Learning how to skateboard is relatively simple, but it takes a lot of practice to be a proficient skater. If you've ever seen kids skateboarding, you know that it takes a certain fearlessness as well as a determination to land tricks to master skateboarding. Try watching skateboard videos to get a real feel for how skateboards are landed.
The first thing you should do when you're learning how to skateboard is to get a skateboard. The amount you spend on your skateboard will depend on how serious you are about the sport. You can get a relatively cheap skateboard from a big box store, but it won't be as nice as the skateboard you'd buy at a skate shop. Cheap skateboards don't maneuver as well, and their wheels don't turn as smoothly. Also, when you buy a skateboard from a skate shop you have the option of customizing the size, the wheels and the trucks, which will allow you to optimize the skateboard for you, personally.
Next, you should acquire some safety gear. A helmet is always a must when you're skateboarding. Safety gear like elbow and knee pads are generally optional but often required at skate parks.
Skateboarding shoes are a plus, though you can use any sneaker that has traction. Flat-bottomed shoes work much better than sneakers with treads.
Find a flat, smooth surface to first practice on. You'll want to stand on your skateboard either regular or goofy-footed. Regular means that your left foot will be forward, and goofy-footed means your right foot will be up front. To determine which you are, stand on a line and have somebody push you unexpectedly. The foot you put out to catch yourself with should be your front foot.
Keep your front foot on the deck, a little forward of the center of your board, and use your back foot to push off of the ground. Then, put your back foot on the deck and ride the board until it runs out of momentum. Keep doing this until you feel comfortable pushing off as you lose speed.
When you're able to skateboard straight, try turning. You can do this by leaning your body in the direction you want to go. Just a little pressure can be quite effective.
After you're comfortable skateboarding straight as well as turning, you'll be ready to practice tricks.
 | Choosing a skateboard is a question of balancing flexibility, durability and control with the weight of the board itself. Street skaters should look for small, lightweight boards while cruisers will get more stability from larger, heavier boards. |
 | Perhaps you've seen somebody riding an electric skateboard, cruising down the street without having to use precious energy to propel themselves. You may not even notice that it is electric, as they look quite similar to a standard skateboard, save the battery pack attached to the bottom of the deck. |
 | Try getting creative with your grip tape. Skateboards are more than just a deck with trucks, bearings and wheels. They are an expression of each individual skateboarder, and there are endless designs to choose from. |
Learning how to make a motorized skateboard can save you some money, if you are in the motorized skateboard market. |
Do you know how to make a skateboard deck from scratch? It's not as hard as you've guessed. |
