Skateboarding is a great means of relaxation. They are eco-friendly, cheaper, and simpler to engage than most other domestic forms of transportation. However, it is not without its own fair share of potential problems unless you know how to ride a skateboard.
For one, there is the risk of falling off. This mainly arises in case you lose your balance. Then there is the risk of inflicting injuries on others or damaging the equipment. These two are normally a by-product of not stopping at the time they require you to.
To get the best experience and ward off the aforementioned issues, familiarize yourself with the various ways and means of riding the skateboard. It is these maneuvering options that form the basis of our discussions here.
Our focus in the proceeding discussions shall be to first highlight the various maneuvers. We will follow this by explaining how you may implement or actualize each of those maneuvers.
HOW TO RIDE A SKATEBOARD
Listed and briefly explained are the various maneuvers that you may carry out in a typical skateboard:
And remember also to keep accurate track of your progress from time to time. See and test whether you have made any significant strides from the last time you attempted to conduct a maneuver. This way, it will be possible for you to up your skills considerably.
Step I: Determine which foot to place on the skateboard
Before even contemplating riding the skateboard, determine which foot to place on the skateboard. Do you want to place both at a time or only one at a time? If it is one at a time, precisely which foot might you prefer?
As a general rule, place the one that coincides with your active hand. For instance, if you are left-handed, place the left foot and vice versa. While at it, be sure to let your foot be very stable first before even venturing into the next step.
Step II: Riding the Skateboard
You now have to embark on the core task of riding the skateboard. Kick off this process by finding the most suitable place to ride the machine. The sidewalks, pavements, and concrete driveways are perhaps the most suitable locations. Be sure that there is no traffic nearby or even small children.
In case you are a beginner, we advise you to consider practicing on a carpet, grass, or hard surface. This is because of the excellent traction that these surfaces confer on the wheels of the skateboards. You will hardly fall off or sustain any injuries.
Step III: Balancing Appropriately
Next, balance appropriately. To get an optimal balance, be sure to center your feet immediately behind the bolts that adorn the deck of the skateboard. These bolts attach the truck to the plank. You should always place your feet sideways rather than forward.
Once you set your feet comfortably and stable, spread your arms on your arms. Keep your knees bent all the time. These two procedures lower your center of gravity. This way, you get a better balance and enhanced maneuverability.
Step IV: Deciding the right Stance
You now have to decide the right stance. Resist any attempt to imitate your friends and peers. This is because each person has a unique configuration and body shape. It is highly unlikely that the stance of your friend shall apply to you.
Some stances to think of are the regular and the goofy stances, respectively. The former arises when you skate with your left foot in the forward position. The latter raises when you skate with the right foot forward. You might also try out the mango stance. This entails pushing the skateboard with the back foot instead of the front foot.
Step V: Pushing the Skateboard
To ride the skateboard, push it appropriately. It is only through pushing the board that you will ride it out and about as desired. To do this, settle on a stance, foremost. Place your back foot on the ground.
Push the foot backward thereafter. Return your feet to where you started. Roll forwards. As soon as you attain maximum comfort, push the board more forcefully to speed up the pace of rides.
Step VI: Turning the Skateboard
From time to time, you will inevitably have to turn the skateboard to the left or right. To do so, push the skateboard with your knees bent. Shift your weight to the opposite side. For instance, if you desire to turn right, shift your weight to the left side, and vice versa. This is by far the most daunting aspect of riding a skateboard. It requires a great deal of determination and practice to actualize.
Step VII: Stopping the Skateboard
There are two kinds of stopping. The first is the normal stopping. To stop normally, stop pushing the skateboard and let it run with the energy it possesses already. It should stop in a matter of seconds from the time you stop pushing.
If you, however, plan to stop the skateboard abruptly, do more. Take off your back foot. Let it drag onto the ground beneath. You may also consider dragging your heel as you become an expert with the skateboard.
Conclusion
Becoming an expert skateboard rider is not a mean feat. It requires a great deal of tolerance, consistency, and patience. This is because of its complicated nature and the fear that new riders are confronted.
To become a complete pro, you may wish to carry out mock games alone or in the company of experts. Try to imagine the various case scenarios that you may confront as a rider. Tackle each of them using the combination of practices that you would in a real-life situation. You must also of necessity gain the right skateboard and put on the relevant protective gear.