Learning some fundamental skateboarding techniques will enable you to safely maneuver your skateboard. The top of a wooden skateboard features a thin layer of grip tape that helps your feet remain in place while performing the techniques. Practice these skateboarding maneuvers in your driveway before taking them to the street.
Pushing
The proper pushing technique will allow you stay balanced while increasing your speed. Place your lead foot over the four bolts found at the front of the board. Extend your opposing foot in front of you. Thrust off the ground with your foot to propel the skateboard. Keep your pushing foot flat to increase the efficiency of the technique. Bend your knees throughout the pushing process to ensure your movements remain balanced.
Stopping
The skateboard can reach breakneck speeds down inclined hills. Knowing how to slow the skateboard will prevent you from losing control of the board. Use the same foot you push with to slow the speed of the board. If you see a hazard in your path, remove your pushing foot from the top of the skateboard, lower your shoe onto the ground, lean back to balance your riding stance and drag the bottom of your shoe until the skateboard slows to a stop.
Tick-Tack and Kick-Turn
The tick-tack allows you to change your direction while rolling forward. Position your back foot over the inclined section at the back of the skateboard, known as the tail. Push down on the tail to lift your front wheels of the ground. Pro skater Kris Markovich recommends gyrating your hips from side to side to change the direction of your skateboard. The kick-turn uses the same motion of the tick-tack, but allows you turn the board 180 degrees. As you reach the top of a skate ramp, push down on the tail. Rotate your shoulders to swing the board around. Lower your front wheels as you complete the kick-turn.
Manual
Learn the manual on a level surface to get acclimated with the balancing technique. Push on the tail of the board to lift the front wheels. Extend your hands to balance on the back wheels of the skateboard. Avoid scraping your tail across the ground to increase the length of the manual. Balancing on the front wheels of your skateboard is a technique known as the "nose manual."
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