Just bought a skateboard

Maxtro

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Damn this thing is hard to use!

I was out in a parking lot for about an hour just trying not to kill myself. Thankfully I didn't fall. Though I did manage to scrape the board against my leg, I'll try not to do that again.

For some reason I'm having a really hard time turning left; I'm riding regular.

Any tips on foot placement, turning and other really basic but necessary stuff?
 

Serialized3

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First, just because it's fairly rare to see a 28 year old guy buy his first skateboard, I gotta ask why you bought one.

On the turning, if you aren't having problems turning right, and riding regular, then there's a good chance that you are psychologically intimidated about turning towards your darkside. Your trucks could also be too tight, but that's unlikely if you don't have a problem turning right. Did you get a professional to set up your deck for you?

There's also an off chance that you could actually be goofy footed. Do you wakeboard or snowboard? Have you done the backwards push test?

As far as foot placement goes, shoulder-width or so apart is the best for stability. You want to bend your knees just a little bit to lower your center of gravity and absorb shocks in the road. You are also more stable if you lean forward (in the direction you are going) slightly. Try to keep your body as parallel and balanced as possible over the board. Your hips should initiate your turns and generate most of the motion, while your lower legs and toes fine tune your movement.

Since you're new, you should also use your arms for balance. Pick them up til they're about level with your abs, not much higher.

If it feels natural and balanced, you're doing it right!

Other tips:

It helps to have skate shoes for grip and also to tear up. If you get going too fast for comfort, you can drag the sole of your back shoe to check your speed. If you're going too fast for that, try to bail on the softest thing possible. Grass is much better to crash out on than asphalt or concrete.

Never fight a fall, try to roll with it and spread the force through your body. Be especially careful with your ankles and wrists. While they are both rather painful/disabling, wrist sprains take FOREVER to heal, and become very easy to re-aggravate.

Protect your head. I wear a helmet, I don't give a damn if anyone else thinks it's dorky. My little cousin had his head run over by a pickup and died last month (non-skateboard related). Traumatic brain injuries are not DJ.
 

Maxtro

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Thanks for the post Serialized3

Yeah it is kind of odd to be picking up a skateboard at my age. The main reason I got one is to make getting around my university a bit easier. The next semester starts in a couple of weeks. It just takes too long to walk around. Skateboarding is pretty popular around here so I just took the plunge. Also I've been trying a lot of new things this past couple years.

I just did a little more research and my riding position was totally off. I basically had my left/front foot facing forward, pointing toward the front of the board and only my right foot was correct. I wish this thing came with a manual.

Thanks for the rest of the tips and I'm going to buy a helmet. Falling and hitting my head seems very possible at this stage. Sorry bout your cousin.
 

2crudedudes

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I learned to ride a bike at age 11 (6th grade), never learned to ride roller blades or a skateboard.

I say good on you man, good luck and don't break a leg!
 

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Serialized3

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Maxtro said:
Thanks for the post Serialized3

Yeah it is kind of odd to be picking up a skateboard at my age. The main reason I got one is to make getting around my university a bit easier. The next semester starts in a couple of weeks. It just takes too long to walk around. Skateboarding is pretty popular around here so I just took the plunge. Also I've been trying a lot of new things this past couple years.

I just did a little more research and my riding position was totally off. I basically had my left/front foot facing forward, pointing toward the front of the board and only my right foot was correct. I wish this thing came with a manual.

Thanks for the rest of the tips and I'm going to buy a helmet. Falling and hitting my head seems very possible at this stage. Sorry bout your cousin.
Sure man.

I rock the helmet when I ride the streets due to the dangers of cars, but if I were you, I'd try to get good enough to skate campus without a helmet, which might be pretty dorky.

skate on
 

Maxtro

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Sweet, after a couple of days practice I've gotten much better. I've actually managed to go cruising around for a couple of minutes without losing control or my balance. Now I've gotten to the point where my ankles and tendons are getting sore. I guess trying to balance on the board is using them in ways they haven't been used before.
 

CarlitosWay

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BMX street bikes > skate boards :p (yeah I'm biased as I rode street bikes real hard and actually got pretty good in my teens )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrUiGIIklS4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrM4KVNwB94&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwViyY9sUOE

flat land is sick toooooooo as I had a friend who was pretty damn good at it .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2LTVhqHAdo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNS7mfu2Hpo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7anDq7jK_Wg&feature=related

ok end of hijack BMX FOR LIFE!!
 
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Maxtro

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ChalengeGuyFan said:
So when are you doing your first trick? :D
So not falling on my face doesn't count :p

It won't be until I get very confident in riding around. Even then it won't be more complicated than an ollie

That BMX stuff is intense. For now I'm more than happy just riding around. I probably should learn how to do a bunny hop so I don't get stuck on curbs.
 

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taiyuu_otoko

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Maxtro said:
The main reason I got one is to make getting around my university a bit easier.
Ah, fond memories of skating around campus trying to avoid the campus police. One of my favorites was when me and my boys would smoke out and then go skate the parking structures at night, while they were empty.
 
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