Essential Skateboarding Tricks: Beginner To Pro
Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport, and mastering new tricks is a huge part of the fun. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire, having a solid list of tricks to learn can be incredibly helpful.
Beginner Skateboarding Tricks
Starting with the basics is crucial for building a strong foundation. These tricks are relatively easy to learn and will help you get comfortable on your board.
- Riding: Simply pushing and gliding on your board. Balance and control are key.
- The Ollie: The foundation of almost all street skateboarding tricks. It involves popping the tail of the board to lift off the ground.
- Manual: Balancing on the back two wheels. Start with short distances and gradually increase as you improve.
- Kickturn: Lifting the front wheels and turning. Useful for navigating ramps and changing direction.
- Shove-it: The board rotates 180 degrees without you turning. A stepping stone to more complex rotational tricks.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice regularly, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes each day.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
- Find a smooth, flat surface to practice on.
- Watch tutorial videos to get a visual understanding of each trick.
- Don't be afraid to fall – it's part of the learning process!
Intermediate Skateboarding Tricks
Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to more challenging tricks that require more coordination and skill.
- Pop Shuvit: Similar to a shove-it, but with an ollie. The board rotates 180 degrees while you're in the air.
- Heelflip: Kicking your heel off the edge of the board to make it rotate.
- Kickflip: Similar to a heelflip, but you kick off the side of your foot.
- 50-50 Grind: Grinding on a rail or ledge with both trucks.
- Boardslide: Sliding on a rail or ledge with the middle of your board.
Mastering Intermediate Tricks
- Break down each trick into smaller steps.
- Practice each step individually before combining them.
- Use visual cues to help you stay oriented in the air.
- Be patient and persistent – these tricks take time to learn.
Advanced Skateboarding Tricks
For experienced skaters, advanced tricks offer the ultimate challenge. These tricks require a high level of skill, coordination, and commitment.
- 360 Flip: A combination of a kickflip and a 360 shove-it.
- Varial Kickflip: A combination of a kickflip and a pop shove-it.
- Hardflip: A complex flip trick that combines a frontside pop shove-it with a heelflip.
- Feeble Grind: A grind where the back truck grinds on the rail and the front truck hangs off.
- Lipslide: Sliding on a rail or ledge with the back of your board.
Tips for Advanced Tricks
- Visualize the trick before attempting it.
- Start with simpler variations of the trick.
- Use softer landings to reduce the impact on your body.
- Practice with other skaters who can provide feedback and support.
- Film yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Importance of Practice
No matter your skill level, consistent practice is essential for improving your skateboarding abilities. Set realistic goals, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Skateboarding is a journey, so enjoy the ride!
Whether you aim to become a pro skater or just enjoy cruising around, remember that the key to success is perseverance and passion. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.