Skateboard Lessons

Skateboarding originated in southern California in the 1950s, and has since grown into a popular international extreme sport. Skate competitions consist of the world's best battling it out on either 12-foot vert ramps or street courses. If you want to skate like the pros, you will have to learn the basics first. Skate lessons are available, but learning and progressing in skateboarding depends on your level of dedication.

  1. Skateboard Lessons

    • Skateboard lessons are available for learners of all ages and are offered by private parties, by community youth centers and through park districts. The YMCA is an international youth organization with facilities all over the United States. Many YMCA centers have skate parks and offer skate camps. You may find postings for private lessons at your local skate park, and many park districts provide skate lesson information on their websites.

    Safety Equipment

    • During lessons you will need proper safety equipment. A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards will protect you as you learn to balance yourself on the board and learn the basics of riding. Long pants are recommended over shorts, providing extra padding, as the board may occasionally hit you in the shins. Wear a comfortable T-shirt, as you will likely break a sweat while skateboarding.

    Skate Shoes

    • A good, durable pair of skate shoes is essential while you are learning to skateboard. Avoid skateboarding in running shoes or tennis shoes; they are not made for skateboarding and will get torn to pieces in a few days. Skate shoes have strong rubber out soles that are meant to take a beating and will give you good traction as you ride. Some of the top brands to choose from are Lakai, Gravis, Osiris, DVS, Vans and Etnies.

    Choosing a Skateboard

    • An adequate skateboard is necessary to successfully complete your lessons. You will need a complete set-up, consisting of a deck, trucks, ball bearings and wheels. A standard skateboard is seven 7 to 8 inches wide and 32 inches long. If you are extremely tall and have large feet, go for a wider board to accommodate your build. An excellent way to buy a board is to go to a skate shop and to build your own customized board. Ask the shop attendant any questions you may have, as well as advice for your set up.

    Learning Basic Tricks

    • Skateboarding is an individual sport and, therefore, personal progression is very rewarding. Take in all you can during your lessons and then go and practice on your own. Start out with basic tricks like ollies, pop shuv-its and 50-50 grinds (on a curb) before advancing to more complicated tricks like kickflips, heelflips and 360 flips. Go to skateparks and observe other advanced skaters, watch skate DVDs to learn how the pros perform tricks, then head out and work on your next trick.