Ready To Skateboarding

1.Master Getting on and off the Board Before you get moving, It's important to learn how to get on and off the skateboard. And try not to get discouraged: you may need to spend half or all of a single session (or multiple ones) dedicated to the basics. Front foot on: Place one foot on the front of the board, covering two of the bolts and leaving the other two visible. This is your "sweet spot" for finding balance. Next, bend the knees and lift the opposite foot a single inch off the ground. The foot should be parallel to the board. Put the foot back on the ground again. "Practice this motion until you feel confident", "See how long you can balance on the board with that forward foot". Back foot on: Once you're confident balancing on your front foot, it's time for the back foot. While balancing on the front foot, place the other foot on the back of the board, or slightly behind the "trucks" (the T-shaped pieces that mount to the underside of the skateboard). As the front foot points forwards, the back foot will naturally turn sideways. Rest the back foot on the board for a few seconds, keeping most of the weight on the front foot. Next, lift the back foot slowly and place it back down on the ground again. Learn to pivot: At this point, the back foot should be turned sideways on the board. Now, the front foot should assume a similar position. Lift the front-foot heel slightly, then rotate the foot (keeping it in contact with the board) until it is sideways and parallel to the other foot. "You'll feel like you are grinding the ball of your foot on the grip tape". That pivoting can be a difficult move to learn, but as it's the foundation for all skateboarding moves, it's important to dedicate a fair amount of time practicing it. 2.Experiment With Different Front Feet "Just like handedness in writing and tennis, there is footedness when riding a skateboard". "The best way to figure out which foot you prefer is to try the moves, Step 1 with both feet. Eventually one will be more instinctive". In skateboard culture, riding with the left foot forward is called "regular" and riding with the right foot forward is called "goofy". 3.Learn to Push and Roll To start moving (so, pushing with the back foot to propel yourself forwards while keeping the front foot on the board), you can stay on the grass or rubber surface. Here's how to start: Step on the board with the front foot toe pointed forwards, covering two of the bolts and leaving the other two visible. The back foot should remain on the ground for now. With a slight bend in the knees, put the weight into the ball of the back foot, push against the ground until the board starts to roll forwards. Drag the back foot on the ground until the board comes to a stop. Repeat Steps 1 and 2, but this time, pivot the front foot when gliding forwards so both feet are facing sideways and parallel to one another. When ready to stop, "unpivot" the back foot (so it should face forwards) and drag it on the ground. "After a few tries, eventually, you should be able to bring the back foot on the board, pivot and roll forwards without pushing". 4.Conquer Carve Turning Carve turning is the process of turning the board and tilting it so that the trucks pivot and turn the board, You'll need to practice this in an open, flat space (such as a tennis or basketball court) where you can accumulate speed before leaning, or turning, to change directions. Here's how to do it: After getting on the skateboard, pivot the front foot so both feet are sideways and parallel to one another on the skateboard. After gliding for a few seconds, put emphasis, or weight, on the toes to make the board turn "backside", or clockwise. With a similar foot stance and bend in the knees, place the weight primarily in the heels to help the board turn counter-clockwise, or "frontside". Continue alternating emphasis on weight in the heels or the toes, keeping a bend in the knees and emphasizing the core muscles to maintain balance. The board should follow a gentle S-shape pattern moving forwards. To stop, unpivot the back foot and gently drag it on the ground.