How To Get Started Skateboarding

HOW TO START SKATEBOARDING.

So you're looking to get started skateboarding? Well the first thing you need to know is that it doesn't matter what style of skateboarding you want to do, whether it be Vert, Transition, Street, etc. We all have to start with the basics, because nobody in history has ever stepped on a skateboard for the first time, and immediately gotten signed by Nike. So let me give you some helpful tips to get you off to a good start. As a disclaimer before this article, I am not currently signed by Nike. Also before you start skateboarding you have to know that you are going to fall... A lot.

Step 1: Buying your first board.

Sounds easy enough right? You'll just go down to Walmart and buy one of their skateboards and be through step 1 right? WRONG! I Literally can not stress this enough NEVER buy a skateboard from Walmart, Target or any other store of that nature. Go into a skate shop and they will usually be able to help you out in picking out your first board. Be prepared to spend about $130 on your first skateboard, don't be cheap your first board usually lasts you the longest. For a beginner I would usually recommend an 8.0 Deck as it will be just about the middle of board widths. I would also recommend investing in some Independent trucks because they will last you just about forever. Then I would recommend some Red's bearings as they are not too expensive and deliver the best performance in their price range. I would then recommend some nice hard wheels I my personal preference are bones but any brand will do. I would recommend wheels that are sizes 53mm-56mm because they will be big enough to get over cracks but not too big to where they weigh down your board.

Step 2: Figure Out Which Foot to Put Forwards

Without thinking about it, Step up onto a curb or step. Which foot did you put first? If you put your left foot on the curb first that means it is your dominant foot and will be the foot you place towards the front of your board. If this is true then you have what is referred too as a "regular" stance. Contrary to this, having your right foot forward, would be referred to as a "goofy" stance.

Step 3: Getting on Your Board and Pushing

DON'T ever step across your board when getting on you will be off balance. Let me elaborate. I am goofy footed, so when I get on my board it is on the right side of my body. I place my right foot on the front four bolts. I then push off with my left foot. It is important to know that once you have put your back foot on the board your front foot must swivel to be perpendicular to the skateboard. If it does not swivel you will be left off balance and fall.

Step 4: Turning 

There are two main methods to turn on a skateboard the first and easiest method you should learn is simply leaning. When you lean in the direction you want to go your board will go with you. It is very important that you trust in your skateboard because any hesitation can lead to you falling and hurting yourself. The second way to turn is a bit more complicated. You apply pressure to the back/tail of your board while lifting slightly on the front, all the while turning your body to make the skateboard swivel on it's rear truck. The truck its the metal T holding your skateboard together.

Step 5: Falling with Style

There's no way to avoid it, when skateboarding, you're just going to fall. But to be able to fall hard and get back up you have to know how to fall. Falling is probably the most important thing my father has ever taught me. To fall properly and avoid serious injuries, you must tuck your shoulder and roll. It may sound silly but you can practice this by literally throwing yourself at the ground and trying to roll. If you doubt the validity of tucking and rolling I dare you to try and fall flat on the ground and then compare it rolling. I guarantee that you will be rolling the rest of your life afterwards.

To Conclude:

I have taught you the very basics of skateboarding. You are by no means an expert now, so it's up to you to see what direction you want to take your skateboarding in. But always remember skateboarding is always just for fun so don't take it too seriously just enjoy skating.

Pictures:

1.) https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjZz4mPwqbWAhXCWSYKHbcOArwQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grindtv.com%2Fskateboarding%2Fnew-footage-shows-aaron-jaws-homoki-landing-possibly-his-biggest-ollie-yet%2F&psig=AFQjCNFLbdU-Bzdr8iX07SLFL9dEPtQz2Q&ust=1505541707506809

2.) https://aliferevived.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/stepups.gif

3.)https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6ZeJ7CcyKkM/hqdefault.jpg

4.)https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0HwlhGOxsE0/maxresdefault.jpg