5 Tips for Beginning Skateboarders in 2021
Skateboarding can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking sport. Speed, flips, four wheels, and concrete are definitely a challenge to conquer. But like anything, with practice and the right equipment, you can start to board confidently.
With last year’s social distancing, more people were getting outside to try their hand at new sports and skateboarding topped the list. Skateboarding is a great sport because whether you are 8 or 38 you can get into it. As the Official Griptape Sponsor of USA Skateboarding, the team at Jessup Manufacturing has learned a lot about the sport through the decades and we are sharing our top 5 useful tips for skateboarding beginners.
Top 5 Beginner Skateboarding Tips
This sport often is done on your own, without coaches or classes to help you along. Luckily, following a few simple tricks and tips you can get started and on your way to enjoying the sport and having tons of fun.
- Get the right starter skateboard
You don’t have to shell out a ton of money, but make sure you get the best board for your weight and height. Likely you’ll look to get a complete street skateboard (you can put together your board, but you might save that for once you get more involved in the sport).
Just make sure you choose a quality board. Preferably a deck made of hard rock maple, urethane wheels, and solid aluminum trucks.
- Apply skateboard grip tape
Once you have your board in hand you’ll want to apply grip tape to the deck. Grip tape is essential for keeping your feet on the board and providing traction for tricks. As a new skateboarder looks for something that won’t tear up your shoes.
Our basic black grip tape has topped pro skaters lists for years and can be purchased here. We also outfit boards with graphic designs or clear grip tape to show off your unique style.
- Wear protective gear
Even professional skateboarders wear protective gear. Skateboarding is a lot of fun, but expect to fall- especially when just starting out. Those falls will be a lot less painful if you are wearing a helmet, knee, and elbow pads so make sure you always wear them!
- Practice falling techniques
Sounds strange, but falling certain ways will protect you from sprains and broken bones. Read up on the proper falling techniques and practice them just like you would anything else.
Always try to slow your speed and land in a soft spot like grass if possible. Concrete is unforgiving, hench why #3 is on our list.
- Start with the basics
We know it’s tempting to want to start ollies and flips, but you need to start at the basics just like you would with any other sport. In skateboarding that means learning how to push, slow down/stop, turn, and do tic-tacs.
These basics lay the foundation for future tricks and should be mastered before you attempt to move forward. And remember, if you aren’t falling you aren’t learning! Don’t get frustrated, just hop back on the board.
Skateboarding Experts
Jessup has made over 70 million feet of skateboarding grip tape, gripping over 25 million decks and counting. With over 35 years of experience making quality grip tape, contact us to discuss what grip tape is best for your deck.
