The Complete Guide to Skateboarding: Everything You Need to Know To Get Started

 

Skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle, an art form, and a community. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide has everything you need to understand the essentials, get started, and dive deeper into skateboarding culture. We’ll explain the components of a skateboard, provide product recommendations, and discuss safety gear and accessories to help you make informed decisions.

A Brief History of Skateboarding

Skateboarding emerged in the 1950s as a pastime for surfers on days without waves. Over the decades, it evolved into a global sport and culture, encompassing street skating, vert skating, and competitive events. Today, skateboarding is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels and is even and Olympic sport.

1. The Essentials: What You Need to Start Skateboarding

Before hitting the pavement, you’ll need the right gear. Each component of your setup plays a critical role in your performance and comfort. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes up a skateboard:

The Skateboard Deck

The deck is the centerpiece of your setup, so choosing the right one is crucial.

• Size and Width:
  Deck width typically ranges from 7.5” to 9” or more. The width you choose depends on your skating style and personal preference:
• 7.5”–8.0”: Best for street skating and technical tricks due to their lighter weight and maneuverability.
• 8.0”–8.5”: A versatile choice for street, park, and transition skating.
• 8.5” and up: Ideal for bowl skating, vert ramps, and cruising, offering extra stability.
• Read our guide to skateboard deck width.
• Shape and Concave:
  The concave (how curved the board’s surface is) affects how it feels underfoot:
• Shallow Concave: More comfortable for cruising and casual riding.
• Medium Concave: A balance of comfort and control, great for most skaters.
• Deep Concave: Provides better foot grip, ideal for technical tricks.
• Read our guide to understanding skateboard deck concave.
• Graphics: While primarily aesthetic, the graphics on your deck can reflect your personality and style.

Trucks

Trucks are the metal T-shaped pieces that attach the wheels to your deck, enabling turning and grinding.

• Width:
  Match your trucks’ axle width to your deck width. Misaligned trucks can cause instability:
• A deck width of 7.75” pairs best with a truck axle width of about 7.6”.
• For an 8.5” deck, look for trucks with an 8.5” axle width.
• Height:
  Trucks come in low, medium, and high options:
• Low Trucks: Better for technical skating and smaller wheels (50–53mm).
• Medium Trucks: A versatile option, compatible with most setups.
• High Trucks: Ideal for larger wheels (55mm and up) and cruising.
• Brands:
  Established brands like Independent, Thunder, and Venture offer durable, reliable trucks that cater to various skating styles.

Check out our guide to learn more about which skateboard trucks to choose.

Wheels

Wheels determine how your board handles different surfaces and terrains.

• Diameter (Size):
  Smaller wheels accelerate faster and are easier to flip, while larger wheels offer a smoother ride.
• 50–54mm: Great for street skating and tricks.
• 55–59mm: Ideal for park and transition skating.
• 60mm and above: Best for cruising, vert skating, and rough surfaces.
• Durometer (Hardness):
  Wheel hardness is measured on the A-scale:
• 78A–85A (Soft): Absorb shock well and ride smoothly on rough streets.
• 90A–99A (Medium): Offer a balance of grip and speed, suited for most skaters.
• 100A+ (Hard): Perfect for smooth skatepark surfaces and technical tricks.

Bearings

Bearings allow your wheels to spin, and their quality impacts your speed and smoothness.

• ABEC Ratings:
  Bearings are often rated on the ABEC scale (1–9). While higher ratings indicate precision, skate-specific brands like Bones focus on durability over ABEC ratings.
• Entry-level bearings: Affordable and good for beginners.
• High-performance bearings: More durable, with smoother rolls, ideal for experienced skaters.
• Maintenance:
  Regularly clean and lubricate your bearings to ensure longevity. Dirt and debris can cause them to seize up or wear down faster.

Hardware

Hardware consists of the bolts and nuts that attach the trucks to the deck.

• Standard vs. Long Hardware:
• Standard hardware (7/8”–1”) is suitable for setups without riser pads.
• Longer hardware (1.25” or more) is needed if you’re using riser pads to prevent wheel bite.
• Colored Bolts: Many skaters use a single colored bolt to mark the nose of their board for quick orientation.

Safety Gear

Even the most experienced skaters fall, so investing in safety gear is essential.

• Helmet:
  Choose a certified skate helmet for impact protection. Ensure it fits snugly and covers the back of your head.
• Pads:
  Knee, elbow, and wrist pads provide critical protection when learning to fall safely.
• Shoes:
  Flat-soled skate shoes (e.g., Vans, Etnies, or Nike SB) improve grip and board feel. Look for durable materials like suede or leather.

2. Setting Up Your Skateboard

Setting up your board might seem daunting, but it’s straightforward with the right approach.

1. Apply Grip Tape:
   Peel the backing off the grip tape and lay it over the deck. Smooth it out to avoid air bubbles, then trim the edges with a utility knife.
2. Attach Trucks:
   Insert your hardware through the pre-drilled holes in the deck, and secure the trucks using the included nuts. Ensure the kingpins face inward.
3. Install Bearings and Wheels:
   Push bearings into the wheels using your trucks or a bearing press, then slide the wheels onto the truck axles and secure them with axle nuts.
4. Check and Adjust:
   Make sure all bolts are tightened, but allow the trucks to pivot freely for smooth turns.

3. The Basics: Learning to Ride

Once your skateboard is ready, it’s time to learn the fundamentals.

Finding Your Stance:

• Regular Stance: Left foot forward, pushing with your right foot.
• Goofy Stance: Right foot forward, pushing with your left foot.
  To figure out your stance, stand naturally on your board and see which foot feels more comfortable in front.

Learning to Balance:

Practice standing on your board on a flat surface. Keep your knees slightly bent, and use your arms for balance.

Pushing Off and Rolling:

1. Place your front foot over the front bolts.
2. Push off the ground with your back foot, then place it near the tail of the board.
3. Shift your weight slightly forward for balance and control.

Turning and Carving:

• Kickturns: Lift the front wheels by pressing down on the tail and pivot in your desired direction.
• Leaning: Shift your weight onto your heels or toes to initiate smooth turns.

4. First Tricks to Learn

Learning your first tricks is one of the most exciting stages of skateboarding. It’s where you transition from simply riding to expressing your style and creativity. Here’s an in-depth look at foundational tricks and how to master them:

The Ollie: Your Gateway to Skateboarding Tricks

The ollie is the cornerstone of almost every skateboarding trick. This maneuver involves popping the tail of your board and using your front foot to drag the board into the air.

Steps to Master the Ollie:

1. Position Your Feet:
• Place your back foot on the tail of the board, with the ball of your foot at the edge.
• Position your front foot just behind the front bolts, angled slightly forward.
2. Pop the Tail:
• Push down on the tail with your back foot, creating a "pop" sound as it hits the ground.
3. Slide Your Front Foot:
• Simultaneously, slide your front foot up the board’s grip tape. This motion lifts the board off the ground.
4. Level Out:
• As the board rises, shift your weight to level it out mid-air.
5. Land:
• Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact and maintain balance.

Tips for Success:

• Practice stationary ollies first, then progress to doing them while rolling.
• Use chalk to mark a line on the ground and challenge yourself to ollie over it.
• Keep your shoulders parallel to the board to maintain control.

Shuvit: A Simple Yet Stylish Trick

The shuvit is another beginner-friendly trick where the board rotates 180 degrees under your feet without leaving the ground.

Steps to Master the Shuvit:

1. Place your back foot near the edge of the tail, ready to scoop.
2. Push your back foot backward in a scooping motion, initiating the board’s spin.
3. Keep your front foot lightly on the board to guide its movement.
4. Jump slightly to let the board spin under you, then land with both feet.

Manual: Perfecting Your Balance

The manual is a skateboard wheelie where you balance on either the front or back wheels while rolling.

Steps to Master the Manual:

1. Position your feet: Place your back foot on the tail and your front foot near the middle of the deck.
2. Shift your weight: Lean back slightly, lifting the front wheels off the ground.
3. Maintain balance: Use your arms for stability and keep your knees slightly bent.

The Kickturn: Navigating Tight Spaces

The kickturn is a pivoting motion where you lift your front wheels and turn on your back wheels.

Steps to Master the Kickturn:

1. Place your back foot firmly on the tail.
2. Shift your weight onto your back foot, lifting the front wheels.
3. Twist your shoulders in the direction you want to turn, allowing your lower body to follow.

5. Where to Skate: Finding the Right Spots

The environment you skate in significantly impacts your progression and enjoyment. Each location offers unique challenges and opportunities to refine your skills.

Beginner-Friendly Spots

1. Driveways and Sidewalks:
   Smooth, flat surfaces are ideal for beginners. These areas allow you to focus on balance, pushing, and stopping without worrying about obstacles.
2. Empty Parking Lots:
   Parking lots provide open spaces to practice turns, kickturns, and even ollies without interruption. Look for lots with minimal traffic and smooth pavement.
3. Skateparks:
   Many skateparks have beginner sections with small ramps, ledges, and rails. These areas are perfect for learning new tricks while watching more experienced skaters for inspiration.

Exploring Urban Skateboarding

Urban environments, such as city streets, curbs, and stairs, offer endless opportunities for creative skating.

Street Skating Tips:

• Scout Locations: Find spots with smooth surfaces and minimal foot or vehicle traffic.
• Practice Early or Late: Early mornings and late evenings are often less crowded, giving you more space to skate.
• Be Respectful: Always follow local rules and avoid damaging private property.

Skateboarding Etiquette:

Skateboarding is a communal activity, and observing proper etiquette ensures everyone enjoys their time.

1. Take Turns: Avoid "snaking" (cutting in front of someone) at the skatepark.
2. Respect Skill Levels: Encourage beginners and learn from more experienced skaters.
3. Keep the Space Clean: Dispose of trash and avoid leaving wax or other debris.

6. Building Skills: Resources for Skateboarders

To continually improve, take advantage of the many resources available for skaters. From online tutorials to local communities, here’s where to turn:

Online Tutorials and Videos

Platforms like YouTube are treasure troves of skateboarding knowledge.

1. Braille Skateboarding: This channel provides tutorials for all skill levels, from learning to push to advanced tricks.
2. Aaron Kyro’s Skateboarding Made Simple: A comprehensive guide covering foundational techniques.
3. Thrasher Magazine's Trickipedia: A trick encyclopedia with video tutorials from professional skaters.

Local Skate Shops

Skate shops are the heart of the skateboarding community.

• Advice and Gear: Staff can help you choose equipment tailored to your style and skill level.
• Community Events: Many shops host skate contests, meetups, and demos that connect skaters.
• Support Local Business: Supporting your local shop helps sustain the skating culture in your area.

Apps and Games

Modern technology can enhance your learning experience.

1. Skater XL (App): A realistic skateboarding simulator that lets you practice virtually.
2. Skate Dice: A fun way to challenge yourself by rolling dice to determine random trick combinations.
3. Trick Tracker: Log your progress and set goals for mastering tricks.

7. Staying Motivated

Learning to skateboard is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Here’s how to stay inspired and keep pushing forward:

Set Goals

• Break your goals into manageable milestones. For example, aim to land a stationary ollie before trying one while rolling.
• Write down your goals and celebrate your progress to stay motivated.

Embrace Failure

• Falling is inevitable but also a learning opportunity. Wear safety gear to minimize injuries and analyze what went wrong after each fall.
• Remember: Every pro skater has fallen hundreds of times before mastering their tricks.

Find a Skate Crew

• Skating with friends is more fun and helps you stay motivated. A supportive group can challenge you to try new tricks and celebrate your achievements.

8. Start Your Skateboarding Journey with Phyzics Skateboards

At Phyzics Skateboards, we believe that every skater deserves gear that fits their style and skill level. From high-quality decks to precision trucks and wheels, we offer everything you need to make your skateboarding experience unforgettable.

9.Quick Glossary

• Deck: The wooden board.
• Grip Tape: Surface for traction.
• Trucks: Attach wheels to the deck.
• Pop: The deck’s ability to "pop" for tricks.
• Wheel Bite: When the wheel touches the deck, stopping motion.
• Complete: Pre-assembled skateboard.

Why Choose Phyzics?

1. Customization: Create a custom skateboard deck that reflects your personality with our custom design options.
2. Quality Assurance: Every product we sell is crafted with performance and durability in mind.
3. Community Commitment: We’re skaters ourselves, and we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

Your Next Steps:

• Explore Phyzics Skateboards Shop to find your perfect setup.
• Check out our Phyzics Lab for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration.
• Connect with us on social media to join the Phyzics Skateboarding community.

Let’s make your skateboarding dreams a reality. See you at the skate park!