Regardless of what level of skater you are or your discipline, it’s never too late to learn new tricks. Skateboarding is a constantly evolving sport, and your game should constantly evolve.
You can practice until you’re blue in the face and read every guide on any topic, and you’d still have tons left to learn. We understand this, and we’re attempting to go boldly where no other skater has gone before.
Well, maybe they have, but we’re still going to go there. We took the time to compile the biggest list of skateboard tips we could think of. All the tips we’ve ever read, learned, watched, and heard can be found in this list.
Buckle your seatbelt because we’re passing this knowledge on to you. If you’re thirsty for skateboard knowledge, you’ve come to the right place.
Top Skateboard Tips
1. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
This is one of the greatest first skateboarding tips. Don’t try to learn too much at once. Start slow and pace yourself. There’s no rush to learn everything in one day. The slower you learn, the better things end up in the end. When you rush, you tend not to take in all the knowledge that should be learned. In skateboarding, slow and steady wins the race.
2. Never EVER Skateboard in the Rain
There are multiple reasons to follow this rule. You run a huge risk of becoming injured by skating in the rain. That’s just common sense.
Another huge reason to avoid the rain is because of the bearings. Your skateboard bearings can become damaged in the rain, and you’ll end up needing a replacement way before you normally should. Rust and other debris get inside bearings and cause major damage.
3. You’re Never Too Old or Young to Skate
Age doesn’t matter in skateboarding. That’s one of the beautiful things about this recreational activity. We’ve seen children as young as two, and three get on their first skateboard. We’ve also seen a sixty-year-old man try skating for the first time as a senior citizen. You’re never too old or young to master the art of skateboarding.
4. Avoid Hazards When You’re Learning
When you first begin skateboarding, you’re going to want level ground without many hazards. Avoid cracks, rocks, and other debris that could make the ride more difficult. You want the easiest and smoothest ride possible when you’re new. If you want obstacles, try a mini ramp first.
5. Figure Out Your Stance
In the world of skateboarding, there is a regular stance and goofy stance. Regular stance is when your left foot is forward, and a goofy stance sees your right foot forward.
6. Wheel Feel Matters: Softer Wheels or Harder Wheels?
Skateboard wheels carry a rating that describes how soft or hard they are and how they roll. Hard wheels are better for tricks and vert ramp skating, and softer wheels are better for longboarding and downhill skating.
7. Shoes Matter
Your skateboard shoes are more important than you think. Get suede shoes instead of canvas. Canvas shoes don’t hold up to the elements very well, and leather shoes are usually too hot. Your local skate shop will have a good selection.
8. Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from more experienced skateboarders or watch them perform. Usually, they’re glad to help and won’t have a problem sharing their knowledge with a new skater.
9. Skate With Friends
Don’t skate by yourself at first. Skateboard with friends, so you don’t get discouraged. Having some friends with you can keep you in good spirits, so you don’t get down on yourself if you take a little while to learn something.
10. Always Wear Knee Pads and Elbow Pads at the Same Time
It might not be the most popular option, but you should wear safety gear at all times. Veteran skaters usually don’t like this rule, but it applies to them as well. At the very least, wear your helmet to avoid head and neck injuries. Your local skate shop has many brands of safety equipment.
11. If Something Feels Natural, Go With It
If you’re using a particular stance or style and it feels right to you, go with it. It might not be done according to the book, but if it works for you, that’s all that matters.
12. Your Board Will Get Damaged
Don’t sweat it if your board gets damaged. You can’t keep them perfect forever unless you don’t use them. And that defeats the purpose.
13. Stay Away from Crowded Areas
We did say go skating with your friends. But when it comes to newer people, stay away from crowded areas. You could risk injuring yourself and others if you’re brand new and skating around too many people
14. Stretch Before You Skate
If you’re an older skater, this is especially true. Taking fifteen minutes to stretch before you skate can help prevent more serious injuries.
15. Repetition
Once you get good at a trick, repetition is key. Don’t flip-flop back and forth until you master a trick. When you nail something, don’t move on until you can land the trick five times in a row without suffering a fall.
16. Cleaning Your Bearings
It’s very important to keep your bearings clean. Small pieces of sand and dirt can get wedged between them and cause more damage.
17. Use Your Spacers
You might have read or heard that spacers aren’t much of a factor when they’re installed. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Spacers prevent sand and debris from entering the bearings at the very least. If you skate at high speeds, they can stop the bearings from rubbing together, causing serious wear.
18. Hair Dryer for Grip Tape
If you’re replacing the grip tape on your skateboard, use a hairdryer to remove the old tape. Start on one side and work your way down.
19. Place Stickers Near the Trucks On Your Board
If you want to put stickers on the bottom of your board, don’t put them in the middle. Instead, place them near the trucks. It’s hard to slide on stickers because of the slick material.
20. Don’t Skate and Listen to Music
Some people may have a hard time following this rule. However, it’s for your own good. When you listen to music, you get distracted. When you’re skating, it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings and be aware. When you’re paying attention, it’s also easier to remember how you performed a maneuver so you can duplicate it.
21. Recover First
If you were injured, make sure you fully recover before jumping back on a skateboard. Don’t rush and reinjure yourself too early. Use your head.
22. Just Do It, But Use Your Head
When you’re performing a big-time maneuver for the first time, like dropping into a vert ramp or pool, sometimes you just have to do it. Don’t hesitate; this can cause a larger chance for injury. Sometimes you just have to block out your brain and go with your gut.
23. No Ice
We don’t recommend skating on ice. It’s just as bad an idea to skate on ice as it is to skate in the rain. The same type of bearing damage can occur from ice, and there’s probably a higher risk of physical injury.
24. Stay Positive: Remember It’s a Recreational Activity
Stay positive when you’re skateboarding. Don’t get discouraged, and stay consistent. Keeping a positive attitude goes a long way. Frustration only breeds more frustration.
25. Mind of Its Own
If your skateboard turns on its own or makes weird noises, you could have issues with the bushings or bearings on your skateboard.
26. Make Friends
Skateboarding can be an excellent way to make friends. You’re surrounded by like-minded people, so you’re going to click with some people. If you’re new, take advantage of this. You’ll want a source of guidance to help you out when you run into difficulties.
27. Basics: Ignore Them
Some people will laugh, some people will have comments to make, but it doesn’t matter. Who cares what they have to say about a technique or your progress? All that matters is whether you’re happy with the progress you’re making.
28. Basics: Skate Trainers
Don’t overpay for a skate trainer. You can get just as much guidance for free by making friends in a skate park.
29. It’s Okay to Be Scared
It’s okay to be scared sometimes. Fear is a healthy thing in any area of life. This fear is what protects you from seriously injuring yourself.
However, don’t let fear control you. If you get overwhelmed by fear, it’s going to have a negative effect on your long-term skateboarding education.
30. Don’t Gauge Others Success On Yours
Don’t gauge other people’s success based on your success. Try not to compare yourself to other skaters too much. Progress is relative to skateboarding. What makes you one month to learn could take the next man two weeks to learn, and that’s okay. Be comfortable with your progress and what you know, and forget the rest. Pay attention to the next tip about positive attitudes.
31. Have Fun On Your Board
Skateboarding is all about fun, and don’t forget this. Don’t become too obsessed with learning and being the best that you forget to have fun. Once the sport stops being fun, you should probably take a break. Even the fiercest competitors have fun when they skateboard.
32. Life of Wheels
Your front and rear wheels can last a long time, but this depends on the quality of the current pair. You should invest the right amount of maintenance and care into your wheels to get the most life out of them. Many brands of wheels have extra durability options.
33. Durability of Trucks
Trucks are probably the most durable section of the skateboard. It’s worth it to invest a few more dollars in the trucks, especially since they are used so heavily.
34. New Trucks
New trucks can make squeaky noises and don’t always mean there’s a malfunction. Break them in for a few days first before looking for some type of malfunction.
35. Break It In
It’s important to break in every component of your skateboard. The trucks, bushings, and wheels all should be properly broken in.
36. Exercise
Skateboarding is a great exercise. A solid thirty minutes to an hour of skateboarding every day can be a great source of cardio activity each day.
37. Light Skateboard
A light skateboard doesn’t mean you will ollie higher. The components on the board have no bearing on how high or easily you ollie the skateboard. This is a myth.
38. Complete Skateboards
Complete skateboard setups can be less expensive, but this doesn’t always equal quality. Inclusive setups have everything you need, but they might not be the highest quality components.
39. Shoe Repairs
Did you know you can easily bring your skateboard shoes back to life? A few simple repair methods using items you can find in your home can substantially extend the life of your skate shoes.
40. Wrong Shoes
Don’t wear basketball shoes or running shoes to skateboard. You won’t feel the board as much beneath your feet with these types of shoes. When you can’t feel the board, it’s harder to turn and perform other sensitive maneuvers.
41. Street Skating Setup
For street skating, you should use a more responsive setup. This means about an 8.25 with a 52 mm setup.
42. Heavyweights
Heavier skaters that weigh more should use a wider deck with larger wheels. You should also consider heavier bushings with quality trucks.
43. Foot Size
Skaters with larger feet should go with a wider deck. This gives their feet more deck coverage and leads to easier balancing conditions.
44. Trick Selection
Start with lower-rated tricks and slowly work your way up. The ollie should be the base for all of your tricks, as most of them usually start with a manual or an ollie.
45. Don’t Wear Knee Pads or Elbow Pads Over Injuries
Wearing pads over pre-existing injuries on the knees or elbows can prolong the healing process to these areas. Covering them up leads to more moisture from sweat, which leads to much longer healing times and potential infections.
46. Sore Feet
If your feet and ankles are sore after your first few skate sessions, push through it. This soreness will go away over time. It’s your body getting used to the added strain on your muscles. Continuing to ride through the soreness is the best thing you can do in the long run.
47. Axle Nuts
If you’re having a hard time getting the axle nuts back on, you might need to use a rethreader. Don’t force them back on, as this could cause extra damage. A rethreader will allow them to be placed back naturally without any more stripping.
48. Manuals
When you’re practicing doing manuals, don’t put your back feet too far towards the heel of the board. Your feet shouldn’t stick out from the back of the board. This will make a huge difference in your balance while doing a manual.
49. Empty Your Pockets Before You Board
This rule should never be underestimated. We’ve lost many valuables by skipping this important point. You should always empty your pockets when you’re riding. It’s way too easy to lose things if you fall or make a hard switch.
50. Don’t Put Anything Heavy On Top of the Board
Don’t put any heavy foreign objects on top of the board. If overly large items stay on top of the board for too long, the deck can end up warping, which will greatly affect how the board rides.
51. Check Your Skating Area
Inspect the area you’ll be riding for wet spots and other potentially hazardous conditions. You don’t want to be surprised by a slick spot by skating over it.
52. Don’t Waste Your Money On Ceramic Bearings
Ceramic bearings are never worth the money you put into them. These bearings break extremely fast and are known for their lack of durability and reliability.
53. Tingling
If you have a tingling feeling in your feet when you’re skateboarding, you should contact an emergency doctor right away. Just kidding, it’s most likely a case of having your shoes laced too tight. Tight laces can cut off your circulation, leading to tingling and numbing of the feet and ankles.
54. Fall Safely
Learn how to fall safely when you skateboard. You should practice before you ever get on the board. Hang out in the grass and practice your falling methods. It might sound a little strange, but you’ll be thankful in the long run. Practicing your falling methods (rolling is the most efficient) can save you a lot of long-term pain. The next tip is also safety-related.
55. Flow of Traffic: Use Your Head
When you’re skating at a skatepark, always check the direction people are skating. This is called the flow of traffic. A similar method is used at roller skating rinks, which is why everyone there skates in the same direction.
This keeps everything uniform and avoids injuries. The last thing you want is to get clotheslined by someone who didn’t see you skating in the wrong direction.
56. Use Oil or Lube
If you’re having a hard time getting the bearings into the wheels of your skateboard, use a little bit of oil or lube. You don’t have to oversaturate the bearing. Using a couple of dabs should do the trick. Keeping the bearings lubed is a necessity anyway to ensure the balls maintain a good spin.
57. Bring Extra Laces for Skate Shoes
Trust us on this one. If you want to take it one step further, you can even bring an extra pair of shoes. Hard impacts and sudden shifts are not always easy on your shoes. It’s not uncommon for a skater to have a blowout and lose his entire shoe (or both shoes).
58. Sanding Grip Tape
Here’s a veteran skateboarder trick for you. Grip tape can be damaging to your clothes and shoes. This abrasive material is known to fade shoes and cause nasty scuffs in pants and shirts.
If you sand the grip tape down before you use the skateboard, this can cut down on the damage done by the grip tape. This won’t compromise how effective the grip tape is either.
59. Throw Away Nothing
Don’t throw away anything. Well, almost anything. Make sure you keep things like old decks and wheels, trucks, shoes, and other items that can be salvaged. You accomplish a few things by doing this.
First, you’ll have a backup of all the items you need. You never know when something breaks down, and you need an extra.
Second, you could run into someone who needs a kick-down. It’s cool to be able to bless someone who needs something to help them on their skating journey.
Third, nostalgia is always cool. It’s awesome to be able to go through old memorabilia ten years down the road and revisit some of the fond memories.
60. Invest In a Decent Deck
Don’t get a cheap deck, or God forbid, one of those toy decks. If there’s one thing we’ve found out, it’s that in skateboarding, you get what you pay for.
A thirty-dollar deck will warrant thirty-dollar results. Spend the money on something that’s going to last for a while and have some durability. You’re going to be on it every day, so you need something that you can count on.
61. Rotate
It’s a good idea to rotate the wheels of a skateboard just like you’d rotate the tires on a car. The wheels on a skateboard can wear unevenly if they’re not rotated. This can lead to extra weight being placed on one side of the board, which also ends up affecting the truck and ball bearings.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to rotate the wheels once a month. We’ve found that it’s best to rotate the wheels whenever you clean the bearings.
62. Truck Width
When you get new trucks, make sure that they are about the same width as your deck. Using 7.5 trucks on an 8.25 deck is not a good idea. Generally, as long as the difference is .25 or less, you should be fine.
63. Practice Ollie Height
Need something to practice how high you can ollie but are short on resources? If you’re with several friends skating together, stack your boards together and take turns ollying over the boards one at a time. This is a great way to practice your height.
64. Skateboarders Love Shoe Goo for Skate Shoes
Shoe Goo can be a lifesaver when it comes to skateboard shoes. This stuff can fix almost anything. If you have a big blowout in your shoe, this liquid goo can fix it. Apply a small amount over any holes you have in the shoe, and allow drying time. The Shoe Goo will harden, covering the holes up with a protective layer.
Alternatively, you can also use Shoe Goo to prevent damage. Wipe a thin layer of this product all over the outside of your shoes. Use extra around the seams and stitches, and other problem areas. This forms a shell or thicker bond around the outside of the shoes.
65. Practice Balance: Front Foot and Back Foot
There are some pretty cool ways to practice your balance if you can’t go out and skate for some reason. Fill plastic bottles full of water and place the deck on top of the bottles. Remove the trucks and wheels before doing this. Step on top of the deck and practice balancing on top of the water bottles. You can do this in grass and practice falling at the same time.
Alternatively, if it’s raining (which is probably why you aren’t skating), you can place yoga mats around the deck and water bottles to help break your fall.
66. No Trick Order?
Depending on where you look, some sources might try to say that trick order doesn’t matter. However, we feel that this couldn’t be further from the truth. How can trick order not matter when you need to know certain tricks before moving on to other ones?
It’s nearly impossible to pull off certain tricks if you don’t know how to ollie or manual. You can’t even grind or boardslide unless you know how to ollie.
Skateboard tricks are also variations and combinations of other tricks. A good example of this is the varial heelflip.
This is one argument we will have to agree to disagree on.
67. Protect Your Phone
This is another tip that we can’t stress enough. If you don’t have a protective case for your phone, it might be a good idea to purchase one before you start skating. If you can stand it, don’t even bring the phone with you when you’re skateboarding. We’ve seen instances where even protective cases can’t save a phone. Vert-ramp skating is a good example of this. It’s pretty hard to save a phone when you come crashing down on it from ten to fifteen feet in the air.
68. Record Videos and Learn: Use YouTube Videos
This is a tip that not many people hear about. For some reason, it doesn’t get recommended the way we feel it should, but it can work wonders for new and veteran skaters.
Record your skate sessions or have your friend record them. If you’re solo, you can manually set up your phone or video camera with a tripod or just set it up against the wall and put the record button on automatic and make videos
Go back and watch these videos, paying attention to things you can improve. Take note of the things you perform well, and continue to grow on them. List all of the problem areas you have, and spend our next few sessions working strictly on those issues.
If it’s possible, pass the video on to a more experienced skater. Let them break it down for you and tell you what you do well and what needs work. Many pro skateboarders use this method of recording to get better on the vert-ramp. We’re not sure why it isn’t used more frequently.
69. If You Have Knowledge, Share It With Fellow Skaters
If you’ve discovered a new trick or a vital piece of information that you weren’t aware of before, don’t keep it to yourself.
Did you discover a new hack that can help other skaters? Maybe you found a place that is great for skateboarding with rails and other obstacles.
Tell other skateboarders about this information. Skateboarding is a small community, and we should be able to rely on help from one another to better our game. Don’t keep information to yourself for the purpose of hoarding it.
Remember, at some point, someone took the initiative to share secrets with you. These things made you a better skater. Pay those favors forward by sharing with someone less experienced than you.
70. Experienced Skaters Clean Your Area
Clean up the area you skate in when you’re done using it. Don’t destroy an area or trash it and leave your mess for the next person to clean up. Stuff like this is why skaters are banned from certain areas, to begin with.
It doesn’t take long to perform a five-minute once-over to make sure the area is clean from trash and debris. If you leave your area clean, chances are you’ll be invited back.
71. Don’t Throw Your Board
Don’t throw your board when you get frustrated. This is bad etiquette in the world of skateboarding. Not familiar with skateboard etiquette? Spend a day at a skate park around some serious skateboarders. You’ll be schooled with a crash course.
Skateboard etiquette is a general set of rules that governs how skateboarders should treat their gear, fellow skateboarders, and the public. A lot of the tips crafted in this guide were modeled after items we found pertaining to skateboard etiquette.
72. Congratulate
Congratulate a fellow skater if they perform a sick trick. This is especially important if it’s a rookie skater and they land something substantial for their first time. This can be a huge confidence booster for a new skater. This is actually a page straight out of the skateboard etiquette non-written rulebook.
When a skater performs a particularly awesome or difficult trick, tap the edge of your board against the concrete. This is a skateboarder’s way of clapping or congratulating another skater.
If someone performs a trick, don’t be afraid to be the first one to praise them. If you see other skaters not getting in on the congratulatory action, it’s your job to call them out. Don’t hate, congratulate!
We made it to 72 tips. These are 72 little pieces of valuable information for you to build on and learn from. All of these tips are pertinent in some way and can help every level and discipline of a skateboarder. Work your way down the list one by one, or pick and choose the ones you think might benefit you the most.
Do you have some tips you want to add? Print this list out and share it with your friends. Add to it and encourage them to do the same. In a sport like skating, the more knowledge, the better.