Skateboarding is one of the thrilling hobbies that makes you feel joyful and elated.
It has become popular because you can practice it even in urban landscapes.
You have watched skateboarding champions, the likes of Ryan Sheckler and Tony Hawk, and thought of taking up the sport as a hobby.
So, How Can You Get into Skateboarding as A Hobby?
Skateboarding is an innovative hobby that lots of people are attracted to. As a beginner in skateboarding, it may seem tough at first regarding where to look for help, how to learn the complex tricks performed by experts, the accessories and attire to purchase, etc.
Let’s look at how and what you will need to get started.
1. Proper Safety Equipment
To start with, consider purchasing a pair of skate shoes.
Although regular shoes might still be comfortable, skate shoes are more preferred as they are specifically built to allow you to skate safely.
Skate shoes are built stronger and feature a large flat base to give you a perfect grip on the board.
You will also require to buy a helmet because it’s a crucial safety measure.
Most skateparks insist on everyone having a helmet on.
You can also find protective pads for your knees and elbows as well as wrist braces.
For extra protection from scrapes in case you fall, you can wear long sleeve t-shirts and pants.
Also, always ensure you get the best skateboarding grip tape for your hands to prevent you from slipping off the skateboard.
Once you have these skating gear, you just need to purchase or borrow a skateboard, and you will be ready to get started.
2. A Good Beginner Skateboards
In skateboarding, you need to choose the right type of skateboard.
The average size of a skateboard is about 7.75 inches. Therefore, ensure you choose the right type of skateboard.
Once you pick the right skateboard kind and get accustomed to it, it will be remarkably simple for you to do the tricks as well.
If you are serious about this hobby, invest about $100-$175 in a good skateboard.
3. Select Your Practice Area
When looking to join skateboarding, you probably wonder where to do your practice.
Well, you are not wrong. You may consider packing up your gear and going to your local park. However, learning to skate in front of many people might make you feel like giving up.
Therefore, you can consider starting somewhere else, such as a sidewalk, your driveway, or front lawn, and perfect your way up.
But ensure you have a good surface that makes you feel confident and safe for skating because most skateboarding injuries occur on irregular surfaces.
4. Confidence To Try
In skateboarding, your mentality is crucial. Most beginners struggle in the beginning.
You hence require to have the confidence to try.
Taking a slow approach to skateboarding comes in handy in the extended run. This is not a sprint but a marathon.
5. Find A Good Training Coach
You will require to find a reputable coach to teach you the proper techniques in safe surroundings.
Skate camps are a perfect idea for training as they will teach you skateboarding and the famous tips and tricks through intensive training.
Most of the skate camps are well equipped with comprehensive street courses.
As a newbie, you can also practice skateboarding in other convenient places such as bowls and mini-ramps.
Keep in mind that skateboarding is a skill that requires a lot of practice, so it might take some time before mastering the tricks.
6. Practice Balance, Then Movement
In skateboarding, you should master the basics, and balance comes first.
Before you can begin cruising down the street, you should first ensure you balance yourself on the board.
Your body requires you to get used to the feeling of having the wheels beneath you, and while this will take time, it’s worth it.
When you can balance on the board comfortably, you can now push off and move.
During training, it is essential to get used to riding the skateboard to push effectively, stand, turn and stop easily.
You must practice putting your right foot forward when skateboarding as well as pushing it in the right way.
But the last thing you should do is make quick movements as a result of panicking.
After learning to push the skateboard in the right way, you can start learning the tricks.
Some popular tricks include; kickflips, Ollie, heelflips, front side 180s, and backside 180s.
Selecting Your Skateboard
Based on the type of skateboarding you want to do, you can purchase the appropriate accessories and deck.
You might decide to engage in transition skateboarding, street skateboarding, or both. However, the major thing is being comfortable with the board you purchase.
You can easily purchase your skateboard from the local store.
The 7.75-inch board is an average size that is suitable for the majority of potential skateboarders and beginners. Additionally, you will need extra accessories such as wheels, bearings, grip tape, and trucks.
When selecting trucks, it is best to go for medium suspension before deciding if you will be a park skater or a street skater.
Then have all the accessories well assembled to have you ready for your first skateboarding section.
You can practice the hobby and get used to skateboarding on a safe surface such as sidewalks.
Placing your feet on the skateboard and pushing off is the best way of learning to balance yourself on the board.
With practice and dedication, you will find your best stance on the board in no time. Do not give up after a few falls; wake up and move on.
When you start finding it easy to skateboard around, you can go on to learn various tricks.
Four Basic Skateboarding Tricks to Start With
When getting into skateboarding as a hobby, you should begin with the basic tricks. These include;
1. Nollie
2. Ollie
3. Heel Flip
4. Kickflip
Six Benefits Of Skateboarding
One guarantee of skateboarding as a hobby is that you will have a lot of fun.
Each individual has their trucks, learning pace. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the amount of time it will take to learn a trick.
What matters most is that you are enjoying the learning process.
Start by getting your skateboarding stance right, and the rest will depend on practice.
Some of the benefits of skateboarding include;
- Easy to practice
- It can be enjoyed even in an urban landscape
- Relatively cheap hobby to pursue
- Innovation possible
- A great way of exercising
- Opportunity to meet new people with similar interests
Bottom Line
We hope these tips will help you start skateboarding as a hobby.
It is more of art than a sport, which attracts many people to skateboarding.
With skateboarding being recognized as a sport worldwide, when pursuing it as a hobby, you can consistently enhance your skills to pursue it as a sport.
Also, the tournaments come with significant prizes making it easier for you to turn the hobby into a career.
Related
References
Learn to skateboard: an adult’s definitive guide to starting out skating- CLOUD9