A Basic Guide on How to Properly Ride a Skateboard

If watching a skater perform those mind-boggling stunts can give you an adrenalin rush, imagine the thrills you will experience when you actually skateboard yourself.
Gaurav Shimpi
Last Updated: Sep 10, 2018
Performing some stunts on a skateboard can give a euphoric feeling, which no drug can match. Ask most of the skateboarders, and they will say that those moments when they rode a skateboard, made them feel like God. It wasn't the case when they started out as beginners though.
When trying to learn some stunts as beginners, most skaters fall and injure themselves. But that does not deter their spirits. With every fall, they rise up to take a new plunge in the exhilarating sport of skateboarding! You will require a lot of determination and passion to be a great skater.
Riding a Skateboard
Firstly, decide on a proper area for practice. Generally, you can start practicing on a concrete driveway or sidewalk, although beginners are advised to practice on grass, or on a carpet surface, so that the wheels get traction and don't slip. Here are some of the basics which will help you get started.
Proper Skateboard
As a beginner, selecting the right skateboard is very important. Getting a fully assembled skateboard is recommended. You can decide to make your own skateboard after you are familiar with skateboarding, and can customize a board as per your preferences. Make sure that the skateboard is of good quality.
This means that the wheels should not be plastic or rubber. They should be made of neoprene, which provides an efficient grip. The 'truck', or the axle, should be good quality metal, and not just heavy metal painted over.
The feet should always face sideways and not forward. Balance on the skateboard by spreading you arms on your sides. Always keep your knees bent. This helps in lowering your center of gravity, and helps in better balance and maneuvering.
Stance
Deciding on a stance which you are comfortable with is very important. Don't decide your stance by aping your friends. Explore what you are comfortable with, because skills can't be borrowed. You can either opt for a regular stance by skating with the left foot forward; or a goofy stance by skating with the right foot forward.
If you find riding a skateboard difficult at first, don't give up. Practice, practice, and practice, till you perfect it.