How to Get Started with Skateboarding? Understand Skateboard Types, 3 Essential Beginner Moves Tutorial

In recent years, skateboarding has become increasingly popular in Hong Kong. Whether it's on the streets or at skateparks, it's common to see skateboarders. Watching their graceful movements, are you tempted to join them ? As beginners in skateboarding, where should you start? With the wide variety of skateboards available, how do you choose? JC Fit City will break it down for you, providing a beginner's guide to skateboarding, covering 3 essential basic moves to help you quickly grasp the fundamentals.

A Look at Skateboard Types

To excel in one's work, one must first sharpen their tools. Choosing the right skateboard is key to a successful start. Below are 3 common types of skateboards, which you can choose based on your personal needs and preferences:

● Skateboard / Shortboard
○ Features: Both ends of the deck are upturned, the deck is narrower, and the wheels are smaller and harder.
○ Suitable for: Primarily used for street style and skatepark tricks, such as Ollies and kickflips.
○ Beginner's advice: If your goal is to learn tricks, this is the standard choice. However, it might be harder to master balance initially.

● Longboard
○ Features: The deck is longer and wider, and the wheels are larger and softer. It is the largest and heaviest of the 3 types of skateboards.
○ Suitable for: Fast cruising, wide turns, downhill, and dancing. High stability, smooth and comfortable ride.
○ Beginner's advice: Very suitable for beginners looking for speed and a stable riding experience, relatively easy to pick up.

● Cruiser
○ Features: Usually shorter, with a flat nose, and equipped with soft wheels.
○ Suitable for: Short-distance commuting and urban cruising. Lightweight, portable, and flexible in turning.
○ Beginner's advice: Also a popular choice for skateboarding beginners, it's both portable and relatively easy to balance, suitable for navigating the city.

Beginners should consider the main style they want to play. If you want to do tricks, choose a technical board; if you want easy cruising for commuting, a longboard or cruiser would be easier to learn. You can consult a professional skateboarding coach for advice on choosing the right skateboard.

Skateboarding Beginner Gear and Safety Tips

Safety is always the top priority. In addition to the skateboard itself, the following gear is especially important for beginners:

● Helmet: Protects the head from impact.
● Protective Gear: Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards provide effective protection in case of a fall.
● Skateboarding Shoes: Flat-soled, durable skateboarding shoes offer better grip and protection.

When practicing skateboarding, find a suitable venue. Avoid practicing on wet or uneven surfaces, slopes, and crowded areas with people and vehicles. Hong Kong has many suitable venues for skateboarding beginners. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has also set up skateparks in various districts:

● Chai Wan Poolside Garden
● Morrison Hill Road Playground
● Morse Park (Park No. 4)
● Tung Chung North Park
● Kwai Shun Street Playground
● Tsing Yi Northeast Park
● Kwok Shui Road Park
● Tin Shui Wai Park

3 Essential Basic Moves for Beginners Tutorial

For beginners, learning basic skateboarding moves is the first step to mastering skateboarding skills. Let's start learning the basic skateboarding tutorial moves!

● Basic Stance and Balance
○ Determine your dominant foot: Which foot do you prefer to have in front? Left foot forward is called Regular, right foot forward is called Goofy. You can try being gently pushed; the foot that naturally steps out is usually your back foot (power foot).
○ Getting on the board: Place the skateboard on a flat surface. Your front foot should step on the board near the front trucks, with your toes pointing forward or slightly outward. Your back foot should be lightly on the ground, ready.
○ Center of Gravity: Shift your body's center of gravity to your front foot, knees slightly bent, staying relaxed. Try placing your back foot near the tail trucks, with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly outward, and your body's center of gravity between your two feet.

Practice getting on and off the board and maintaining balance in place, feeling the board's movement. You can hold onto a railing or wall for practice.

● Pushing
○ Action: Stand with your front foot in a stable position on the front of the board, maintaining your center of gravity and slightly bent knees. Push off the ground lightly with your back foot, like walking, to gain forward momentum.
○ Bringing your foot back: After pushing off, smoothly bring your back foot back to the tail of the board, adjusting to a balanced stance for cruising.

Repeat the actions of pushing, cruising, and bringing your foot back. Try to cruise in a straight line. Look forward, don't just stare at your feet.

● Turning (Beginner: Weight Shift Turning / Tic-Tac)
○ Weight Shift Turning (Carving): When cruising at a certain speed, try to slightly lean your body weight to the left or right, turning by applying pressure to the trucks. Gently press the edge of the board with your heel or toes to feel a slight turn.
○ Tic-Tac: Suitable for slower speeds. Use your front foot as the pivot point, subtly twist your body to make the nose of the board swing slightly left and right, and lightly press the tail with your back foot to change direction. This requires more practice for coordination.

Practice in an open area. Start with small turns, and then increase the angle as you become more proficient.

Besides basic moves, falling is an inevitable part of learning to skateboard. Try to fall to the side or backward, landing on your elbow and knee pads first, or rolling with the fall to absorb impact, avoiding using your palms to directly support yourself to prevent wrist injuries.

Skateboarding is a fun and challenging sport. After mastering the basic knowledge of skateboard types, beginner essentials, and fundamental skateboarding tutorial moves, the most important thing is consistent practice. Although skateboarding is fun, beginners should not rush to try difficult moves. Safety first: learn basic moves like cruising, turning, and stopping, and gradually improve your skills. JC Fit City periodically organizes skateboarding experience classes where you can practice under the guidance of professional coaches and meet like-minded skateboarders to interact with. Remember to keep an eye on our website and app!