Have you ever wondered how skateboarders can make those smooth, elegant turns? It’s all about weight distribution and balance. When turning, the skateboarder shifts their weight onto the back of their front right or left foot while pushing with the toes of their back foot. This causes the back trucks to lift off the ground and the board to kick turn. But wait, there’s more!
Skateboarding has been a popular and fun sport for many years, and for a good reason. It’s a great way to get active, have fun, and challenge yourself. But if you’re new to skateboarding, it can be tricky to know how to get started. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to turn on a skateboard and some new tricks. Let’s get started.
How To Turn On A Skateboard
There are two methods for turning on a skateboard. These methods include:
- Leaning and Pushing Into a Turn
- Using Your Tail to Turn and Kick
Let’s take a closer look at each method.
Method One: Leaning and Pushing into a Turn
In this method, there are several ways to initiate a turn. These include:
Begin Riding by Pushing off With Your Legs
To start pushing off, shift your weight to the balls of your feet Next, bend your knees and lean in the direction you want to turn. Once you’ve found your balance, slowly start to push off with your legs at slow speeds. As you push off, transfer your weight onto your front left or right foot, whichever you choose.
Push until you reach the desired and decent speed, then lean forward into your turn. As you lean into your turn, use your back foot to help guide the skateboard around the corner. After you’ve turned, shift your weight back to your rear foot and continue skating.
Set Your Feet in the Middle of the Board
Then, it’s important to ensure your feet are properly positioned. The best spot to plant your feet is near the center of the board or your skateboard deck. This allows for maximum balance and control while turning and easier access to the board’s trucks (the parts that enable turning).
Make sure to evenly distribute your weight across both feet, as this will also help with turning and maintaining balance. Remember, proper foot positioning is key for smooth and successful turns on a skate tool!
Lean Your Body in the Direction You Wish to Go.
Leaning your body weight in the direction you want can make turning smoother and more controlled.
To do this, push off with the foot on the opposite side of the direction you want to turn. As you start turning, shift your body weight onto that foot to increase the turning motion.
This technique can also be applied when turning on roller skates or a bike. Practice shifting your weight while turning to gain better control and become a pro at turning on wheels!
Keeping Your Balance Can Be Difficult, but It’s Important to Try.
Keeping your balance can be crucial in any active activity, like skating or surfing, but it’s something we all use daily when we walk or stand.
To maintain balance while skateboarding, start by turning and pushing off with one foot while keeping the weight evenly distributed on both feet. Bend your knees slightly to absorb any shocks from bumps in the ground, and keep turning at a moderate speed.
As you turn, make sure to evenly distribute your weight between the two trucks (the metal parts under each end of the board), turning gradually rather than suddenly to avoid losing control.
Adjust the Board for Easier Turning.
Skateboarding is all about turning, but if your board isn’t properly adjusted, turning can feel clunky and awkward. Luckily, adjusting your board is a pretty simple process. First, loosen the screws on the trucks (the metal parts that attach the wheels to the board).
Then, stand on your skateboard and press down with both feet. If the turning feels too stiff, loosen the screws a bit more. If it’s too loose or shaky, tighten them slightly.
Finally, test your turning by pushing off and turning in both directions on flat ground. Don’t forget to retighten all of the screws once you’ve found your ideal turning adjustment!
Method Two: Using Your Tail to Turn and Kick
This method, as well as several ways to initiate a turn. These include:
Start by Riding in a Straight Line
When you’re ready to turn, use your back foot to push the board’s tail in the direction you want to go. As you push the tail, lean your body weight in the desired direction you want to turn.
This will help guide the board around the turn. After you’ve turned, shift your weight back to your rear foot and continue skating.
Position Your Feet
Positioning your feet is key to performing this move correctly. Start by placing your front foot forward near the center of the board and your back foot near the tail.
When you’re ready to turn, shift your weight onto your back foot, and place your front foot on the nose of the board. This will help you maintain balance as you turn.
Carefully Press the Tip of the Tail Down.
Pressing down on the tail will help you initiate the turn. Do this by gently placing your foot on the tail and pressing down. You don’t want to press too hard, or you’ll lose control of the board.
To Turn the Nose, Redirect It.
After pressing down on the tail, use your feet to redirect the nose of the board in the direction you want to go. This will help you turn the board around the curve.
Bring the Front Wheels Back to the Ground.
After the curves, it is time to bring your front wheels back down to the ground. Do this by gently pressing down on the nose of the board with your front foot. You don’t want to press too hard, or you’ll lose control of the board. And that’s it!
The Importance of Turning on a Skateboard
Turning on a skateboard is an important skill to master for both beginners and experienced skateboarders.
- First, it allows for increased maneuverability and control on the board. Without the ability to turn, riders are limited to going in straight lines and may have trouble navigating around obstacles or making sharp turns.
- Turning can also help with balance and stability on the board. It allows the rider to shift their weight in the direction they want, helping them stay upright during tricks or high-speed maneuvers.
- It can improve skills such as riding switch (or “fakie”), which is crucial for skating transitions and performing certain tricks and new skills.
And lastly, being able to turn effectively can increase overall confidence on the skateboard and make for a more enjoyable riding experience.
How to Improve Your Skating Skills
If you want to improve your skating skills, the first step is to build up your strength and endurance. Strengthen your calf muscles and your core by doing exercises like squats, lunges, turning methods, and planks.
Next, step forward and start practicing proper technique and form while skating. Make sure you are evenly distributing weight on both legs and always keeping one foot pointed in the right direction that you are going. Your upper body should provide adequate support.
Master the basics – including stopping, turning, and balancing – before attempting more advanced tricks. It may also be helpful to break down each trick into smaller steps and practice them individually before trying to put them together. And most importantly, never be afraid to fall!
It’s also advisable to keep adjusting your skateboard trucks. Loose trucks may result in your skateboard turning awkwardly, while tight trucks will make it difficult to turn at all and thus remain in the same position.
The perfect setting is somewhere in the middle – not too loose and not too tight. While looser trucks may result in easier turning, the decks become unstable and not easy to be controlled.
If you’re having trouble with your skating skills, don’t get discouraged. It takes time, practice, and patience to learn how to skateboard correctly.
Skateboarding Protective Gears to Prevent Injuries
Several gears make skateboarding safe and injuries free. They are helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards.
Helmets are important to prevent head injuries in case of a fall. Knee and elbow pads help protect the joints from scrapes and bruises. And wrist guards help prevent wrist fractures and other hand injuries.
When choosing protective gear, it is important to make sure that it is the right size and fits snugly. It should also be comfortable to wear so that you don’t mind wearing it while in a skate park or parking lot.
Wearing the proper gear can help you avoid injuries and enjoy skateboarding for years to come!