Do you want to learn how to ride a skateboard?Learning how to balance on the board is one of the toughest parts of skateboarding.Improving your ability to balance on a skateboard takes patience and practice, but using some special strategies to improve your balance and getting the right gear can help you on your way.
Step 1: Determine what stance you want to take.
It's important to balance on a skateboard with your preferred stance.The regular and goofy positions are used by skateboarders.Try out two different positions to see what works best for you.If your left foot is forward, you are in the regular position.The position of your right foot is called "goofy" if you are facing left or right.
Step 2: Place your feet behind the bolts.
When you stand on the skateboard, make sure your feet are behind the bolts.This is the best way to position your feet.It's easier to break your board if you put your feet in the middle of it.The bolts that secure your skateboard's wheels to the board should be behind your feet.
Step 3: Stand on a skateboard.
If you want to balance on your skateboard, you need to do it while it is standing still.If you want to keep your skateboard from rolling around too much, place it on some carpet or grass.Stand on a skateboard and work on your balance.You can put something behind the wheels of your skateboard to keep it from moving too much.Put a block of wood on one side of your skateboard or place the board between two cinder blocks.If you still find it difficult to stand on the board even when it isn't moving, you might try holding onto a railing or a wall to steady yourself and work up to standing.One option is to have a friend hold your hand slightly higher than your waist, so you can still feel the movement of the wheels.
Step 4: Shift your weight to work on your balance.
You don't need to lean back and forth to work on your balance.To stay stable on the board, try to keep your body weight centered and shift your weight slightly from your heels to your toes.It's a good idea to keep a slight bend in your knees.It will be easier to balance if your center of gravity is lower to the ground.You need to practice balancing on the board often to improve your balance.Try to practice at least 15 minutes a day.If you want the wheels to roll slower, you can tighten your bearings.You don't have to worry about slipping out on the wheels if you practice getting on and off the board.
Step 5: Push off on a surface.
A level stretch of concrete is an easy way to start balancing on a skateboard.Put the other foot on the ground just in front of the front foot.To move your board and body forward, use your foot to push on the concrete.As you push, keep the center of gravity low.To balance your body weight on the skateboard, bend your knees.You can find a flat sidewalk or skate park that is away from traffic.If you decide to try skating on a surface with an incline, make sure the incline is low so you don't lose control of the board.
Step 6: Put the other foot on the board.
You will need to push your foot onto the board after you push off.Put this foot behind the bolts on your board and keep it turned sideways.It will be easier to balance on the board if you can rock back and forth on your foot in a more stable way.If you push "mongo", keep your front foot planted as you bring the back foot onto the board.
Step 7: Stay on the board.
After you are on the moving board, ride it and do your best to stay balanced until it stops.This shouldn't take long if you are on a flat surface.If you decide to ride your board down a hill, you may need to stop if you start to feel unstable.Step on the tail of the board with your back foot.The tail will come to a stop when this happens.
Step 8: To turn the board, use your heels and toes.
While you are practicing, you can turn the board.Shift your weight slightly from one side of the board to the other to turn it.The board will shift to the right or left depending on which direction your heels are facing.Your board will turn in that direction if you shift your weight to your toes.
Step 9: You should wear skate shoes.
You can skateboard in sneakers, but skate shoes help you stay on the board.The skate shoes make more contact with the board because they are wider than regular sneakers.It is possible that the width of skate shoes will make it easier for you to balance on the board.Most sporting good stores and department stores have skate shoes for sale.
Step 10: Get a custom made skateboard.
Skateboards are widely available, but you may want to consider getting a custom made skateboard, or at least purchasing one from a skateboard shop.You can ask questions and get help from people who are knowledgeable about skateboards.It is possible to get advice on the best type of skateboard.For example, you may prefer a skateboard that can be used on dirt rails for mountain boarding, or you can just use it in a skate park and on sidewalks.You may have an easier time balancing on your skateboard if you get a custom skateboard.
Step 11: It is recommended that you wear a helmet and protective padding.
Skateboarding can be dangerous if you don't wear the proper gear.When skateboarding, wear a helmet, wrist guards, and elbow pads.When you are first learning how to skateboard, wearing these special items will help protect you when you fall.Make sure you wear a helmet that complies with the standard for skateboard helmets.To be sure, check the tag on the helmet.If you feel more confident, you will be less likely to get a serious head injury or broken wrist because you won't be wearing protective gear.