Ever feel like stepping up your game and diving right into skateboard tricks but have no idea where to start? In the ever-expanding universe of skateboarding, navigating through the sea of tricks can be a frazzling experience, and that’s where I come in! We’re about to embark on an epic journey that takes you from clueless to clued-up on the skateboard tricks learning order. So, let’s take this together, showing you the ropes and guiding you from basic moves to breathtaking maneuvers.
What is the skateboard trick learning order?
For all you brave souls ready to kickstart or elevate your skate journey, understanding the ‘skateboard tricks learning order’ can make a massive difference. It’s about mastering the basics that build a strong foundation, then slowly raising the bars. Why’s that, you might wonder?
- A structured learning order can empower you to progress more confidently and swiftly.
- It helps prevent injuries that might crop up from attempting advanced tricks prematurely.
- Achieving milestones regularly will keep your enthusiasm and motivation high.
Daunting as it may seem, remember: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single kick-push.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
What’s the ideal order to learn skateboard tricks?
Before we tiptoe into the world of tricks, let’s lay some groundwork. Each skill builds on another in skateboarding, and the order is undeniably crucial.
Skateboarding isn’t an exact science, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path to mastering tricks. But don’t let that bum you out! I have a rough guide that could pave your way towards shredding the pavement like a pro. Remember, every skater’s journey is unique, and so is yours! So here’s a nifty lineup of tricks to help get those wheels turning.
1. Manual
Let’s kick things off with the classic, the manual. It’s like a meditation on wheels! This is an excellent way to get a real feel for your board and understand how to balance factors in the mix. One might call it the skateboarder’s rite of passage. However, it’s also known for being a razor-tail nightmare, which is why I’d suggest you grab an old deck for practice.
The manual is all about balance and ensuring your back foot isn’t chillin’ at the end of your tail. Your goal? Simple! Stay balanced on two wheels for as long as possible without letting the tail or the nose touch the ground. It sounds easy, but it takes a fair share of practice to nail it!
2. Fakie shove-it
The Fakie Shove-it is one rad trick that’s not too intimidating for beginners, and yet it packs a punch. It does involve a bit of commitment, but once you’ve got the hang of riding a fakie, landing this trick is a cakewalk!
The trick requires a bit of nerve, as the fear of bailing on the landing is always there. But on the bright side, popping a Fakie shove-it is easier than it looks. Nail it down now, and soon you’ll be spinning your board like a top, moving onto big spins, and much more.
3. Shove-it/shuvit
Got your Fakie Shove-it down? It’s time we step up to its sibling, the regular Shuvit. I might be biased, but chances are, you’ll find the Shuvit a little trickier than its fakie variant. But as in life, nothing in skateboarding worth having comes easy, right?
Your biggest bet to conquering the Shuvit is—drumrolls, please—commitment! Conquer your fear, and this trick will be a walk in the park. You might find it easier than an ollie in the beginning. So please don’t hesitate to try before moving on to the ollie.
4. Ollie
The Ollie! There’s no passing the skateboarder’s treasure chest of tricks without learning Ollie. Brought to us by the legendary Alan ‘Ollie’ Gelfand, the trick unlocked a treasure trove of new maneuvers. It’s the first significant leap you’ll take in the world of skateboarding.
Sure, it might feel a bit awkward in the beginning. But with time, perseverance, and several wipeouts, you’ll soon be able to pop that board and land smoothly. Once you’ve got it down, you can practice ollie curbs while cruising.
5. Pop-shuvit
Now that you’ve got your basic Shuvits and Ollie down pat, it’s time to bring them together in the harmonious dance of the Pop-Shuvit. This trick requires a bit more aggression compared to a regular Shuvit, as it requires your tail to hit the ground.
A handy tip if you’re having difficulty pulling this trick off: Take a breather, do some other stuff, and get back to it later. Having a bad skate day is pretty normal, and don’t let it dampen your spirits! And yes, do remember to practice it both front-side and back-side to set you up nicely for more advanced flip trick combos.
Give yourself a solid high-five! You’re well on your way to becoming a force reckoned with on the skatepark! So, in the immortal words of Green Day, “For what it’s worth, it was worth all the while.” Crush it, and I’ll see you on the flip side! Let’s shred!
6. No comply
Stepping up the game, let’s tread into the territory of No Comply. This trick brings in creativity and looks pretty killer when executed. Plus, it’s not as daunting as you might expect. With a rich history, No Comply has multiple contributors like John Lucero, Neil Blender, and possibly a photographer named “O.”
The trick illuminates the understanding of the board’s motion, coordinated with the skater’s body dynamics. Though it isn’t overwhelming, being comfortable on the board and relaxed certainly steps up the game. Once you get comfortable with it, it acts as a stepping stone for performing tricks over or off objects and even on quarter pipes!
7. 180 ollie
The 180 Ollie is a wholesome trick treading into the territory of spins. It’s essentially an Ollie, but you add in a 180-degree spin. While the origin of the trick isn’t crystal clear, it’s presumably an Ollie variation. You can pull it off both frontside and backside, and it earns the name “half-cab” when performed fakie.
It’s generally more accessible to start with the backside variant, giving you a clear view of where you’re headed. Working on both sides enhances your skill set, opening up the path for more tricks!
8. Heelflip
Now that we’re comfortable in the air let’s bring in the iconic heelflip. In the debate of Heelflip vs. Kickflip, I lean towards the former as an easier starting point. It gets you accustomed to the flipping motion and, more importantly, looks insanely cool!
Firstly, remember that the secret behind every execution is always practice. With consistent attempts and mental rehearsing, the impossible Heelflips will start making sense. Once you groove it in, a properly popped Heelflip will turn heads at your park.
9. Kickflip
Kickflip is possibly one of the most admired tricks in skateboarding. Some think it’s a good idea to start kickflips on day one, but I advise otherwise. Trying to kickflip without understanding your board’s dynamics could be more frustrating than productive.
The move was initially coined the magic flip, and due to its magical essence, it’s stuck around as the “Kickflip.” Mastering this trick is a significant step in your skateboarding journey, opening the doors to many variations.
10. Varial kickflip
Last but by no means least, we have the turn of the 80s powerhouse: The Varial Kickflip. It’s an old-school trick that fuses your popping, spinning, and flipping skills into one. It was a hit in the 90s, and with skateboarders swaying toward vintage tricks, the Varial Kickflip seems to be returning.
The move might seem daunting, but remember: it’s about the journey, not the destination. So take it one day at a time, enjoy the process, and remind yourself why you started skateboarding in the first place—to have fun!
Additional skateboard trick-learning tips
Are you keen on turning your skatepark into your magic arena? Here’s a list dedicated to all skate enthusiasts with additional tips for learning new tricks:
- Master navigating around your skateboard; understand your balance first.
- Work your way up and master the basics before leaping onto hardcore maneuvers.
- Practice makes perfect; there’s no shortcut.
- Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone now and then.
- Critique yourself; video recordings can be a great feedback tool.
- And most importantly, embrace your falls and get back up.
My skate journey
My trials and tribulations with the skateboard might not make it to the silver screen, but I believe they’re relatively relatable. Kicking off my journey, like many others, I was all about becoming the trick master. But I realized it wasn’t an overnight achievement, nor should it be the only essence of skateboarding.
Through many falls, scratched elbows, and scuffed shoes, I found that sticking to a structured learning path reaped better results. I started with the basics, gradually worked my way up, and even treated myself to a new setup for heavy riders, a must for us biggies!
“Conquer the basics, scale-up progressively, and embrace the fail. Because, no matter how many times you fall, it’s all about how you rise, dust yourself off, and hold those reigns tighter.”
So, from my skateboard to yours, remember to conquer the basics, scale up progressively, and embrace the fail. Because no matter how many times you fall, it’s all about how you rise, dust yourself off, and hold those reigns tighter. Skateboarding is about the journey, the community, and, most importantly, having fun!
Advantages and disadvantages of learning skateboard tricks
Learning skateboard tricks in a structured order unlocks a world of benefits for newcomers and seasoned riders alike. However, it’s important to remember that every silver lining comes with a little cloud.
Advantages
- It fosters a clear learning pathway, preventing any haphazard attempts to learn complex tricks prematurely.
- The structured approach minimizes the risk of injuries from improper trick execution.
- Progressing from simpler to advanced tricks enhances your board control and understanding, which is vital for mastering harder tricks.
Disadvantages
- It might curtail your creativity and deter you from experimenting with different tricks based on your preferences.
- The strict order may make the learning process seem mechanical and painstakingly slow for some.
- The order might not align perfectly with everybody’s learning curve, leading to disinterest or disillusionment.
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Skateboarding is an adventure filled with highs, lows, epic tricks, and incredible progress. But coupled with that are queries, doubts, and tons of questions. Let’s dive into some common queries in the skate world.
Are there specific steps to prepare before attempting these tricks?
Before you dive right into the deep end, it’s important to get comfortable just cruising on your board. Having a solid grasp on your balance and knowing how your board feels and responds is crucial. Getting a proper skateboard setup for your needs can also play a decisive role in your learning journey.
Are these the only tricks a beginner should learn?
Not at all! These are just a few handpicked tricks to aid beginners in developing their skills progressively. However, skateboarding is a vast territory, and there are countless more tricks to explore. It’s more about what you feel comfortable with and what suits your skating style.
What kind of gear should I have for practicing these tricks?
Having a quality skateboard that fits your body size, skate style, and comfort is a solid starting point. Alongside, it’s incredibly necessary to saddle up on safety gear, including a certified helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, to protect yourself during those slip-ups.
Final thoughts
Embarking on the path of skateboarding tricks can feel like being lost in a labyrinth, especially if you’re starting. However, with this handy guide on skateboard tricks and learning order, I’m optimistic you’ve got a roadmap to aid your seamless navigation from manuals to variable kickflips. So, where do you see yourself kick-starting your skateboard tricks journey? Let me know in the comment section below. I read and reply to every comment. If this post steered you in the right direction or brought a smile, feel free to share it with fellow skate enthusiasts. Hang loose, and stay stoked!
Key takeaways
This article was your backstage pass to learning skateboard tricks. Here are some key takeaways:
- Skateboarding isn’t a strict process, and the learning sequence depends on individual progress and preferences.
- Starting with tricks like ‘Manual,’ ‘Fakie Shove-it,’ and ‘Shove-it’ establishes a solid foundation.
- The ‘Ollie’ is the gateway to a plethora of tricks.
- Gradually escalating to ‘Pop-Shuvit,’ ‘No Comply,’ ‘180 Ollie’, ‘Heelflip,’ ‘Kickflip,’ and ‘Varial Kickflip’ aids in comprehensive skill development.
- Learning tricks in order can prevent injuries, provide a clear pathway, and enhance your board control.
- Adhering excessively to a structured teaching order might limit personal experiences and creativity.
