Would you like to learn to skateboard? Do you want to ride a cruiser and simplify your journey around town? We'll give you our tips on how to start skateboarding. We will also guide you on which skateboard to choose to start with.
The cruiser is a practical, fun and environmentally-friendly way of getting around! The cruiser is perfectly designed for travelling short distances around town. They can be of different sizes, shapes, etc. Beginners and experienced skaters, discover some tips to find the right board for your needs in the article below π
We strongly recommend wearing protective gear when starting skateboarding. Falls are part of learning to skateboard. However, they are not necessarily painful! If you are well protected you are less afraid of falling, you are more comfortable on your board and you will progress faster.
To start safely we recommend wearing a helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads.
Once you feel more comfortable on your board and falls become less frequent, you can start to gradually remove some of the pads if you find them too restrictive.
Choosing the right shoes for skateboarding is equally important. Skateboarding shoes are the interface between the skater's body and the board. This is why it is important that your shoe is relatively close to your foot in order to have maximum precision and control of the board. So don't wear heels or flip-flops!
First of all you need to find out in which "stance" you feel most comfortable on your skateboard A goofy has the right foot at the front of his skateboard and a regular has the left foot at the front.
There are a few exercises that can help you determine whether you are goofy or regular.
The article below gives you some ideas of exercises you can try to determine your skateboarding position.
There is no magic formula to determine whether you are goofy or regular, it is important to try both positions to see which is more comfortable and natural for you. It's all about feeling!
Once you have determined if you are goofy or regular it is time to get on your board and get moving. In skateboarding you don't position your feet to push and to ride in the same way.
If you are regular (left foot forward) it is the left foot that is positioned on the board and the right foot on the ground to push. If you are goofy (right foot forward) it is the right foot that is positioned on the board and the left foot on the ground to push.
First step: the front foot should be parallel to your board and the toes should be approximately between the 4 front screws, you can move your foot forward or back slightly if you feel more comfortable. Make sure your foot is centred on the board so that you have good balance and can push straight. Your back foot is on the ground, parallel to the board (and to the other foot) with your heel approximately between the 4 back screws.
Second step: This is the moment to push off with your back foot to get moving. You have to put your weight on your front leg and slightly bend your knee, with your back foot you push and lift your heel and then your whole foot. Logically you move, so don't freak out. Keep your foot parallel to the board and bring it back level with the front screws to give a second push.
Third step: It is time to place the back foot on the board. The foot should be placed approximately at the level of the screws, or slightly behind them, and perpendicular to the board this time. Avoid standing with your feet together on a skateboard. You will have better control of your board and better balance with your legs apart and your knees bent. Once the back foot is in the right position, it is time to shift the front foot to a good riding position. Your front foot should be at about 45 degrees. Look forward with your shoulders slightly open.
There are two ways to turn your skateboard. The first is to use your body weight. You put your weight on your toes or on your heels. In both cases, the movement should be light and the weight transfer should be gradual. The force used will directly influence the strength of the turn. You have to tilt your body slightly to move your centre of gravity and follow the movement.
Tips π‘: The adjustment of the trucks (the metal part that connects the wheels to the board) directly affects the ability to turn. With tight trucks you have to push much harder to turn. When you loosen them it is easier to turn using your body weight. The advantage of turning more easily with loose trucks comes with the disadvantage of making the board less stable as you gain speed. This is because loose trucks will tend to "wobble".
The second technique is called "tic-tac". For this technique you have to make a thrust with your hips and shoulders. The rear foot is positioned on the tail (raised rear of the board) on which you have to press lightly to lift the front wheels. Lifting the wheels and giving a thrust with your body will make the skateboard turn. To stop the rotation you have to put weight back on your front foot to bring the wheels back to the ground. This technique enables fast turning, but it works mainly at low speeds. To turn while going a little faster it is better to use your body weight.
There are several techniques to stop your skateboard. The easiest way is to brake by dragging your back foot. To do this, you have to let the sole of your shoe drag along the ground. You should keep your weight on your front leg at the start of braking and gradually put more weight on your back leg to reduce your speed. If you put too much weight on your back foot you risk being thrown off balance. This technique is quite simple to master. The disadvantage of this braking technique is that it tends to wear out your sole.Β
