Skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s an art form, a test of resilience, and, let’s be honest, an excellent way to earn cool points. Whether you’re a newbie learning your first manual or a seasoned rider pushing the boundaries with advanced flips, learning new tricks is essential. But let’s face it—getting there is as much about conquering fear as it is about technical prowess. So, how do you crack the code on learning new skateboarding tricks? Buckle up (or tighten those trucks), because we’re about to dive into the ultimate guide!
Table of Contents
Why Balance is Your Best Friend
Before you dive into flips, spins, and ollies, you’ve got to master one thing: balance. Skateboarding is a delicate dance between control and chaos, and your balance will keep you on the right side of that line. Practice riding smoothly—work on your stance, turning, and shifting weight.
Pro Tip:
Start slow with balancing exercises on flat ground. Then, move to gentle slopes and practice controlling your descent. Your sense of balance will be your foundation for any trick you attempt.
The Building Blocks: Basic Tricks to Learn First
Don’t jump straight into a kickflip before nailing the basics—it’s like skipping the tutorial in a video game. Get comfortable with these beginner-friendly moves first:
1. Ollie: The gateway trick to everything else.
This one’s your bread and butter. By popping the tail and sliding your front foot forward, you’ll jump with the board glued to your feet. Once you’ve mastered the ollie, every other trick becomes that much easier. Learn more about perfecting your ollie.
2. Manual: Wheelies for skateboarders.
This is the art of balancing on two wheels without losing your cool. Practice it first on flat ground before moving to longer distances or obstacles. It’s a great trick to build core strength and fine-tune your balance.
3. Shuvit: Spin it around.
The shuvit requires a quick flick to spin the board under your feet while you stay airborne. Don’t worry about catching air just yet; just focus on getting that 180° spin.
Progression is Key: Advancing Your Trick Arsenal
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to expand your repertoire. But here’s the trick—don’t rush it. Work on each move until it feels natural, then push into more complex ones. Progress gradually, like leveling up in a game.
1. Kickflip: The Holy Grail of skateboard tricks.
When you’re ready, the kickflip will test your skills. It involves an ollie while simultaneously kicking your front foot to flip the board 360° under you. Take your time, practice flicking gently at first, and soon you’ll be landing clean kickflips like a pro.
2. Heelflip: The kickflip’s cousin.
If you’ve mastered the kickflip, the heelflip is a natural next step. This involves using your heel to flick the board, causing it to rotate in the opposite direction.
3. 360 Flip (Tre Flip): Combine a kickflip and a shuvit.
One of the most visually impressive tricks, the tre flip involves rotating your board 360° while it flips beneath you. Timing and coordination are everything here, so film your attempts and critique your form as you progress.
The Psychology of Landing New Tricks: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Fear and frustration are part of the process. There’s no shortcut around that fact. But the more you push your limits, the faster you’ll progress. Here’s how to stay motivated:
Record your progress: Reviewing your videos helps spot mistakes you can correct.
Challenge yourself: Start trying tricks outside of your comfort zone once you’re consistent with your current ones.
Learn from your falls: Every fall is an opportunity to improve. Remember, every pro skater you admire has face-planted more times than they can count.
Advanced Tips for Learning New Tricks
Consistency is King: Skateboarding is about muscle memory, and the only way to lock down a trick is by practicing regularly. You won’t land that cinnamon roll trick on your first try (yes, that’s a real trick!). But after countless attempts, it’ll feel like second nature.
Train Smarter, Not Harder: Dedicate specific sessions to mastering one trick. Don’t spread yourself thin trying to learn everything at once. Focus on incremental improvements during each session.
Invest in Gear: The right skateboard deck, wheels, and trucks can make learning new tricks easier. If you’ve been riding the same setup for years, consider upgrading for a better experience. Check out professional skateboarding gear reviews.
Final Thoughts: Master New Skateboarding Tricks Like a Pro
Learning new skateboarding tricks takes time, patience, and dedication, but the payoff is always worth it. Start by perfecting your balance, work through beginner tricks like the manual and shuvit, and don’t shy away from pushing yourself into more advanced territory. Keep practicing, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and remember—falling is just part of the journey. The grind never stops!
Ready to step up your skateboarding game? Grab your board, hit the pavement, and get ready to shred like never before.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to learn new skateboarding tricks?
It depends on the trick. Simple tricks like the manual can take a few days, while more complex moves like the kickflip might take weeks or months of consistent practice.
2. What’s the easiest skateboard trick to learn for beginners?
The ollie is often considered the easiest foundational trick, as it leads to many other tricks.
3. Can I learn new tricks without a skate park?
Absolutely! Many tricks, like the shuvit and manual, can be practiced on flat ground or even in your driveway.
4. Is it important to wear protective gear when learning new tricks?
Yes! Especially for beginners, wearing a helmet, knee, and elbow pads can prevent serious injuries.
5. What’s the hardest skateboarding trick to master?
The 360 flip is one of the hardest tricks due to its combination of a flip and a spin, requiring perfect timing and control.