Street skateboarding is one of the most popular and accessible forms of skateboarding, and it’s easy to see why. It doesn’t require a ramp, halfpipe, or any other special equipment—just a board and a willingness to explore the urban landscape. From curbs and stairs to handrails and benches, the streets provide a unique and ever-changing playground for skateboarders. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential techniques, tips, and tricks to get you started in the exciting world of street skateboarding.
What Is Street Skateboarding?
At its core, street skateboarding is about using the urban environment as a playground for tricks and creativity. Unlike vert skating, which takes place on ramps, street skateboarding revolves around using everyday objects found on sidewalks, roads, and in public spaces. These objects can include curbs, rails, stairs, ledges, and even walls. Street skateboarding is all about taking advantage of the terrain and turning ordinary features into opportunities for impressive tricks.
The essence of street skateboarding lies in its versatility. Skaters can incorporate obstacles and surfaces in different ways, whether it’s grinding down a rail, popping an ollie onto a ledge, or doing a kickflip down a set of stairs. It’s not just about performing tricks; it’s about expressing yourself creatively while navigating the environment around you.
Getting Started with Street Skateboarding
Before you hit the streets, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. Choosing the right skateboard is crucial to ensuring comfort and stability as you start learning. Street skateboards are typically shorter and narrower than longboards, allowing for better maneuverability and control. When selecting your board, make sure it suits your height and weight and that the wheels are appropriate for street terrain.
Choosing the Right Skateboard
A street skateboard typically consists of the following components:
– Deck: The wooden platform you stand on. A street deck is usually around 7.5 to 8.25 inches wide for a good balance of stability and maneuverability.
– Trucks: The metal components that connect the deck to the wheels. These should be durable but not too heavy.
– Wheels: Street skateboarding requires hard wheels (usually 50-54mm), which allow for better control on smooth surfaces and give more precision when performing tricks.
– Bearings: The small metal rings inside the wheels that help them roll smoothly. High-quality bearings are crucial for smooth rides and faster speeds.
When starting, it’s also important to choose the right shoes. Skate shoes are designed to provide the necessary grip and support for skating. Look for shoes with a flat sole, reinforced sides, and a sturdy design that will protect your feet and improve board control.
Safety Gear
While street skateboarding can be a lot of fun, it’s also important to protect yourself from injuries. At the very least, you should wear a helmet to protect your head from falls. If you plan to skate more aggressively, consider wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards as well. Protective gear is essential for preventing scrapes and bruises while learning new tricks.
Basic Techniques Every Beginner Should Learn
Once you have your skateboard and safety gear, it’s time to start learning the basics. Mastering the fundamental techniques is essential before you can move on to more advanced tricks.
1. The Push
The first skill you’ll need is how to push the skateboard. To do this, stand with your front foot on the deck near the front bolts. Place your back foot on the ground and push off, keeping your weight balanced. Once you’re moving, place your back foot on the tail of the board and prepare to ride.
Pushing is the foundation of all skateboarding, and it’s crucial to practice until it feels natural. Pay attention to your posture and ensure that your body weight is evenly distributed on the board.
2. Stopping
Knowing how to stop is just as important as knowing how to push. The most common method of stopping in street skateboarding is the foot brake. To foot brake, simply place your back foot on the ground while keeping the front foot on the board. Gently drag the back foot on the ground until you come to a stop. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you might lose your balance.
Another method of stopping is the tail drag, where you drag the tail of the board on the ground while applying pressure with your back foot. This technique is useful when you’re moving at faster speeds.
3. The Ollie
The ollie is arguably the most important trick in street skateboarding and the building block for most other tricks. The ollie allows you to jump into the air without using your hands to push the board. To do an ollie, follow these steps:
1. Start by standing with your front foot near the middle of the board and your back foot on the tail.
2. Use your back foot to push down on the tail of the skateboard, causing the nose of the board to lift.
3. As the nose rises, drag your front foot up the length of the board, leveling it out in the air.
4. To land, bring your knees up and prepare to land with your feet over the bolts.
Mastering the ollie is a game-changer in street skateboarding. Once you have the ollie down, you’ll be able to tackle obstacles like curbs and ledges and incorporate it into more complex tricks.
4. The Kickflip
After learning the ollie, the next logical progression is the kickflip. A kickflip is an ollie combined with a flip of the board, and it’s one of the most common tricks in street skating. To do a kickflip:
1. Begin with your feet in the ollie position.
2. As you pop the tail and start the ollie, use the edge of your front foot to flick the side of the board.
3. The board will flip in the air, and you’ll need to quickly adjust your body to land on it.
Learning the kickflip takes time, but it’s an essential trick that opens the door to more advanced maneuvers.
Common Street Skateboarding Tricks
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to some of the more advanced street tricks. Here are some common street skateboarding tricks:
– Shuvit: A basic trick where the skateboard spins 180 degrees underneath you without you spinning in the air.
– Grind: A trick where the skateboarder slides along the edge of an obstacle, such as a rail or a curb. The most common grinds are the smith grind and the 50-50 grind.
– Manual: A balancing trick where the rider lifts the front wheels of the skateboard and rides only on the back wheels.
– Heelflip: Similar to the kickflip, but in this trick, the skater flicks the edge of the board with the heel of their front foot.
As you progress, you can combine these tricks to create your own signature style. The best way to improve is to continue practicing regularly and gradually build up to more difficult tricks.
Finding Street Spots and Skate Parks
Street skateboarding is all about exploring new terrain, and the urban environment offers endless possibilities. Skaters often seek out public spaces such as city plazas, schoolyards, and downtown areas that have benches, stairs, and ledges perfect for practicing tricks.
Be mindful of your surroundings and always be respectful of others when skating in public spaces. Some areas may be off-limits to skaters, so it’s important to check for any regulations before you start riding.
In addition to street spots, skate parks are a great place to practice street skating techniques. Many skate parks have ledges, rails, and bowls that mimic street terrain, giving you the chance to practice in a controlled environment.
Conclusion: Keep Practicing and Have Fun
Street skateboarding is all about progression and creativity. From your first ollie to more advanced tricks, the key is consistent practice and maintaining a passion for the sport. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master a trick right away—every skateboarder started as a beginner. Focus on building your skills, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun exploring the streets with your skateboard. With time, dedication, and plenty of practice, you’ll be able to take on new challenges and become a proficient street skateboarder.