Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Skateboarding (Beginner’s Guide)

Discover tips to overcome your fear of skateboarding as a beginner. Learn how to build confidence, stay safe, and join a supportive skateboarding community.

Skateboarding: the thrill of the ride, the wind in your hair, the feeling of defying gravity. For many, it’s a sport that embodies youth and freedom, but for others, it’s a source of fear and apprehension. That’s where this post comes in – we will talk about the tips and tricks you need to overcome your fear of skateboarding and get back on the board.

Before dismissing this post as another generic “how-to” guide, let me tell you something: skateboarding is worth the effort. Not only is it a great way to stay active and get outside, but it can also boost your confidence and teach you valuable life lessons.

Tips to overcome your fear of skateboarding

If you’re looking to overcome your fear of skateboarding, there are a variety of tips and strategies you can try. Here are some of the most useful tips, along with the sources that recommend them:

Image of a woman skateboarding down the road. Source: tony pham, unsplash
Image of a woman skateboarding down the road. Source: tony pham, unsplash

1. Commit and be ready

Before attempting any skateboarding trick, ensure you are ready. Only commit if you feel confident and competent in your abilities. Trying a trick beyond your skill level can result in injury, making your fear even worse. So, work your way up and question yourself if you are ready.

2. Exercise regularly

Maintaining a healthy body can help overcome fear while skateboarding. Regular exercise can help you develop the strength, flexibility, and balance to skate confidently. Skateboarding is also a great way to get fit and stay in shape, so use the nearby areas.

3. Learn to control the skateboard

Learning to control the skateboard is essential to overcome your fear. Practicing basic skills like pushing, turning, and stopping is important before attempting any tricks. The more you practice these basic skills, the more confident you feel on the board.

4. Take your time

Don’t rush to do advanced tricks before you’re ready. Take your time to learn the basics, and gradually work up to more challenging moves. The more comfortable you feel on the board, the less fear you’ll experience.

5. Fall a few times to get familiar

It’s normal to fall while learning to skate. Falling can help you become more familiar with the skateboard and build confidence. Always wear protective gear and fall in a safe area.

6. Believe in yourself and execute

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Focus on your goal, take a deep breath, and execute the trick. This will help you overcome your fear and increase your confidence on the skateboard.

7. Avoid chicken-footing

Avoid using only one foot on the skateboard. It can make you lose your balance and feel more fearful. Use both feet equally and distribute your weight evenly.

8. Focus on your moves

When learning a new trick, focus on each step of the process. Break it down into smaller steps and practice each until you feel comfortable. This will help you overcome any fear or anxiety you may have.

9. Let go of the fear

Let go of any fear or anxiety about skateboarding. Focus on the positive aspects of the activity, such as the adrenaline rush you feel when you land a trick and the fun of spending time with friends. Positive thinking can help you overcome your fear and build your confidence.

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My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

Tips to overcome your fear of skateboarding (beginner's guide) | 61vn95mf7ql. Ac sl1184 | skateboard salad
My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

I had my board stolen a few years ago and was forced to quickly replace it with a complete. I got one with an Enjoi deck and loved it so much that I still buy the Whitey Panda deck each time I need a new deck. This complete with budget-friendly, beginner-friendly parts, but I still swear by it.

What is skateboarding?

Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity and sport where a person rides on a flat board with four wheels, known as a skateboard, performing tricks and maneuvers. It has become a defining activity of urban culture, especially among the youth. Skateboarding has been considered one of the so-called extreme sports, and it is now an Olympic sport with various competitions, such as vertical and street-style events.

Skateboarding has a simple design with three main parts: the deck, trucks, and wheels. The deck is the flat board where the rider stands, typically made of wood. Trucks are metal axles attached to the underside of the deck, and they hold the wheels in place. Lastly, wheels are mounted on the trucks, usually made of polyurethane material.

Image of young kids learning how to skateboard. Source: allan mas, pexels
Image of young kids learning how to skateboard. Source: allan mas, pexels

What makes skateboarding an exciting sport?

Skateboarding is an exciting sport that has become popular among youths and adults alike. One of the reasons why skateboarding is exciting is because it is considered one of the so-called extreme sports. Skateboarding also involves performing tricks and maneuvers while standing balanced on a small board mounted on wheels, which requires skill and balance, making it challenging and exciting at the same time.

Another aspect that makes skateboarding exciting is its culture. Skateboarding has a rich culture that has developed over the years, characterized by unique fashion, music, and art styles. The culture of skateboarding has always been as much about culture as competition, and it has now made room for the biggest competition in the world: the Olympics.

Skateboarding made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 with two disciplines: street and park. In park skateboarding, riders ride in a bowl and gain speed to do big moves in the air, while street skateboarding involves riding over obstacles, rails, stairs, and slopes. In summary, skateboarding is exciting because of its challenging and unique nature, rich culture, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level, such as in the Olympics.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “How to Conquer FEAR in Skateboarding” from the Skate Or Die YouTube channel.

A video called “How to Conquer FEAR in Skateboarding” from the Skate Or Die YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about tips to overcome your fear of skateboarding? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

What if I’m too old to start skateboarding?

It’s never too late to start a new hobby, and skateboarding is no exception. People of all ages can learn to skate, and it’s a great way to stay active and have fun.

How do I know if I have a fear of skateboarding?

If the idea of skateboarding makes you feel anxious or scared, you may have a fear of skateboarding. This fear can manifest as physical symptoms like sweating or trembling, and it can be difficult to overcome without the right tools and techniques.

Do I need expensive gear to start skateboarding?

While it’s important to invest in quality safety gear, you don’t need to break the bank to start skateboarding. Basic boards and gear can be purchased relatively cheaply, and you can always upgrade as you improve your skills. Remember, the most important thing is to stay safe and have fun!

Conclusion

Well, that’s a wrap on our tips to overcome your fear of skateboarding. I hope you found this post helpful and informative (and not too gnarly!). Did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments below – I read and reply to every single one.

Remember, whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting, overcoming fear is an important part of the process. By building your skills, finding a supportive community, and staying safe, you can enjoy all the thrills and excitement that skateboarding has to offer.

And if you’re still feeling a little hesitant, just remember: the only way to truly fail is to never try in the first place. So, grab your board, take a deep breath, and let’s hit the pavement together.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to share it with a friend and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on all things skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!

Key takeaways

This article covered tips to overcome your fear of skateboarding. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Skateboarding is an exciting and rewarding sport that can help build confidence.
  • Various factors can cause fear of skateboarding, and facing your fears is important to overcome them.
  • Overcoming the fear of skateboarding requires starting small, practicing, and getting support from a skateboarding community.
  • Skateboarding safety is crucial, including wearing protective gear, following etiquette, and taking precautions in public areas.
  • People of all ages and skill levels can enjoy skateboarding.
  • Overcoming the fear of skateboarding is worth the effort and can lead to valuable life lessons.
  • It’s never too late to start skateboarding; basic gear can be purchased cheaply.
  • The only way to truly fail is to never try in the first place.

Helpful resources

Steven Portrate
Written by Steven Sadder, Staff Writer

Hey! I'm Steven, a lifelong skater, and proud New Yorker. I’ve been skating since I was a teenager. I may be a bit older now, but I'm not slowing down. Follow me for skating tips and latest gear reviews.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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