Skateboarding
Skateboarding
Everything you need to know to get started skateboarding
You want to start skateboarding but you don't know how to do it except from Youtube compilations. No problem, you've come to the right place to learn the basics of skateboarding.
Before you go down in skateboarding history like Vincent Matheron, you need to know where to start, and that's the whole point of our guide, which will help you show off to your mates this summer.
Vincent Matheron tout sourire
© Red Bull
01
The different types of skateboard for beginners
Skateboarding is a sport that can be practised in many different ways. That's why the choice of board has a big influence on how much you can do.
There are three types of board, and therefore three different ways of practising skateboarding.
- The first type of board is the so-called classic skateboard, the one you see most on the street and in skateparks.
It has a nose (front) and a tail (back) curved upwards, these ends are used to drive the board and perform tricks. Classic boards are recommended for beginners wishing to learn tricks, as they are versatile.
- The second type of board is the longboard, which is shaped like a surfboard and was originally created to reproduce the sensation of surfing on land. Large in size compared with its counterparts, the longboard is only designed to cover great distances, as its size and weight enable it to reach high speeds. It also has large wheels that can be adapted to a wide range of terrain.
- The last type of board is the cruiser, which is simply a mix of the two boards mentioned above. It is smaller than the longboard but higher than the classic skateboard. Its characteristics mean that it can be used mainly in the city.
Les différent types de planches de skate
© Element
02
How to choose your skateboard: essential criteria
Each board must be adapted to suit you. That's why the size and width of a board are so important. The size of a skateboard varies between 6.5 inches for a small board and 8.5 inches for a full-size board.
To better understand the importance of the size of a skateboard, you need to know that a narrow board is recommended for very young children.
If you're going to be using your skateboard on the street or in a skatepark, then an average width of between 7.5 and 8 inches is more appropriate, unlike wider skates which are ideal for longboard-type boards and therefore for long-distance travel. If there are any details you don't understand, ask a specialist dealer for advice.
Choosing a board is all very well, but without accessories it won't roll. There are 3 essential components for using your skateboard.
- The trucks are a T-shaped metal part that sits at the front and rear of the skateboard, holding the wheels and bearings in place. There are two different types of truck: wide trucks offer greater stability for the board but less manoeuvrability when cornering, while narrower trucks are less stable.
However, the size of a truck also depends on the width of the board, so it's important to keep the two in proportion, which is the main criterion when choosing the size of truck.
- The skateboard wheels are also extremely important, depending on how the board feels.
Small wheels, between 50 and 54 mm, are preferred by street skateboarders because they are more responsive and perfect for performing tricks.
Larger wheels, from 60 mm upwards, are used for cruiser skates and longboards, in particular to absorb shocks.
Wheels have a lifespan indicated at the time of purchase by a grade system, the higher the number the longer the wheel will last.
- A skateboard bearing is a part that fits into the wheels to fix them to the axle and allow them to turn. As with wheels, bearings also have a rating system, called ABEC. The higher the ABEC rating, the more precise the bearing.
03
All you need to know about skate accessories:
If you thought skateboarding didn't require protective gear, you'd be wrong. You're not the Tony Hawk you think you are without them. Helmets are compulsory, as are knee, wrist and elbow pads.
The use of protection is necessary whatever your level. Especially in street skateboarding, you're bound to fall because that's how it works. The best advice to avoid falling is not to think about it.
Marcelo Jimenez montre l’exemple avec ses protections
© Red Bull
What is a grip? A grip is a piece of sandpaper that gives you a better grip on the board for performing tricks.
Over time, your grip will wear out, but the good news is that you don't need to change your board, just your grip.
04
How to practise and progress quickly :
So you've got all the equipment you need, now all you have to do is practise.
Before you start, you need to work out which foot is going to be at the front of the board. It's quite simple: stand in front of a staircase and the leg that goes first will be your strong leg.
- The first and most important thing is to know how to push your skateboard. Here's a little tip: bend your support leg on the board and push with the other.
- Turning your skateboard is very intuitive. Shift your weight onto the tail until the two front wheels leave the ground and jerk towards the desired point.
- How do you stop? Complicated at first glance, but don't worry, we're not going to teach you how to brake by slidding, just how to control your speed.
Using your body weight and your rear foot to brake on the ground will slow down the skateboard.
Now that we've answered all your questions, all that's left to do is grab the board of your dreams and impress your fellow riders.
