How to Ride a Skateboard

Performing some stunts on a skateboard can give a euphoric feeling which no drug can match. Ask most of the skateboarders and they will say that those moments when they rode a skateboard, made them feel like God. Well, it wasn't the case when they started out as beginners though. When trying to learn and perform some stunts, most of the skaters fall and injure themselves. But that does not deter their spirits, with every fall they rise up to take a new plunge in the exhilarating sport of, skateboarding! So, are you ready to learn how to ride a skateboard? Shed all your inhibitions, you will require a lot of determination and passion to be a great skater. So guys and gals, get geared up, we will start on how to ride a skateboard step by step.

How to Ride a Skateboard for Beginners?

Firstly decide on a proper area or surface where you want to practice. Generally you can start practicing on a concrete driveway or sidewalk. Garden or ground will also be fine. Given below are some of the basics which will help you to learn how to ride a skateboard. So let's get started.

Proper Skateboard
As a beginner, selecting the right skateboard is very important. Visit a skateboarding store, the sales men will guide you on the right skateboard for you. You can also decide to make your own skateboard. Usually, a thick and heavy skateboard with less curvature will be easy to balance and control. Make sure the trucks of the skateboard are well-fitted, it will help you to take turns easily. Read more on how to build a complete skateboard.

Proper Gear
Proper gear is necessary, not only for the safety, but also to enhance your skating prowess. Wear shoes which have a flat bottom, it provides a larger area to grip the skateboard. Wear protective gears like skateboarding helmets, knee pads and elbow pads.

Balancing
It's always good to get comfortable with the skateboard first. You can do this on grass, make sure you center both your feet just behind the tail of the skateboard deck. Now try to balance on the board without falling. Try jumping on the skateboard try to get accustom to the shape and size of the skateboard.

Stance
Deciding on a stance which you are comfortable with is most important. Don't decide your stance by looking at your friends. Explore what you are comfortable with because skills can't be borrowed, right. So decide on it yourself. You can either opt for a regular stance by skating with the left foot forward or a goofy stance by skating with right foot forward. Some of you can find the mango stance comfortable which involves pushing with your back foot, rather than front. Decide on the most comfortable and easy stance which help to maintain your balance and flow.

Pushing
Pushing is fairly easy, if you don't confuse yourself. First take your stance on your skateboard. Now just imagine that you are walking. Put your back foot on the ground and push backwards. Then return your feet to the starting position as you roll forward. After getting comfortable with this, start giving more forceful pushes and bend your knees so that you can balance better. Don't be over anxious, enjoy the ride.

Turning
Now, when practicing pushing when you bend your knees try to shift your weight on the right side to turn to the left. Shift your weight to left side to turn right. This is not as easy as it sounds, but don't worry that's when your determination and practice comes in.

Stopping
If you don't learn how to stop you will go and bang yourself on to something. Whenever you are caught in such a situation just take off your back foot and let it drag on to the ground. You can also heel drag when you get more comfortable with the skateboard. Heel drag involves dragging your heel on the ground, with your front half of the foot still on the board. Practice the above things until you get perfect. Once you are proficient with the above mentioned steps, you can start practicing some skateboarding tricks.

You can also read more on

• Skateboard Tricks for Beginners
• Skateboard Tricks and How to do Them
• How to Become a Better Skateboarder

I hope all your doubts on how to ride a skateboard are put to rest. If you find riding a skateboard difficult at first, don't give up. Practice, practice and just practice till you perfect it.