Beginner’s Guide to Skateboard Tricks: Start with These Easy Moves

Skateboarding is not only a fun way to get around but also an exciting sport that allows you to express your creativity through tricks and moves. Whether you're looking to learn some basic skateboarding moves or dive into the world of skateboarding tricks, getting the fundamentals down is essential. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover some easy skate tricks and offer useful skateboarding tips to help you get started on your journey to mastering skateboard tricks.

1. Start with the Basics: Get Comfortable on Your Board

Before attempting any beginner skateboard tricks, it’s essential to get comfortable riding your skateboard. For a detailed guide on how to choose the right skateboard for you, make sure to read our article “What size skateboard should I get?”. Practice balancing on your board, pushing yourself along, and stopping. This will help you develop a strong foundation for learning new tricks.

If you’re just starting, you might want to focus on these basic skateboarding moves:

• Pushing: The most important move to get yourself going.

• Turning: Learn how to turn by leaning in the direction you want to go.

• Stopping: Master stopping techniques like the foot brake or the heel drag.

• These basic moves are crucial for building confidence and preparing yourself for tricks.

2. Learn the Ollie: The Foundation of Most Skateboard Tricks

The Ollie is often considered the most essential trick to learn as it’s the foundation of almost all other skateboard tricks. This trick involves jumping with your board to get both wheels off the ground. The Ollie allows you to perform other tricks, such as kickflips, grinds, and slides. To master the Ollie, it's essential to have a board with the right features. Our complete skateboards are designed for beginners and experts alike, offering the stability you need to learn tricks like the Ollie.

To perform the Ollie:

• Place your back foot on the tail of your skateboard and your front foot near the middle.

• Crouch down and pop the tail of the board by pushing down with your back foot.

• As you pop the tail, jump with the board, dragging your front foot up the board to level it out.

• Practice this move until you can get both wheels off the ground and land smoothly.

3. Master the Shuvit: A Fun and Simple Trick

The Shuvit is another great beginner skateboard trick that doesn’t require jumping but still gives you the feeling of performing a trick. This move involves spinning the skateboard 180 degrees beneath you while you remain stationary on top of the board. For a smooth Shuvit, you need a responsive skateboard deck. Check out our selection of high-performance decks, perfect for mastering this fun trick.

To do a Shuvit:

• Place your back foot on the tail and your front foot across the skateboard.

• Using your back foot, scoop the tail of the board around in a 180-degree spin.

• Try to keep your feet in the center of the board to prevent it from flying out from under you.

• This is one of the easiest skate tricks to learn and is a great addition to your arsenal once you’ve mastered the Ollie.

4. The Kickflip: A Step Up from the Ollie

Once you feel confident with the Ollie, you can challenge yourself with the Kickflip, one of the most popular and impressive skateboard tricks. The Kickflip involves the same jumping motion as the Ollie, but this time, you’ll use your front foot to kick the board and make it spin 360 degrees along its length. A good skateboard setup is crucial for executing a successful Kickflip. Consider our skateboards and trucks that offer the perfect balance of control and pop.

To perform a Kickflip:

• Position your back foot on the tail and your front foot across the board.

• Pop the tail of the skateboard with your back foot and immediately drag your front foot up.

• As you reach the top of your jump, flick your front foot outward to make the skateboard spin.

• Try to catch the board with your feet and land smoothly.

Though it may take some time to get the timing just right, the Kickflip is one of those tricks that will make you feel like a pro once you get it down.

5. Practice Regularly and Have Patience

When you’re first learning how to skateboard tricks, remember that practice makes perfect. It’s normal to fall and struggle at first, but don’t let that discourage you. Start with the basic skateboarding moves, and gradually work your way up to more complex tricks.

Here are some skateboarding tips for beginners:

• Start Slow: Don’t rush to learn difficult tricks. Focus on mastering one move at a time.

• Safety First: Always wear the appropriate protective gear like a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads while practicing.

• Be Consistent: Practice regularly, but don’t overwork yourself. Take breaks when needed to avoid injuries.

6. Where to Learn Skateboard Tricks

There are many resources available to help you learn skateboard tricks, including online tutorials, skateboarding videos, and even skateboarding classes. If you want hands-on help, consider visiting a local skatepark where you can practice with others and learn new moves.

Many experienced skaters are more than happy to offer tips to beginners, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or watch others. With dedication and practice, you’ll be pulling off beginner skateboard tricks in no time!

Conclusion

Skateboarding is an exciting and rewarding activity, and mastering the basic skateboarding moves is the first step toward becoming proficient at more advanced tricks. By learning easy skate tricks like the Ollie, Shuvit, and Kickflip, you’ll start to gain confidence and improve your skills. So, grab your skateboard, put on your safety gear, and begin your journey to learn skateboard tricks. With patience, practice, and persistence, you’ll be skating like a pro in no time!