Before you begin skateboarding you will want to equip yourself with these handy suggestions that will ease your entrance into this sport. A keen sense of balance and movement are required, and the first skill that all skateboarders need to master is learning how to stand. Knowing how to push, move, and turn are also important skills that need to be acquired before you attempt any tricks. By mastering the basics you will enjoy the experience of this popular adrenalin sport.
The wearing of a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads should be considered to be non-negotiable protective items. Since most people fall forward, wearing a wrist guard is a good optional extra since it can prevent a sprained wrist. Your shoes should be sturdy enough to provide adequate ankle protection, and thick enough so that they don’t wear out too quickly, yet still manage to allow you to feel the board with enough sensitivity.
It is important to make sure that your board is the right size for your height, otherwise you may compromise your stability. The width of the board will determine whether you will use it mostly for ramps, street and tricks, or general transport. If you are in doubt about what is the most appropriate board for your needs, you will find that most skateboard shops will usually have an attendant who will be able to assist you in making an informed decision about your purchase.
One of the first things you will want to master is learning how to stand on your board. Most people stand with their left foot in front, which is called “regular”. If you adopted an opposite stance you would be called “goofy”.
The bolts join the trucks to the board. Stand with your feet in the middle by the bolts you will find it easiest to maintain your balance. By keeping your arms outstretched as well as your arms and knees slightly bent, as if you were surfing a wave, you will further increase your stability.
Now that you are on the board, you will want to push-off by always using the toes of your back foot and then quickly replacing your foot in the middle of the rear bolts. If you are adopting a regular stance, keep your left foot slight left of centre as you push-off. You should never push using your front foot, which is said to be adopting a mongo stance, since it encourages bad habits that will slow you down and make you unstable. You can easily gain forward momentum by doing a tic tac.
Moving in a straight line is not much fun, so you will need to also master turning. This is easily done if you lean with your hips as you go through a corner or a bend. Even more important, is that you adjust your weight distribution through your feet to assist your body as you lean through the corner. Lean back on your heels to turn right, and forward on your toes to turn left. Jumping off the board or doing a power slide is an easy way to stop.
Mastering skateboarding will bring a great sense of satisfaction and venues like skating parks will offer a safe place for you to gain the necessary practice. Always seek the advice from an expert before trying anything that is above your level of experience.
If you like skateboarding why not play skateboard games. You can find a lot of free skateboarding games by searching online.