Skateboarding is definitely one of the most exciting outdoor sports. Here are the top mistakes beginner skater should avoid.
Learning to ride a skateboard is an unforgettable adventure into the unknown, where balance plays a trick in every second.
It's a great way to have fun, stay active, and express your creativity.
Nevertheless, with more or less practice, people of all ages can master sidewalk surfing art and enjoy it to the fullest.
Despite its early challenges, beginner skateboarders can progress quickly, especially if they avoid common pitfalls and simultaneously reduce the risk of injury.
Skateboarding involves balancing your body on a moving board while sometimes navigating uneven terrain.
This requires coordination, strength, and agility, as well as the ability to overcome fear and take calculated risks.
Additionally, skate culture has its own unique language, style, and etiquette that can be intimidating to newcomers.
But don't let this discourage you. With practice, patience, and a willingness to learn, you will get there.
Before grabbing a skateboard, take a look at this comprehensive list of things you should avoid in your early riding sessions.
1. Riding with your front foot too close to the bolts
One of the most common mistakes beginner skateboarders make is riding with their front foot too close to the bolts.
This position makes it challenging to balance and turn, which can result in falls.
Instead, place your front foot on the skateboard deck's middle, perpendicular to the board's length.
2. Not keeping your shoulders square
Keeping your shoulders square means that they are aligned with the direction you're skating.
If your shoulders are not square, it can make it hard to balance, turn, and move around on the board.
3. Bending your knees too much
While it's important to have a slight bend in your knees while riding, bending your knees too much can cause you to lose balance and control of the skateboard.
Keep your knees slightly bent and focus on keeping your weight centered over the board.
4. Not leaning forward
Leaning forward is essential for maintaining balance and control while riding.
Beginners often lean too far back, causing the board to slow down or stop.
5. Looking at the ground
When you're riding, it's crucial to keep your head up and look ahead
Looking at the ground can cause you to lose your balance, miss obstacles, or not see where you're going.
6. Not pushing with your back foot
Pushing with your back foot is an essential skill for skateboarding.
Beginners often forget to use their back foot to push, making it challenging to gain speed and control.
7. Not using your front foot to steer
Your front foot plays a significant role in steering the skateboard.
Beginners often forget to use their front foot to steer, relying solely on their weight to turn.
8. Not keeping your weight centered
Keeping your weight centered over the board is crucial for maintaining balance and control.
Beginners often shift their weight too much, causing the board to tilt and lose control.
9. Trying to go too fast
It's essential to start slowly and work your way up to higher speeds.
Trying to go too fast too soon can result in falls and injuries.
10. Not wearing protective gear
Protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads can prevent injuries and give you the confidence to try new tricks.
11. Not practicing enough
Skateboarding requires practice and patience. Beginners often get frustrated and give up too soon.
Consistent practice is the key to improving your skills and enjoying the sport.
12. Not choosing the right skateboard
Choosing the right skateboard is crucial for beginners.
A skateboard that's too big or too small can make it challenging to learn and perform tricks.
13. Not adjusting your stance
Adjusting your stance can help you maintain balance and control while riding.
Beginners often forget to adjust their stance, making it challenging to turn and move around.
14. Not keeping your arms and hands steady
Keeping your arms and hands steady while riding can help you maintain balance and control.
Beginners often swing their arms, causing the board to tilt and lose control.
15. Not learning to stop properly
Learning how to slow down properly is crucial for skateboarders.
Beginners often forget to learn how to stop, relying on running or crashing into obstacles to slow down.
16. Not warming up before skating
Warming up before skating can prevent injuries and improve your performance.
Beginners often forget to warm up, increasing their risk of strains and sprains.
17. Not using the right footwear
Wearing the right footwear is crucial for skateboarding.
Sneakers with flat soles and good grip can provide the traction and control you need to perform tricks.
18. Not maintaining the skateboard
Regular maintenance of the skateboard is crucial for safety and performance.
Beginners often forget to tighten loose bolts or replace worn-out parts, which can lead to accidents.
19. Trying advanced tricks too soon
Skateboarding is a progression-based sport, and it's essential to master the basics before attempting advanced tricks.
Beginners often try to perform advanced tricks too soon, increasing their risk of injury.
20. Not asking for help
Asking for help from more experienced skateboarders or taking lessons can help beginners learn the correct techniques and avoid common mistakes.