The 8List Noob Guide to Skateboarding: How Not to be a Kook
Jun 17, 2015 • Kevin Christian L. Santos
Jun 17, 2015 • Kevin Christian L. Santos
[dropcap letter=”V”]ans Go Skateboarding Day is happening this Sunday, June 21! What better time to pick up a skateboard and start pushing?
Are you ready to start riding a never-ending wave of a good time? Of course you are!
Skateboarding is without a doubt one of the most fun and exhilarating things anyone can do in their lifetime, whether it be busting flip tricks, grinding rails and ledges, carving transitions, or even just cruising around the streets.
Roll on over and check out how to get started below!
Before you head to a skate shop to get your first board, you must first familiarize yourself with the skateboard’s actual parts. First up is the:
The feeling of picking out your actual set-up is similar to being a kid in candy store (your eyes light up and you want everything, and this may happen).
The best way to start setting up your board is go to your nearest skate shop, and ask the people there about their recommendations for beginners. They’ll be able to give you suggestions based on your needs, but keep in mind that opinions on certain brands varies per skater. As such, a good idea is to check out the different products in the shop and go with whatever feels right, i.e. try out a deck and put it under your feet if it feels comfortable, and so on. Just make sure that the trucks will not be wider than the deck as to not make turning difficult.
A complete and decent setup will set you back at around Php 5,000 up. Jackass Skateshop has special promos for complete setups, check them out.
Now that you have your board and you know your stance, it’s time to learn how to push around and actually ride your board. It may be scary at first, but then again, we all feel a little anxious trying something for the first time. Here are some quick tips to get you started:
Once you’re comfy riding around on your little shred sled, it’s time to learn some tricks!
It’s recommended that you start learning ollies first, as this is the basis for a LOT of tricks in skateboarding. As a plus, the internet is rife, and I do mean RIFE with skateboard trick tips. From 360 flips to rock and rolls, just enter “skateboard trick tips” in search and try to digest everything.
Know your limits, know your abilities and skate safe. Don’t go hucking yourself down a set of stairs or grinding a handrail if you’re not ready for it. Doing so will put you and others around you in danger.
Don’t be a kook. What’s a kook you ask? GQ defines a kook as “An individual with no understanding of the social and sartorial norms of surfing.” This statement also applies to skateboarding. A kook can ruin a good skate session with other skaters and can totally bring the bad vibes, braaaahhh. Here are a few tips to avoid being that guy at a session:
An awesome thing is that most skaters can be more accommodating to beginners, and are more than willing to lend a helping hand in teaching a skater some new things and encourage them to shred.
At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about. Just you and your board.Why do we skate in the first place? Because it’s the funnest thing ever. Praise the board!
Skateboarding is the without a doubt one of the most exhilarating things you can do in your life. You get to meet new friends, and you get to see the world in a different way.
And no, no one’s too old to be skateboarding, as evidenced by this guy and especially this guy. Heck, even Bones Brigade pioneer and skateboard legend Tony Hawk is still ripping harder than ever.
Still not enough to get you hyped? Watch this clip of Cardiel, pick up your board and we’ll see you on Sunday!
Get on that never-ending wave of a good time and get stoked at Vans Skateboarding Day! The push parade starts at 7Am, and the fun lasts the whole day! See you there!
[buffer id=”credit”]*This article was originally published on 8List.ph on May 30, 2014.[/buffer]
Having a love for fart jokes and offensive humor, KC Santos isn't as mature an individual as he thought. He works as 8List.ph's social media manager while juggling migraines and occasional bouts of weeping. His passions include skateboarding, music, dinosaurs and scratching his nether regions.
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