How to Hold a Skateboard (and Carry It Comfortably) (2026)
There's more than one way to carry a board. Here are the common holds, when each works best and a few etiquette tips skaters follow.
Common Ways to Hold a Skateboard
There's no single "correct" way to hold a skateboard, but some carries are more comfortable and considerate than others. Here are the main ones.
Carries at a Glance
| Carry | How | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Truck carry | Grab the front truck; board hangs at your side | Short walks, everyday |
| Under-arm carry | Tuck the board under your arm | Longboards, longer walks |
| Nose or tail carry | Hold the nose or tail, board vertical | Quick moves |
| Backpack carry | Strap it to a skate backpack | Biking, transit, travel |
| Over-shoulder | Board rests on your shoulder | Short distances |
1. The Truck Carry
Grab the front truck's hanger so the board hangs vertically at your side. It's the most common carry and keeps your other hand free. Keep the grip tape facing away from your leg to protect your clothes.
2. The Under-Arm Carry
Tuck the board under your arm with the deck against your side. Works well for longboards and longer walks.
3. The Backpack Carry
A skate backpack with straps holds your board vertically or horizontally, leaving both hands free for biking or transit.
See more in skateboard backpacks.
More Ways to Carry
| Carry | How | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Pinch | Thumb on the grip, fingers underneath, at the nose or middle | Short trips between tricks |
| One shoulder | Board on one shoulder, grip facing your head, trucks away from you | Walking a little further |
| Across both shoulders | Board behind your neck with both hands on the edges | Hands-free walking (watch for people around you) |
| Skate backpack | Board strapped to the pack | Commuting, travel, hands-free |
Carries to Avoid
- Dragging the board on the ground damages the tail, wheels and grip.
- Swinging the board around in crowds can hit people.
- The "mall grab" (holding the board by the trucks with grip facing you) is popular but debated: the tail can catch on curbs and stairs, grip rubs clothes and trucks get greasy hands. It's your call, but many skaters avoid it.
Carrying Through Crowds and Shops
Hold the board close and vertical so it takes up little space, grip facing you so it doesn't scratch people or clothes on racks. On buses and trains, keep it upright by your legs or in a bag.
Board Carrying Etiquette
- Carry your board inside shops, schools and transit stations.
- Don't swing it in crowds.
- Hold it so grip tape doesn't scrape people or furniture.
- Keep it clean before bringing it indoors.
Picking Up Your Board With Style
Skaters often pop the tail so the board flips up into their hand (a "kick-up"). Step on the tail, catch the nose as it rises and you've got it. Learn more tricks in easy beginner tricks and the lingo in skateboard terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common way to hold a skateboard?
Gripping a truck with the board hanging vertically at your side, wheels facing your leg or outward.
Is there a wrong way to hold a skateboard?
Not really, but holding it with grip tape against your clothes can scuff them, and swinging it in crowds can hit people.
How do you carry a longboard?
Under your arm, by a truck, or with a backpack that has board straps.
How do I carry a skateboard on a bike?
Use a backpack with skateboard straps rather than holding it.
Should I carry my board in stores?
Yes, many stores and campuses don't allow skating inside. Carry it calmly at your side.