Skating is a spectacular extreme sport that requires mastery of balance, control and dexterity. Pro skaters are capable of complex moves that don't even seem possible. However, before you hit the streets or tackle ramps and railings, you need to learn the most important fundamental to skateboarding: standing on the board. Once you understand the skate's unique design and learn to stand still on it, balancing will feel like a breeze and you can start learning more difficult skills and impressive techniques.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Most Comfortable Position
Step 1. Decide whether to skate in a regular or goofy position
Skaters mainly adopt these two positions. In the first, keep the left foot at the front of the board, while in the second, the right foot stays in front. Determine the most natural position for you by considering whether you are right-handed or left-handed. Most right-handed skaters prefer the regular stance, but you should choose the one that's most comfortable for you.
- Try both positions and choose the one you prefer.
- If you're not sure which position is best for you, imagine yourself on a moving skateboard as you approach a ramp and are about to perform a very complex trick. Which foot do you keep in front? Your imagination will almost always suggest the position that is naturally most comfortable for you.
Step 2. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart
Start on the ground; don't worry about the table for now. Place your feet directly under your shoulders and assume a natural position, distributing your weight evenly on both legs. This way you will have the best balance and maximum control over the board.
Practice shifting your weight back and forth from one leg to the other while keeping your body aligned and your head straight in the center. This way you will get used to staying balanced on the board
Step 3. Bend your knees and lower your center of gravity
Bring your lower back down slightly and bend your knees slightly. This will shift your center of gravity towards your hips, lower than where it normally is. With a lower center of gravity, it becomes easier to balance on an unstable board.
- Stay loose. It is more difficult to make corrections if you are rigid.
- Don't squat and don't go too low. You have to go down far enough to create a solid foundation.
Step 4. Orient your head in the direction you will be moving
Turn your chin to the side you will skate on. If you have adopted the regular position, you will look over the left shoulder; goofy skaters, on the other hand, look beyond the right one. You will be able to observe the terrain in front of you, in order to notice obstacles and prepare to perform tricks; moreover, with the corner of your eye you will also keep the position of your feet under control.
We have a natural tendency to look at our feet when trying to keep our balance. However, remember that the body follows the head. Stay well aligned and get used to looking half a meter in front of the table
Part 2 of 3: Staying in Balance
Step 1. Step onto the board carefully
Put one foot on the skate and make sure you are stable. At that point, quickly and carefully lift the other foot, then place it next to the first. You should keep them shoulder-width apart, as well as when practicing. Once you get on the board successfully, you have overcome the hardest part!
- Don't do it too fast or too slow. If you are in a hurry, you may accidentally move the board. If you take too long to climb, you may lose your balance by standing on one leg. Try to go up with one simple movement in two steps, with the same speed as when climbing stairs.
- You will likely fall a couple of times at first. Don't be discouraged. After a few scratches, you will no longer be afraid of falling and will be able to get on the skate with greater determination.
Step 2. Put your feet on top of the trucks
A good rule of thumb for learning to balance on a skate is to use the carts as a reference point. These are the metal planks under the board that secure the wheels to the deck (the wooden platform you stand on). Place your feet on the screws that hold the carts in place. Do not stretch them and do not tighten them too much.
Fortunately, the distance between the carriages is roughly the same from one shoulder to the other
Step 3. Keep your weight on the front of your feet
Shift your weight slightly forward until it is loaded on the widest part of the foot, directly behind the toes. When you skate, you need to be able to move and change positions, in order to keep your balance and perform the various maneuvers. By staying on your toes, it becomes easier to lift, slide and rotate your feet as you wish and, in addition, you will be able to better absorb the impacts with the muscles of the lower legs.
- Staying flat on a skate is difficult because it makes you a lot less agile. When you are on your toes, you are ready to react to the movements of the board.
- Climbing on your toes or lifting your heels off the board also makes your balance worse. You should keep the entire surface of the foot in contact with the top of the deck; you just have to load the weight on the tips.
Step 4. Make small corrections
Use gentle movements of the feet, ankles, knees and hips to maintain balance on the board. Lean, rotate, lower onto your legs, and do whatever it takes to stay upright. You can even swing your arms if it helps. You should always make small corrections, in order to keep the board under control, especially when you are on the move. With practice, it will get easier and easier.
- If you keep your feet and body still, you will almost inevitably lose your balance.
- Try not to lean too far forward or backward. You may fall or even flip the board.
- To balance on a skate, imagine you are standing on the deck of a ship swinging in all directions. You must necessarily keep your feet moving.
Part 3 of 3: Learning to Skate
Step 1. Start on a soft surface
Place the skateboard on grass or a thick carpet so it doesn't slip while you learn to stand up. On soft surfaces the wheels do not roll and you will not lose the board from under your feet. Learn to balance while standing before moving onto asphalt.
- Theoretically, before moving on to a harder surface, you should learn to skate smoothly when on grass or carpet.
- In addition to the advantage of holding the skate in place, a soft surface also cushions falls.
Step 2. Be careful when putting weight on the wheels
Step onto the board with foot after foot in a quick, smooth, controlled motion. Try not to push too hard in one direction. Since this is the same motion that makes the skate move, it is easy to lose balance, throw the board and fall.
When you get on the skate, remember not to lean too much in any direction
Step 3. Use the grip to improve traction
Learn to skate with a board covered in a layer of duct tape. Grip is a type of adhesive similar to fine sandpaper, designed to increase the traction of skaters. Thanks to the improved traction, you will have superior board control. You will be able to make progress faster, not always having to worry about losing support.
If your board doesn't have grip, at least make sure you're wearing shoes that don't slip and be especially careful when moving your feet
Step 4. Avoid the tail and tip of the board
On both sides of the skates you will notice upward curved edges, known as the tail and nose, literally tail and nose. For now, don't consider those parts. By placing too much weight on them, the board will rise and a pair of wheels will come off the ground. It goes without saying that this can cause many accidents if this is your first time on a skateboard.
- In order not to risk getting your feet too close to the edges of the table, keep them on the screws that secure the trolleys.
- You will use the tip and tail for more advanced tricks, such as manual, ollie and other movements that require you to change the angle of the board.
Advice
- Don't think about style and don't try to perform tricky tricks until you've mastered the fundamentals, such as balancing, stepping forward and stopping. For some people, an afternoon is enough to learn them, while others take weeks. Proceed at your own pace and focus on getting the movements right.
- Learning to stand properly on the board is the first thing you should do if you want to skate, even before you start moving.
- If you have a friend who can help you, hold their hand when you step onto the board.
- Movable carts help you turn, but reduce the overall stability of the board. Tighten them more if you prefer a deck that bends less.
- It can be easier to learn to stand on heavier skates with larger surfaces, such as long boards.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to protect your feet and have good traction.
Warnings
- Skating can cause you serious injuries. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear so you don't get too hurt.
- Resist the urge to protect yourself with your hands when you fall. This is the best way to break your fingers and wrists. Instead, try to roll or flatten your back and distribute the impact throughout your body.
