How to Ride a Skateboard

Skateboarding has become a very popular sport in recent years. Since the early 1980s the skateboarding industry has seen a large increase in interest worldwide. Now recognized as a viable sport, skateboarding is a huge commodity and a career opportunity for many interested skateboarders. However, learning how to skateboard isn't as simple as it sounds. Learn how to ride a skateboard and take part in this fun and challenging sport.

Things You'll Need

  • Skateboard
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if you have the free time available to invest in learning how to skate. Visit a local skate park and watch some local skateboarders skate to see if this sport is truly something you would like to learn how to do.

    • 2

      Visit a skateboarding store and ask the salesperson to point you in the direction of a good board for learning how to skate. Find a position on the board that is comfortable for you. Both of your feet should be centered just behind either tail of the board.

    • 3

      Balance on the board for a bit to accustom yourself to being on the board and not falling. Pivot your back foot to give yourself a slight push, then return to the center position as you roll forward. This move is referred to as rolling.

    • 4

      Practice pushing a few times to return to a balanced starting position. As you become more comfortable, give yourself more forceful pushes. Stop rolling by placing your back foot back on the ground to stop the momentum of the board. Also, you can drag your foot across the ground to stop rolling, but this method is slightly more advanced.

    • 5

      Keep your legs slightly bent while rolling on the board in order to maintain a proper center of balance. Place your hands out to your sides to help with balancing, if you cannot maintain a vertical position on the board.