Skate MAX Shop Blog

There are many reasons people take up skateboarding, and despite potential injury (which can be said of any sport, and many hobbies), it is an easy activity to get involved in. Beginning skateboarder need-to-know basics include: getting protective gear and a board, getting the feeling of stance and movement, and stopping.

Protective gear is essential for skateboarders, especially if they plan to attempt tricks and stunts. A helmet, elbow and knee pads, and a pair of closed-toed shoes are important. Equipment that does not fit, will not protect. Invest that extra time in borrowing or purchasing gear that does. Not wearing protective gear because it seems “uncool” or “no one else does,” is stupid. Mastering a stunt does not mean that something will never go wrong, by your own fault or someone else’s. Getting the right skateboard involves choosing from sizes and designs to fit the rider. The best recommendation for picking a board is for the skateboarder to try various before choosing.

Before “hitting the streets” or trying to skateboard, it is a great idea to (as stupid as it sounds) for a rider to practice standing on the skateboard and moving their feet around. So beginners: jump on your skateboard while in place. And be wearing your gear, getting injured this early will look “uncool”. While staying stationary, an aspiring skateboarder should also try stances, left or right foot forward, to determine which they prefer. If unable to decide, then they should place the foot that they kick with at the back of the board.

Moving requires a push with the back foot, and a relaxed stance. Bent knees and a weird or uneasy feeling is nothing to worry about. A safe and flat surface, without many obstacles, is highly preferred for beginners. Stopping on a skateboard can be done in a variety of ways, but beginners should use the back foot by placing it on the ground. (Friction will stop them and their skateboard from moving.)

Overall, people interested in trying to skateboard shouldn’t be scared away. When they take the time, actually take the time, to get the basics, they can have a safe and fun skateboarding experience.

Skateboarding is technically an activity where a person interacts with a skateboard, a platform with wheels. Since the 1950s, when surfers took up skateboarding during calm waters, this “activity” has transformed into a sport in its own right, as well as a popular hobby.

When surfers first took apart roller skates and attached them to wooden planks, manufacturers took notice and began producing millions of skateboards. Since then, the industry has researched and developed the skateboards produced today.

In its most simple form, a skateboard can be cheaply purchased and used a means of transportation. It is more eco-friendly, can maneuver in smaller spaces, and requires less storage space than most other forms of transportation. As sports equipment, skateboarding is an activity where the need for practice, talent, and skill increases as the person becomes more advanced.

When talking about skateboarding, whether for travel or sport, it is important to mention the culture that seems to permeate around the activity. Originally, and perhaps still today, skateboarding was an activity for “rebels”. But as skateboarding has developed into a serious sport, the activity is becoming less of a rebellious act and more a normal activity. While someone passing by on their skateboard my still cause bystanders to shake their heads or yell annoyance, the activity has certainly changed to something to do because of personal interest, instead of rebellion.

While skateboarding can be dangerous, or potentially annoying to a neighbor, skateboarding should not be held to a stereotype. Wearing protective gear, such as a helmet and pads, practicing in a friendly area (some sidewalk and park areas restrict skateboarding, and a street can be dangerous,) can help people derive knowledge and enjoyment for such a hobby – whether they aspire to be a professional or just have some fun.