While skating can be a fun and useful skill to learn, it requires commitment. Before heading to a skate park and attempting tricks inside the bowl, practice some basics in your driveway. The guide below offers tips to help you obtain better control over your board.

How to Skateboard Safely

1. Get the Right Gear

It is common to slip off the board when you are just beginning. Wear a protective helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads to help cushion these sensitive areas in case of a tumble. 

Additionally, invest in a pair of well-fitting sneakers. Loose footwear or worn soles will make it more difficult to maneuver.

2. Practice Falling

Most people who know they are about to fall off their board brace for an impact. However, this will increase your risk of fractures. Instead, practice falling in a way that reduces the tension in your body.

Try rolling into the fall, so the most vulnerable bones are protected, while tucking your chin in towards your chest. You can practice this without a skateboard on a soft surface, like grass.

3. Push With the Correct Foot 

You always want to push with your dominant foot, which should be on the same side as your dominant hand. After pushing off, move this foot behind your weaker one.

When cruising, the weaker foot should be positioned just above the front wheels. Your weight should be on the rear foot.

4. Know How to Stop

The easiest way to come to a stop is to coast on your board until it naturally slows, eventually ceasing to have momentum.

If you want to stop a little faster, place your dominant foot on the tail of the board and dip backward, so the tail scrapes the cement. You may have to do this several times, depending on how fast you’re traveling.

Finally, you can stop abruptly by jumping off your board and going into a run until you gain control of your speed.

Are you a Jacksonville, AR, resident interested in testing your skills at the skate park? Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department cares for a variety of public venues and recreational facilities, including a prime skating spot. They also have a sports complex if you want to find other ways of improving your dexterity. Visit their website to learn more about these offerings. If you have questions, contact them at (501) 982-4171.