How to Start Skateboarding: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re ready to roll? Whether you’re a teenager looking for a new hobby, a parent shopping for a birthday gift, or an adult finally checking a box on your bucket list, welcome. Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a lesson in persistence, a great workout, and a ticket into a vibrant community.
Starting out can feel a little intimidating, but with the right gear and a bit of patience, you’ll be cruising in no time. Here is our beginner skateboard guide to help you go from “concrete-shy” to confident.
Step 1: Choosing Your First Skateboard Setup
The biggest mistake beginners make is buying a “toy” board from a big-box department store. These boards often have plastic wheels and stiff bearings that don’t spin, which makes learning much harder (and more dangerous) than it needs to be.
For your first skateboard setup, we highly recommend starting with a Complete Skateboard. These are pre-assembled by manufacturers with matched components, ensuring the trucks, wheels, and deck size all work in harmony.
- The Deck: For most beginners, a width between 7.75 and 8.25 inches is the “sweet spot” for stability.
- The Wheels: Look for softer wheels if you’re skating rougher pavement, or harder wheels if you plan to head straight to the skatepark.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what size to get, come visit us at Fixion Skate Shop in Twin Lakes, WI. We love helping new skaters find their perfect fit.
Step 2: Safety Gear is Non-Negotiable
Before you even think about “dropping in,” you need to protect yourself. Falling is a natural part of skateboarding for beginners step by step, but it doesn’t have to end your session. At a minimum, you should have:
- A Helmet: Ensure it is multi-impact certified.
- Wrist Guards: The most common beginner injury is a wrist strain from trying to catch a fall.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: These give you the confidence to fall safely and get right back up.
Step 3: Finding Your Stance
Are you Regular or Goofy? This has nothing to do with your personality!
- Regular: Left foot forward, pushing with your right foot.
- Goofy: Right foot forward, pushing with your left foot.
To find your stance, stand with your feet together and have a friend give you a gentle nudge from behind. Whichever foot you naturally step forward with to catch your balance is usually your “front” foot on the board.
Step 4: The Basics of Movement
Once you’re standing on the board, follow these steps:
- The Stance: Place your front foot over the front bolts, pointing forward.
- The Push: Use your back foot to push off the ground. Keep your weight centered over your front foot.
- The Pivot: Once moving, bring your back foot onto the “tail” of the board and rotate your front foot so both feet are sideways (perpendicular to the board).
- Stopping: The easiest way to stop is “foot braking.” Slowly lower your back foot and let it drag on the ground to create friction.
Step 5: Practice and Patience
Skateboarding has a steep learning curve. You will wobble, and you might fall, but that’s where the “magic” happens. The community at the skatepark is incredibly supportive of beginners who put in the effort. Don’t worry about tricks like ollies or kickflips yet—focus on feeling comfortable just riding and turning.
Ready to Roll?
If you’re looking for high-quality Beginner Skateboard Setups, we’ve got you covered. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in your progression and safety.
Stop by Fixion Skate Shop in Twin Lakes, WI, and we’ll help you pick out everything you need to start your journey. We’ll even help you grip your first deck!