angle. The crooked grind can be done on straight or curved rails or ledges.

Bluntslide: The bluntslide is a trick that involves sliding on a rail or a ledge with the tail of the board. The bluntslide can be done on straight or curved rails or ledges.

360 Flip: The 360 flip is a trick that involves flipping the board with your back foot while doing an ollie and spinning it 360 degrees. The 360 flip can be done on flat ground or over obstacles.

Skateboarding Tips

Skateboarding tips are the advice and suggestions that can help you improve your skating experience and avoid common mistakes and injuries. Here are some of them:

Find the Best Places and Times to Skate

The best places and times to skate depend on your preference and availability. Some of the factors that you should consider are:

The type of skating you want to do: If you want to do park skating, you should look for skate parks near you that have ramps, rails, bowls, and other features. If you want to do street skating, you should look for urban spots that have stairs, curbs, benches, walls, and other obstacles. If you want to do cruiser skating, you should look for smooth roads or paths that have scenic views and minimal traffic.

The weather and season: If you want to skate outdoors, you should check the weather forecast and choose a day that is sunny and dry. You should also avoid skating in the winter or rainy season, as the cold and wet conditions can damage your board and increase the risk of slipping and falling.

The crowd and noise: If you want to skate peacefully and quietly, you should look for places and times that are less crowded and noisy. You should also avoid skating in places that are prohibited or restricted, as you may face fines or penalties from the authorities or property owners.

Avoid Common Mistakes and Injuries

The common mistakes and injuries that skaters face are usually caused by lack of experience, knowledge, or preparation. Some of the ways to avoid them are:

Warm up and stretch: Before you start skating, you should warm up your muscles and joints by doing some light exercises and stretches. This will help you prevent cramps, strains, and sprains.

Wear proper gear: As mentioned earlier, you should always wear a helmet and pads when skating, as they will protect you from serious injuries in case of a fall or a collision. You should also wear shoes that fit well and have good grip and support.

Learn the basics: Before you attempt any tricks or maneuvers, you should master the basics of skating, such as pushing, turning, stopping, and balancing. You should also learn how to fall safely and roll out of impact.

Practice gradually: You should not rush into learning new tricks or skating on new terrains. You should practice gradually and progressively, starting from easy to hard, and from flat to steep. You should also practice in a safe and controlled environment, such as a skate park or a parking lot.

Seek guidance: You should not hesitate to seek guidance from other skaters, especially those who are more experienced or skilled than you. You can ask them for tips, feedback, or demonstrations. You can also watch online videos or read online articles that teach you how to skate better.

Improve Your Style and Technique

The style and technique of skating are the aspects that make you stand out from other skaters. They reflect your personality, creativity, and flair. Some of the ways to improve them are:

Experiment: You should not limit yourself to one style or type of skating. You should experiment with different boards, wheels, trucks, tricks, terrains, etc. You should also try to mix and match different elements and create your own combinations and variations.

Express: You should not be afraid to express yourself through your skating. You should skate with confidence, passion, and fun. You should also skate with music, colors, graphics, or accessories that suit your mood and taste.

Evaluate: You should not be satisfied with your current level of skating. You should always evaluate your performance and look for areas of improvement. You should also set goals and challenges for yourself and track your progress and achievements.

Conclusion

Skateboarding is a fun and healthy hobby for everyone. It can help you improve your physical and mental health, as well as your social and creative skills. Skateboarding can also provide you with endless possibilities of enjoyment and adventure.

To start skating or improve your skating, you need to have the right equipment, learn the basic tricks, avoid common mistakes and injuries, and improve your style and technique. You also need to find the best places and times to skate, seek guidance from other skaters, and experiment with different styles and types of skating.

We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on skateboarding. If you want to learn more about skateboarding, you can check out some of these resources:

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FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about skateboarding:

How old do you have to be to start skateboarding?

There is no age limit for skateboarding. You can start skateboarding at any age, as long as you are physically able and willing to learn. However, it is recommended that children under 5 years old are supervised by an adult when skating.

How long does it take to learn skateboarding?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on various factors such as your skill level, equipment, environment, frequency, and motivation. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to learn the basics of skateboarding, such as pushing, turning, stopping, and ollieing. It can take longer to learn more advanced tricks and maneuvers, such as flips, grinds, slides, and spins.

How much does skateboarding cost?

The cost of skateboarding can vary depending on the quality and quantity of your equipment and accessories. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around $100 to $200 for a complete skateboard setup, which includes a board, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and grip tape. You can also expect to spend around $50 to $100 for safety gear, such as a helmet and pads. You may also need to spend some money on shoes, clothing, tools, wax, stickers, etc.

Is skateboarding dangerous or illegal?

Skateboarding is not inherently dangerous or illegal, as long as you skate responsibly and respectfully. However, skateboarding does involve some risks and challenges that you should be aware of and prepared for. Some of the potential dangers and difficulties of skateboarding are:

Injuries: Skateboarding can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious fractures and concussions. You can reduce the risk of injuries by wearing proper gear, learning how to fall safely, and avoiding skating beyond your limits.

Accidents: Skateboarding can cause accidents involving other skaters, pedestrians, vehicles, or property. You can prevent accidents by skating in designated areas, following the rules and etiquette of skating, and being alert and courteous.

Legal issues: Skateboarding can cause legal issues if you skate in prohibited or restricted areas, such as private property, public parks, sidewalks, or streets. You can avoid legal issues by skating in legal and approved areas, respecting the signs and authorities, and obtaining permission when necessary.

How can I join a skateboarding community or event?

Skateboarding is a social activity that can connect you with a supportive and diverse community of skaters. There are many ways to join a skateboarding community or event, such as:

Social media: You can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Reddit to follow skaters that inspire you, share your skating videos or photos, join skating groups or forums, or find skating events or contests near you.

Skate shops: You can visit skate shops near you to buy or rent equipment or accessories, get advice or tips from the staff or customers, or find out about skating events or contests in your area.

Skate parks: You can go to skate parks near you to practice your skills, meet other skaters, learn from them, or join them for a session or a game.

Skate schools: You can enroll in skate schools near you to learn the basics or improve your skills, get coaching or feedback from professional instructors, or participate in skating events or contests organized by the school.

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