Conquering the Concrete Jungle: A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding Tricks
Skateboarding, a seemingly simple act of riding a board, is a world brimming with creativity, athleticism, and a unique sense of freedom. For beginners, the sheer number of tricks can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will break down the fundamentals, providing a step-by-step approach to mastering basic skateboarding tricks, fostering a strong foundation for future progression. We’ll cover crucial safety tips, essential equipment, and a progression of tricks that will build your confidence and skills.
I. Gear Up for Success:
Before even thinking about ollies or kickflips, it’s crucial to have the right equipment. Investing in quality gear not only enhances your experience but also significantly improves safety.
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The Skateboard: Choose a complete skateboard designed for beginners. Avoid overly cheap boards, as they often have inferior components that can lead to frustrating experiences and potential injuries. Look for a board with a slightly wider deck (around 7.75" to 8.25" wide) for increased stability. Trucks should be durable and well-maintained. The wheels should be relatively soft (durometer around 99a or lower) for a smoother ride on rough surfaces.
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Safety Gear: This is non-negotiable. Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, especially when starting out. Falls are inevitable, and proper safety gear can minimize the impact of these unavoidable tumbles. Consider wrist guards as well, particularly for learning tricks that involve falls.
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Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Avoid baggy clothes that could get caught on your board.
II. Mastering the Fundamentals:
Before attempting any tricks, you need a solid understanding of fundamental skateboarding skills. These form the bedrock of your progression.
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Getting Comfortable on the Board: Start by simply standing on the board and getting used to its feel. Practice balancing and shifting your weight. Find your stance (regular – left foot forward, or goofy – right foot forward). Many beginners find it helpful to push around on grass or a smooth, flat surface to get accustomed to the board’s movement.
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Pushing: This is the most fundamental skill. Place your back foot on the tail of the board, using your front foot to push off the ground. Practice pushing smoothly and efficiently, maintaining your balance while gliding. Focus on smooth, controlled movements rather than forceful pushes.
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Turning: Lean your body in the direction you want to turn. Practice both gentle turns and sharper turns. This will improve your balance and control over the board. Experiment with using your body weight versus your feet to initiate turns.
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Stopping: This is crucial for safety. The most common stopping technique for beginners is dragging your back foot on the ground to slow down. Another technique is to gradually shift your weight to the back and use the friction of the board’s tail on the ground. Practice these techniques until you can stop consistently and safely.
III. Level Up: Your First Tricks
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can begin learning simple tricks. Remember, patience and persistence are key. Don’t get discouraged by falls; they are part of the learning process.
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The Manual: This involves balancing on the back two wheels of the board. Start by rolling slowly, then shift your weight back towards the tail of the board, lifting the front wheels off the ground. Keep your knees slightly bent and your body centered over the board. Hold the manual for as long as you can before gently lowering the front wheels. Practice this on grass initially for better stability.
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The Ollie: This is arguably the most fundamental trick in skateboarding. It involves popping the board into the air while jumping on it, making it appear as if you’re jumping with the board. This is a complex trick requiring practice. Begin by practicing the "pop": Start by pushing and then forcefully stomp on the tail of the board while simultaneously jumping. Aim for smooth, consistent pops, then combine this with the jump, aiming to level the board in the air. This will take considerable time and effort to master. Videos and tutorials are extremely helpful here.
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The Pop Shove-it: This involves rotating the board 180 degrees under your feet while maintaining balance. It’s a trick that is best learned after mastering the basic Ollie. This is a trick that utilizes the "pop" of the Ollie but focuses the force on the tail to initiate the spin. Again, videos and practice are key.
IV. Progression and Beyond:
Once you’ve mastered the ollie and pop shove-it, the possibilities are endless. There’s a whole world of tricks waiting to be explored, including:
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Heelflip: A variation of the kickflip, involving flipping the board using your heel.
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Kickflip: Involves flipping the board 360 degrees using the front foot.
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Frontside 180: A 180-degree turn performed while maintaining balance on the board.
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Backside 180: Similar to the frontside 180, but rotated in the opposite direction.
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Grind: Sliding along a rail or ledge using the trucks of the board.
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Lip Tricks: Performing tricks while utilizing the edge of a ramp or quarter pipe.
V. Practice and Patience:
Learning skateboarding takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of patience. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Find a safe, smooth surface to practice on. Start slow and gradually increase the difficulty of the tricks as you progress. Watching skateboarding videos and learning from more experienced skaters can be incredibly helpful. Don’t be afraid to fall – it’s part of the learning curve. And most importantly, have fun!
VI. Finding Your Skate Community:
Connecting with other skaters can significantly boost your progress. Local skateparks are great places to meet other enthusiasts, observe different styles, and learn from more experienced skaters. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice and tips – the skateboarding community is generally very welcoming to newcomers.
Skateboarding is a journey, not a race. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and enjoy the thrill of riding. With consistent practice, patience, and a positive attitude, you’ll be progressing through tricks and conquering the concrete jungle in no time. Remember to always prioritize safety, and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying the unique freedom and creativity that skateboarding offers.
