How to Start Skateboarding: A Beginner's Guide
Skateboarding is an action sport that involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard, as well as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2009 report found that the skateboarding market is worth an estimated $4.8 billion in annual revenue, with 11.08 million active skateboarders in the world. In 2016, it was announced that skateboarding would be represented at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, for both male and female teams.
Skateboarding is not only a fun and exciting sport, but also a great way to improve your physical and mental health, express your creativity, and make new friends. Skateboarding can help you develop your balance, strength, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and confidence. It can also relieve stress, boost your mood, stimulate your brain, and inspire you to try new things. Skateboarding is also a green and affordable way to get around town, as it does not require any fuel or parking fees.
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To start skateboarding, you will need a skateboard that suits your style, preference, and skill level. You will also need some protective gear, such as a helmet, pads, and shoes. You will also need to learn some basic techniques, such as how to stand on your board, how to push and ride, how to turn and stop, and how to throw down your board. You will also need to find a safe and suitable place to practice, such as a skatepark or a parking lot. You can also learn from online guides or other skaters who can teach you tips and tricks.
Types of Skateboards
There are two main categories of skateboards: longboards and shortboards. Within each category are multiple sub-styles, based on length, width, wheel style, and application.
Longboards
Longboards are typically longer and wider than shortboards, making them better for cruising, commuting, or taking long trips downhill. Longboards are stable, balanced, and easy to maneuver. They have larger wheels that can roll over rough surfaces smoothly. Longboards come in different shapes and sizes, such as pintails, drop-throughs, drop-downs, dancers, freerides, downhillers, etc.
Shortboards
Shortboards are typically shorter and narrower than longboards, making them better for doing tricks or riding in tight spaces. Shortboards are agile, responsive, and versatile. They have smaller wheels that can spin faster and offer more grip. Shortboards come in different shapes and sizes, such as popsicles, cruisers, old-schools, miniatures, etc.
Cruiser Boards
Cruiser boards are a type of shortboard that are designed for casual riding and transportation. They have a simple shape and a kicktail that allows them to turn easily and navigate obstacles. They have soft wheels that can absorb shocks and provide a smooth ride. Cruiser boards are ideal for beginners. Electric Skateboards
Electric skateboards are a type of skateboard that use a battery-powered motor to propel the board. Electric skateboards can be controlled by a wireless remote, a smartphone app, or even your body weight. Electric skateboards can offer a fast, convenient, and fun way to travel, especially for short distances or urban areas. Electric skateboards come in different shapes and sizes, such as longboards, shortboards, or all-terrain boards.
Basic Techniques
Before you can start doing tricks on your skateboard, you need to master some basic techniques that will help you ride smoothly and safely. Here are some of the essential skills you should learn:
Skateboard Stance
Your skateboard stance is how you position your feet on the board. There are two main types of stance: regular and goofy. Regular stance means you have your left foot in front and your right foot in the back, while goofy stance means you have your right foot in front and your left foot in the back. To find out which stance is more natural for you, try this simple test: stand with your feet together and have someone push you from behind. Whichever foot you step forward with is your dominant foot, and that should be your front foot on the board.
There are also four different ways to ride your skateboard: natural, nollie, switch, and fakie. Natural stance is when you ride with your dominant foot in front and your regular or goofy stance. Nollie stance is when you ride with your dominant foot on the nose of the board and pop off the nose for tricks. Switch stance is when you ride opposite to your natural stance, as if you were writing with your non-dominant hand. Fakie stance is when you ride in your natural stance but in reverse, as if you were rolling backwards.
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Pushing and Riding
To start moving on your skateboard, you need to push with your back foot and balance with your front foot. Place your front foot near the bolts of the front truck, at a slight angle. Then, place your back foot on the ground and push off with it, keeping it close to the board. As you gain speed, bring your back foot onto the board and adjust your front foot to be parallel with the board. Keep your knees bent and your arms relaxed as you ride.
Turning and Stopping
To turn on your skateboard, you can use two methods: leaning or kickturning. Leaning is when you shift your weight to one side of the board, causing it to tilt and change direction. This works best when you are riding fast or on smooth surfaces. Kickturning is when you use your back foot to lift the front wheels off the ground and pivot the board in the air. This works best when you are riding slow or on rough surfaces.
To stop on your skateboard, you can use several methods: dragging, braking, or powersliding. Dragging is when you use your back foot to gently touch the ground and slow down. This works best when you are riding slow or on flat surfaces. Braking is when you use your back foot to press down on the tail of the board and scrape it against the ground. This works best when you are riding fast or on downhill surfaces. Powersliding is when you turn the board sideways while in motion and skid to a stop. This works best when you are riding very fast or on smooth surfaces.
Throwing Down Your Board
Throwing down your board is a technique that allows you to start riding without pushing. It involves tossing your board onto the ground and jumping onto it in one fluid motion. To do this, hold your board by the nose with one hand and swing it forward as if you were throwing a frisbee. As soon as the wheels touch the ground, jump onto the board with both feet and ride away.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you have learned some basic techniques, here are some tips and tricks that will help you improve your skateboarding skills:
Finding the Right Place to Learn
The best place to learn skateboarding is a safe and suitable spot that has enough space, smooth surface, and no traffic or obstacles. Some examples are skateparks, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, or schoolyards. Avoid places that have cracks, rocks, sand, water, or people that could interfere with your skating.
Practicing Safely and Confidently
To practice skateboarding safely and confidently, you should always wear protective gear, such as a helmet, pads, and shoes. You should also check your board for any damage or loose parts before riding. You should also warm up your muscles and joints with some stretches and exercises. You should also start with the basics and gradually progress to more advanced skills. You should also practice regularly and consistently, at least 15 minutes a day. You should also have fun and enjoy the process of learning.
Learning from Online Guides or Other Skaters
To learn skateboarding faster and better, you can use online guides or other skaters as your sources of inspiration and instruction. Online guides, such as videos, blogs, or podcasts, can provide you with valuable tips, tricks, and tutorials on how to skate. You can watch or read them at your own pace and convenience. Other skaters, such as friends, mentors, or professionals, can give you feedback, advice, and encouragement on how to improve. You can skate with them in person or follow them on social media.
Trying New Tricks and Styles
To challenge yourself and expand your skateboarding horizons, you can try new tricks and styles that suit your personality and preferences. There are hundreds of tricks and styles that you can learn and master, such as ollies, kickflips, grinds, slides, manuals, etc. You can also create your own tricks and styles by combining or modifying existing ones. To learn new tricks and styles, you can use online guides or other skaters as your references. You can also practice them in a safe and suitable spot with enough space and obstacles.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is a sport that anyone can learn and enjoy. It can provide you with many benefits, such as improving your health, creativity, and confidence. To start skateboarding, you need to choose a skateboard that fits your style and skill level. You also need to learn some basic techniques, such as how to stand, push, ride, turn, stop, and throw down your board. You also need to find a safe and suitable place to practice. You can also use online guides or other skaters as your resources for learning tips and tricks. You can also try new tricks and styles that challenge you and express yourself.
If you are interested in skateboarding, I hope this article has given you some useful information and motivation to start your journey. Skateboarding is a fun and rewarding sport that can enrich your life in many ways. So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and start skating!
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about skateboarding:
Q: How old do you have to be to start skateboarding?
A: There is no age limit for skateboarding. You can start skateboarding at any age, as long as you are physically able and mentally willing. However, some factors that may affect your ability and safety are your height, weight, balance, coordination, and vision. You may also need parental consent and supervision if you are under 18 years old.
Q: How much does a skateboard cost?
A: The cost of a skateboard depends on the quality, brand, and style of the board and its components. A complete skateboard that comes with a deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, and hardware can range from $50 to $200. A custom skateboard that allows you to choose and assemble your own parts can range from $80 to $300. You can also buy used or second-hand skateboards for cheaper prices.
Q: How long does it take to learn skateboarding?
A: The time it takes to learn skateboarding varies from person to person, depending on their skill level, learning style, and practice frequency. Some people may learn the basics in a few days or weeks, while others may take months or years. The key is to practice regularly and consistently, at least 15 minutes a day. You should also set realistic goals and measure your progress.
Q: How do I avoid getting hurt while skateboarding?
A: Skateboarding is an inherently risky sport that involves falling and getting injured. However, you can reduce the risk and severity of injuries by following these tips: - Wear protective gear, such as a helmet, pads, and shoes. - Check your board for any damage or loose parts before riding. - Warm up your muscles and joints with some stretches and exercises. - Start with the basics and gradually progress to more advanced skills. - Find a safe and suitable place to practice - Skate in a controlled and responsible manner, avoiding collisions with other skaters, pedestrians, or vehicles. - Learn how to fall properly and safely, by rolling, sliding, or tucking your body. - Seek medical attention if you get seriously hurt or experience any signs of concussion.
Q: How do I clean and maintain my skateboard?
A: To keep your skateboard in good condition and performance, you should clean and maintain it regularly. Here are some steps you can follow: - Wipe off any dirt or dust from your board with a damp cloth or a soft brush. - Remove the wheels and bearings from the trucks and clean them with a rag or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a bearing cleaner kit or a bearing lubricant to remove any dirt or rust and improve the speed and smoothness of the wheels. - Tighten or loosen the trucks according to your preference. You can use a skate tool or a wrench to adjust the kingpin nut that controls the tension of the trucks. You can also replace the bushings if they are worn out or damaged. - Replace the grip tape if it is peeling off, torn, or dirty. You can use a hair dryer or a heat gun to soften the adhesive and peel off the old grip tape. Then, you can apply a new sheet of grip tape over the deck and cut off the excess with a razor blade. - Replace any broken or worn-out parts, such as the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, etc. You can buy new parts from skate shops or online stores.
Graphic Art
I have created a graphic art of a skateboard with a cool design for you. I hope you like it.
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