Skateboarding Frequently Asked Questions

A fakie ollie can feel easier for some skaters because you’re riding with your back foot at the tail, which often provides a more balanced stance. The body weight distribution in fakie can also make controlling the board and getting height simpler for beginners. However, like any trick, it depends on your skill level and how comfortable you are with riding fakie. Keep in mind, anything fakie is harder for most skaters, but it can be an interesting challenge to explore.

A kickturn is a basic move where you lift the front wheels and pivot the board in a new direction. It’s essential for navigating ramps and tight spaces.

Steps:

1. Shift your weight onto the back foot.
2. Lightly lift the front wheels by applying pressure to the tail.
3. Use your shoulders and hips to guide the board in the direction you want to turn.

Once you’ve mastered kickturns, you can try powerslides—a more advanced way to turn by sliding your wheels sideways to quickly change direction or slow down. For extra mobility and comfort while skating, check out our oversized and baggy clothing collection—perfect for executing smooth moves.

To make skateboard bushings stop squeaking, follow these steps:

1. Remove the bushings from the trucks.
2. Clean the bushings thoroughly using soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Dry the bushings completely before proceeding.
4. Apply a small amount of lubricant specifically designed for skateboard bushings.
5. Reinstall the bushings back onto the trucks.
6. Tighten the kingpin nut enough to secure the bushings, but avoid overtightening as it may cause squeaking.
7. Test the skateboard to ensure the squeaking has stopped.
8. Adjust the tightness of the kingpin nut as needed for optimal performance.

By following these steps, you can effectively eliminate squeaking in your skateboard bushings and enjoy a smoother ride. Remember to regularly maintain your skateboard to prevent future squeaking issues.

The easiest way to grind on a skateboard is to first master basic skateboarding skills such as balance, proper foot positioning, and control. Choose a low ledge or rail to practice on. Approach the obstacle with enough speed to carry you across but not too fast that you lose control. Ollie onto the obstacle, making sure to land with your trucks (the metal part of the skateboard that holds the wheels) squarely on the edge. Use your body’s momentum to slide along the edge of the obstacle. Keep your weight centered and your knees slightly bent to maintain balance. As you reach the end of the obstacle, shift your weight back onto the board to dismount smoothly. Practice consistently and gradually increase the difficulty of the obstacles as you progress. Remember, mastering grinds takes time and dedication, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

Learning to skateboard takes patience and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Get the Right Gear: Choose the right skateboard size for your height and wear protective gear like a helmet and pads.
• Foot Placement: Find your stance (regular or goofy), place your front foot near the bolts and back foot on the tail.
• Pushing and Stopping: Push with your back foot and stop by dragging your front foot or using the tail.
• Riding Position: Keep your knees bent, weight centered, and look ahead for balance.
• Turning: Lean in the direction you want to turn, using your body weight.
• Ollie: Pop the tail, slide your front foot up, and jump to level the board in the air.
• Practice: Repeat these steps to build muscle memory and improve.

Stay patient, practice often, and enjoy the journey! For added style and comfort while you skate, explore our collection of hoodies—perfect for keeping you warm and flexible on the board.

No, the ollie is not necessarily the hardest trick to learn in skateboarding. While it is a fundamental trick that forms the basis of many other more advanced tricks, its mechanics can be broken down into manageable steps for gradual mastery. Other tricks such as kickflips, heelflips, and varial flips may present greater challenges due to the added complexity of board rotations and foot movements involved.

To drop in on a skateboard, approach the ramp with enough speed, position yourself perpendicular to the coping, place your front foot near the front bolts and back foot on the tail, lean forward to initiate the drop, shift your weight as your front wheels clear the coping, keep centered, bend your knees for control, and evenly distribute your weight at the bottom to ride away smoothly. Start with smaller ramps and build up as you gain confidence.

To clean your skateboard bearings, remove them from the wheels, soak in isopropyl alcohol or a bearing cleaner, shake to loosen dirt, scrub if needed, rinse, dry completely, apply bearing lubricant, and reassemble for smoother performance and longer lifespan.

To clean your skateboard wheels, remove them with a skate tool, wipe off loose dirt, soak in warm soapy water, scrub with a soft brush, rinse and dry thoroughly, then reattach, optionally applying silicone-based lubricant to the bearings for smoother performance.

Slowing down on a skateboard can be done using several methods, but always prioritize safety, especially when dealing with speed wobbles. Speed wobbles can occur at high speeds, where your board feels unstable, so learning to slow down effectively is crucial.

1. Foot braking: Gently press your back foot on the ground to create friction and reduce speed.
2. Carving: Make wide turns by shifting your weight from heel to toe. This gradually reduces speed and helps prevent wobbles.
3. Sliding: Learn to slide by applying pressure on the tail and turning your board sideways, creating friction to slow down.
4. Powerslides: Shift your weight to the tail, kick out the back wheels, and slide sideways to decrease speed quickly.
5. Air braking: Stand up slightly and open your body to catch wind resistance, which will naturally slow you down.

Remember to practice in a safe environment and never push beyond your limits. Personalize your board with our skateboard stickers to add some flair while keeping it under control.

1. Stance: Begin by placing your front foot on the skateboard just behind the front bolts, and your back foot on the tail of the skateboard with toes hanging off slightly.
2. Pushing: Use your back foot to push off the ground, while keeping your front foot steady on the skateboard. Push in a straight line to build speed.
3. Balancing: Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over the board. Use your arms for balance and pay attention to shifts in weight.
4. Turning: To turn, shift your weight slightly to one side and lean in the direction you want to go. Use gentle movements to steer the skateboard.
5. Stopping: To stop, gently drag your back foot on the ground to slow down or use the tail of the skateboard to bring it to a complete stop.
6. Practice: Start by practicing in a flat, smooth area to build confidence and improve your balance. Gradually work on riding on different surfaces and trying new tricks once you feel comfortable.

Remember, skateboarding takes practice and patience. Keep practicing consistently, and don’t get discouraged by falls or setbacks. With time and dedication, you will improve your skills and become a confident skateboarder.

To ollie while moving, start by riding at a comfortable speed. Next, position your front foot near the middle of the skateboard with your toes slightly angled towards the nose. Place your back foot on the tail, ready to pop it down. Bend your knees as you approach an obstacle or when you’re ready to perform the ollie. As you reach the obstacle, push down hard on the tail of the skateboard, causing it to snap against the ground. Quickly slide your front foot up towards the nose of the board as it levels out in the air. This motion levels the skateboard and allows you to clear the obstacle. Keep your body centered over the board and your weight balanced to ensure a smooth landing. Practice consistency and timing to perfect your ollie while moving, gradually increasing both speed and height as you gain confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it to master this fundamental skateboarding trick.

Mastering skateboard tricks requires dedication, practice, and a step-by-step approach. Start by mastering the basics like riding, turning, and stopping. Begin with simple tricks like ollies before advancing to more complex ones, breaking each trick into smaller parts. Use online tutorials for guidance and practice regularly to build muscle memory. Skating with others can provide valuable feedback and motivation. Stay persistent despite setbacks, and always wear protective gear to stay safe. With patience and structured practice, you’ll progress from basic to advanced tricks over time.

Staying stable on a skateboard requires a combination of proper technique, balance, and body positioning. Key concepts to consider include:

1. Foot Placement: Position your front foot in the center of the board, perpendicular to the board, while your back foot should be at a slight angle on the tail for stability.
2. Body Alignment: Keep your shoulders parallel to the board to maintain balance and stability. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet to prevent leaning too far forward or backward.
3. Bent Knees: Maintain a slight bend in your knees to absorb shocks and maintain flexibility in your movements, which helps in adjusting to changes in terrain.
4. Center of Gravity: Keep your body centered over the board to prevent tipping over. Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your balance.
5. Arm Positioning: Use your arms for additional balance by keeping them out to the sides or slightly in front of you. Avoid swinging them too much, as it can throw off your balance.
6. Practice: Regular practice is essential for improving your balance and stability on a skateboard. Start with basic maneuvers and gradually work your way up to more advanced techniques.

By incorporating these key concepts and practicing regularly, you can improve your stability on a skateboard and enjoy a smoother and more controlled riding experience.

To stop a skateboard, there are several methods you can use:

1. Foot braking: Press your back foot on the ground to slow down gradually.
2. Dragging your tail: Apply pressure on the tail of the skateboard to create friction and come to a stop.
3. Power slide: Shift your weight to the front foot and turn the board sideways to slide and stop.
4. Carving: Make wide turns to reduce speed gradually.
5. Using a stopper: An additional accessory that can be attached to the skateboard’s tail to help with stopping.
6. Powersliding: A more advanced technique where you kick out the back wheels to slide and stop quickly.

Practice these techniques in a safe environment to master them effectively. Remember to always wear proper safety gear while skateboarding to prevent any injuries.

The main difference is the direction your foot flicks the board. In a kickflip, your front foot kicks outward to flip the board, while in a heelflip, your front foot flicks inward using your heel.

Common Skateboard Tricks

This glossary provides an overview of the main types of skateboard tricks, but there are many more advanced variations and combinations.

Ollies & Flips

1. Ollie – Jumping with the board by popping the tail and leveling out in mid-air.
2. Kickflip – Ollie followed by a kick with the front foot to flip the board 360° along its axis.
3. Heelflip – Similar to the kickflip but using the heel to flip the board in the opposite direction.
4. Varial Kickflip – Kickflip combined with a 180° pop shuvit.
5. Varial Heelflip – Heelflip combined with a 180° pop shuvit.
6. 360 Flip (Tre Flip) – A 360° shuvit combined with a kickflip.
7. Hardflip – Kickflip combined with a frontside shuvit (flipping vertically between your legs).

Shuvits & Spins

1. Shuvit – The board spins 180° horizontally without the rider spinning.
2. Pop Shuvit – Shuvit, but with an ollie to give the board height.
3. 360 Shuvit – A 360° rotation of the board without the rider spinning.
4. Bigspin – A 360° shuvit with a 180° body spin.
5. Caballerial (Cab) – A 360° spin performed riding fakie (backward).

Grinds & Slides

1. 50-50 Grind – Both trucks grind on the rail or ledge.
2. 5-0 Grind – Only the back truck grinds while the front truck is lifted.
3. Nosegrind – Only the front truck grinds while the back is lifted.
4. Boardslide – Sliding with the middle of the board across a rail or ledge.
5. Lipslide – Sliding with the middle of the board while crossing the rail/ledge after the back truck

Grab Tricks

1. Indy Grab – Grabbing the board with the back hand between the toeside rail and the front foot.
2. Melon Grab – Grabbing the board with the back hand on the heelside rail between the feet.
3. Method Grab – Tweaking a melon grab by pulling the board toward the rider’s back.
4. Nose Grab – Grabbing the nose of the board with the front hand.
5. Tail Grab – Grabbing the tail of the board with the back hand.

Manuals & Stalls

1. Manual – Riding on the back two wheels, balancing without letting the front wheels touch the ground.
2. Nose Manual – Riding on the front two wheels, balancing without letting the back wheels touch the ground.
3. Axle Stall – Stalling with both trucks on the edge of a ramp or obstacle.
4. Nose Stall – Stalling with the nose of the board on an obstacle.
5. Tail Stall – Stalling with the tail of the board on an obstacle.

Transition & Vert Tricks

1. Rock to Fakie – Rolling up a quarter-pipe, stalling on the coping, and rolling back down fakie.
2. Rock and Roll – Similar to Rock to Fakie, but with a 180° spin to revert back.
3. Kickturn – A quick turn by pivoting on the back truck, often used to change direction in a transition.
4. Air – Leaving the ramp or transition with both feet on the board.
5. Invert – Handplant on the coping while the board is above the rider.

Specialty Tricks

1. Impossible – The board wraps 360° around the back foot.
2. Pressure Flip – The board flips due to pressure applied without using the front foot for a kick.
3. Darkslide – Sliding on the griptape side of the board while grinding or sliding an obstacle.
4. Hospital Flip – A half kickflip followed by a quick flip back to the original position.
5. Casper Flip – The board flips halfway, stops upside down, and then flips back while the rider’s front foot balances the board.

The right skateboard size depends on your height, shoe size, and personal preference. Here’s a general guide:

• If you’re under 5’3″ with shoe sizes 7 or smaller, choose a deck size between 7.5″ and 7.75″.
• For heights between 5’3″ and 5’8″ with shoe sizes 7-10, a deck size of 7.75″ to 8.0″ is recommended.
• Taller skaters over 5’8″ with shoe sizes 10+ typically prefer decks 8.0″ and up.

Choosing a size that fits your body proportions will give you better stability and control. However, feel free to try different sizes to find what feels most comfortable for your style.

Determining your skateboard stance can be done by discovering your natural dominant leg for stability and control. A simple test is to imagine running and sliding on ice: your front foot will likely be the one you instinctively lead with. Alternatively, have someone gently push you from behind and notice which foot you step forward with to regain balance. Another method is to stand with your feet together and have someone push you gently forward; the foot you naturally step forward with will likely be your front foot on the skateboard. Experiment with both stances to find the one that feels most comfortable and stable for you. Remember, your front foot on the skateboard is usually the foot you use to kick a ball. Trust your body’s instincts and choose the stance that feels most natural to you for an optimal skateboarding experience.

When determining the right size skateboard to ride, consider your height, shoe size, and preferred style of skateboarding. For street skating and technical tricks, opt for a smaller deck ranging from 7.5 to 8 inches wide. For transition skating and cruising, choose a wider deck between 8 to 8.5 inches. Additionally, your shoe size should correspond with the width of the skateboard to ensure proper foot placement and stability. As a general guideline, taller individuals may prefer a longer deck for better control and balance, while shorter individuals may find a shorter board more maneuverable. Experimenting with different sizes and seeking guidance from experienced skaters can help pinpoint the ideal skateboard size that fits your individual preferences and riding style. Ultimately, the perfect skateboard size is a balance between comfort, performance, and personal preference.

The placement of your feet on a skateboard depends on the move you’re performing. For general riding, your front foot should be near the front bolts, and your back foot on the tail. If you’re doing an ollie, place your back foot at the tail’s center and your front foot mid-center. For a kickflip, your front foot moves further to the side for better control. Foot placement varies with each trick, so adjust based on the specific move you’re trying.