Skateboarding is one of those things that people either love with a passion or dislike depending on the situation. Although, in most cases, people grew up in the skateboarding culture of the 90s—even the current generation enjoys skateboarding due to the lasting legacy of the skating culture.
Of course, it can be somewhat intimidating for first-timers looking to dive into the world of skateboarding. If you want to ensure that you make the most out of your opportunities, it’s a good idea to keep a few best-practice methods in mind.
1. Dressing the part and getting your gear
The interesting thing about skateboarding is how the aesthetics tend to matter just as much (if not more so) than overall performance. Sure, most can’t expect to be the next Tony Hawk, but they can at least look good while doing it. Your gear matters, as it can also keep you protected from any potential injuries due to skating.
For example, choosing your socks and shoes is crucial, such as thick socks to protect your ankles and the ever popular black skate shoes to help you look the part.
There’s also the issue of choosing your skateboard, which is why you need the help of experienced skateboarders to help you out. Fortunately, most establishments dedicated to skateboarding have people with enough experience to aid you, and there’s always the internet if you’re stumped.
Forums such as Reddit can help, as well as YouTube videos that can give you a headstart regarding the best possible gear.
2. Pacing yourself to feel more comfortable skating
If it’s your first time skateboarding, one of the most crucial parts of a great (and safe) start is to pace yourself so you feel more comfortable. Start small, and don’t bother with any complicated trick until you’re fully comfortable having the skateboard under your feet.
Of course, ensure that you practice your skateboarding in a safe environment, as it cannot be stressed enough how dangerous it is to practice your skateboard near the road.
Pace yourself until you feel like your skateboard is second-nature to you, similar to how it might feel to bike comfortably enough to let go of the handlebars for a few seconds. Only when you’re comfortable with a skateboard under your feet will you have a chance at managing a few tricks.
3. Understanding the science of falling safely
Last but certainly not least, ensure that you have safety gear on, such as your helmet and pads. After all, you’re going to be falling off your skateboard—a lot. Even the most careful skateboarders will fall off at one point or another, and the important thing is to understand how best to fall off the board. Knowing basic safety tips is also a must.
The crucial thing is to get used to the idea of falling off the board. You can do this by trying to jump off your skateboard in a safer environment, such as a grassy field. A controlled fall is crucial, as it keeps the body safe and avoids accidental injury. So long as you keep the above tips in mind, you’ll quickly learn how to stay on the board and eventually graduate to more complicated tricks.
