Skateboarding Comeback: Your Guide To Getting Back On Board
So, you're thinking about dusting off that old skateboard and getting back into the game? Awesome! Skateboarding is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle, a passion, and a fantastic way to stay active and connected. Whether you're revisiting a childhood love or picking up a board after a long break, this guide is here to help you navigate the journey back into skateboarding. We'll cover everything from choosing the right gear and refreshing your basics to understanding the current skate scene and avoiding common pitfalls. Let's dive in and get you rolling again!
Gear Up for Success
Before you even think about hitting the pavement, let's talk gear. Having the right equipment is crucial for both safety and performance. Your skateboard, helmet, pads, and shoes are your essential tools. Think of it like this: you wouldn't try to bake a cake without an oven, right? Similarly, you need the proper gear to skateboard safely and effectively. Let's break down each component.
Choosing the Right Skateboard
The heart of your skateboarding experience is, of course, the skateboard itself. But with so many options available, where do you even begin? There are complete skateboards, custom setups, different deck sizes, and various wheel types. It can seem overwhelming, but don't worry, we'll simplify it. For those getting back into it, a complete skateboard is often the best starting point. These come pre-assembled and are designed to work well together, saving you the hassle of picking individual parts. Look for a board that suits your style. Are you more interested in street skating, park skating, or cruising? Street boards are generally narrower and lighter, making tricks easier. Park boards are versatile and good for ramps and bowls, while cruisers are designed for smooth rides around town.
The deck is the wooden platform you stand on, and its size matters. Decks typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width. If you have smaller feet or prefer a board that's easier to flip, go for a narrower deck. If you want more stability and surface area, a wider deck is the way to go. The trucks are the metal axles that attach the wheels to the deck. They affect how the board turns and grinds. For beginners, standard trucks that match the width of your deck are a solid choice. The wheels also play a significant role. Harder wheels are faster and better for smooth surfaces like skateparks, while softer wheels provide more grip and are ideal for rougher terrains. For getting back into it, a mid-range durometer (around 99A) is a good starting point, offering a balance of speed and grip. Finally, bearings are small metal rings inside the wheels that allow them to spin smoothly. ABEC ratings (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) indicate the precision of the bearings, with higher numbers generally meaning faster speeds. However, for recreational skating, ABEC 3 or 5 bearings are perfectly adequate. Remember, the goal is to have a board that feels comfortable and suits your riding style. Don't be afraid to visit a local skate shop and ask for advice. The staff there are usually passionate skaters who can help you find the perfect setup.
Safety First: Helmets and Pads
Okay, guys, let's be real: safety gear is not optional. A helmet is the most critical piece of equipment, and pads for your elbows and knees are highly recommended, especially when you're getting back into the groove. Think of your brain as your most valuable asset (which it is!), and a helmet is its bodyguard. Concussions are no joke, and a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries. Look for a helmet that fits snugly and meets safety standards. It should sit level on your head, covering your forehead, and the straps should be adjusted so that the helmet doesn't move around. When it comes to pads, knee and elbow pads can save you from scrapes, bruises, and even fractures. These are especially useful when you're learning new tricks or reacquainting yourself with old ones. Wrist guards are another smart addition, as wrist injuries are common in skateboarding. Wearing pads might feel a bit bulky at first, but you'll quickly get used to them, and the peace of mind they provide is priceless. Remember, skating is way more fun when you're confident and protected. So, gear up and skate safe!
The Right Shoes for the Ride
Last but definitely not least, let's talk about shoes. Skateboarding shoes are designed specifically to withstand the wear and tear of riding, providing the grip, support, and board feel you need. Regular sneakers just won't cut it. Skate shoes typically have a flat, grippy sole made of vulcanized rubber, which provides excellent traction on the board. They also have reinforced stitching and durable materials to withstand the constant abrasion from griptape. Look for shoes with a padded tongue and collar for added comfort and protection. Popular brands like Vans, Adidas, Nike SB, and New Balance Numeric offer a wide range of skate shoes to choose from. When selecting shoes, consider the style of skating you'll be doing. Some skaters prefer low-profile shoes for better board feel, while others opt for high-tops for ankle support. Try on a few different pairs to see what feels best for you. Your shoes are your direct connection to the board, so choosing the right pair can make a big difference in your skating experience. Plus, they look cool, which is always a bonus!
Refreshing Your Basics
Now that you're geared up, it's time to get back to the basics. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a returning rider, revisiting the fundamentals is crucial for building a solid foundation and preventing injuries. Think of it as going back to the gym after a break – you wouldn't jump straight into heavy lifting, would you? You'd start with lighter weights and basic exercises to warm up your muscles and build your strength. Skateboarding is no different. Let's break down the essential skills you'll want to focus on.
Stance and Balance: The Foundation of Everything
The first step in skateboarding is finding your stance and mastering your balance. Your stance is the way you position your feet on the board, and there are two main stances: regular (left foot forward) and goofy (right foot forward). If you're not sure which stance is yours, try this simple test: have someone gently push you from behind – the foot you naturally put forward to catch yourself is likely your lead foot. Once you've determined your stance, get comfortable standing on your board. Start on a soft surface like grass or carpet to get a feel for the board without the added challenge of rolling. Practice shifting your weight and balancing on one foot. This will help you develop the core strength and stability you need for more advanced maneuvers.
Next, move onto a smooth, flat surface like a driveway or empty parking lot. Practice pushing off with your back foot while keeping your front foot positioned over the front bolts. Maintain a slight bend in your knees and keep your weight centered over the board. Start with gentle pushes and gradually increase your speed as you feel more confident. Turning is another fundamental skill. Practice carving by leaning in the direction you want to turn. Use your shoulders and hips to guide the board, and keep your weight balanced. Don't be afraid to fall – it's part of the learning process. Just make sure you're wearing your safety gear and try to fall in a controlled manner, such as rolling onto your pads. Mastering your stance and balance is the foundation of everything else in skateboarding, so take your time and practice these basics until they feel natural.
Pushing and Turning: Getting Around
Once you're comfortable with your stance and balance, it's time to focus on pushing and turning. These are the bread and butter of skateboarding, allowing you to navigate your surroundings and explore new spots. Pushing is how you generate momentum and move forward, and it's essential to develop a smooth and efficient pushing technique. Start by placing your front foot at a slight angle over the front bolts, and use your back foot to push off the ground. Push with the ball of your foot and keep your weight balanced over the board. Avoid pushing with a straight leg, as this can throw you off balance. Instead, bend your pushing leg and use a smooth, fluid motion. Practice pushing with both your left and right foot to develop ambidexterity and make your skating more versatile. Turning is just as important as pushing, and there are several techniques you can use. The most basic is carving, which we discussed earlier. By leaning in the direction you want to turn, you can guide the board smoothly. Another technique is tic-tacking, which involves shifting your weight from heel to toe to make small, quick turns. This is particularly useful for navigating tight spaces or maintaining speed while turning. As you become more comfortable, you can start experimenting with kickturns, which involve lifting the front wheels off the ground and pivoting on the back wheels. This allows you to make sharper turns and change direction quickly. Remember, practice makes perfect, so spend plenty of time working on your pushing and turning skills. The more comfortable you are with these basics, the more confident you'll feel tackling more advanced tricks.
Falling Safely: A Skill in Itself
Okay, let's talk about falling. It's an inevitable part of skateboarding, and learning how to fall safely is just as important as learning how to ride. Think of it as a self-preservation skill – the better you are at falling, the less likely you are to get seriously injured. The first rule of falling is to try to stay relaxed. Tensing up can make an impact feel much worse. Instead, try to go with the fall and absorb the impact. If you feel yourself losing balance, don't try to fight it. Instead, crouch down low to the board to lower your center of gravity. This can help you regain your balance or, if you do fall, it will reduce the distance you fall. When you fall, try to roll. Rolling helps to distribute the impact over a larger area, reducing the force on any one part of your body. Tuck your head and round your back, like you're doing a somersault. If you're falling forward, try to land on your pads or slide on your hands. Avoid putting your arms out straight to catch yourself, as this can lead to wrist injuries. If you're falling backward, try to tuck your chin to your chest and roll onto your back. Practice falling safely in a controlled environment, like on grass or carpet, before you start skating on harder surfaces. The more you practice, the more natural it will become, and the better you'll be at protecting yourself when you fall. Remember, everyone falls – even the pros. The key is to learn from your falls and get back on the board.
Navigating the Current Skate Scene
The skateboarding world has evolved quite a bit, and the skate scene is more diverse and inclusive than ever before. Understanding the current landscape can help you find your place and connect with other skaters. From the rise of online communities to the resurgence of old-school styles, there's a lot to explore. Let's take a look at some of the key aspects of the modern skate scene.
Skateparks, Street Skating, and Everything In Between
One of the biggest changes in skateboarding over the years is the proliferation of skateparks. These dedicated spaces provide a safe and controlled environment for skaters of all skill levels to practice and progress. Skateparks typically feature a variety of obstacles, such as ramps, rails, bowls, and ledges, offering something for everyone. If you're getting back into skating, skateparks are a great place to start. They provide a smooth, predictable surface, and the other skaters are usually supportive and welcoming. Street skating, on the other hand, involves skating in urban environments, using the natural obstacles found in cities and towns. This can include stairs, handrails, ledges, and gaps. Street skating is more challenging and often requires a higher level of skill, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. The freedom to skate anywhere and create your own lines is a big part of the appeal. In addition to skateparks and street skating, there are other styles of skateboarding to explore. Transition skating focuses on riding ramps and bowls, while flatground skating involves doing tricks on a flat surface. Cruising is all about smooth, relaxed rides around town, and longboarding is a similar style that uses longer boards for added stability and speed. The beauty of skateboarding is that there's no one right way to do it. You can mix and match styles, create your own unique approach, and simply enjoy the ride.
Online Communities and Resources
In today's digital age, the online community plays a huge role in skateboarding. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are filled with skate videos, tutorials, and inspiration. These platforms provide a way for skaters to connect with each other, share their progress, and learn new tricks. Online forums and websites dedicated to skateboarding offer a wealth of information, from gear reviews to trick tips to discussions about the latest trends. YouTube is an especially valuable resource for learning. There are countless channels dedicated to skateboarding instruction, offering tutorials on everything from the basics to advanced tricks. You can find videos that break down the mechanics of specific tricks, provide tips on how to overcome common challenges, and even offer personalized coaching. Instagram is a great place to find inspiration and connect with other skaters. By following skaters whose style you admire, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and get motivated to push your own skating. Online communities can also provide a sense of belonging and support, which can be especially helpful if you're getting back into skating after a break. Connecting with other skaters who share your passion can make the experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. Just be sure to take everything you see online with a grain of salt. Not everything is as easy as it looks in a video, and it's important to prioritize safety and progress at your own pace.
The Evolution of Skate Styles and Trends
Skateboarding is constantly evolving, with new styles and trends emerging all the time. From the early days of freestyle and vert skating to the modern era of street skating and technical tricks, the sport has undergone numerous transformations. One of the most notable trends in recent years is the resurgence of old-school styles. Many skaters are rediscovering the joys of cruising, carving, and transition skating, incorporating these elements into their modern skating. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive skate scene, with skaters of all ages and backgrounds finding their niche. Another trend is the increasing emphasis on creativity and self-expression. Skateboarding is not just about doing the hardest tricks; it's about expressing your individuality and creating your own unique style. This has led to a greater appreciation for skaters who think outside the box and push the boundaries of what's possible. The influence of social media has also played a significant role in shaping skate trends. Viral videos and online challenges can quickly spread and inspire skaters around the world. However, it's important to remember that skateboarding is ultimately about having fun and enjoying the ride. Don't feel pressured to keep up with the latest trends or do tricks that you're not comfortable with. Focus on your own progress and skate in a way that feels authentic to you.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Getting back into skateboarding can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your progress or lead to injuries. By understanding these challenges and taking steps to overcome them, you can make your return to skating smoother and more enjoyable. Let's take a look at some of the most common mistakes skaters make and how to avoid them.
Rushing the Process
One of the biggest mistakes skaters make is rushing the process. They get excited about getting back on a board and try to jump into advanced tricks before they've mastered the basics. This can lead to frustration, injuries, and a lack of progress. Skateboarding is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. There are no shortcuts. If you try to skip steps, you're only setting yourself up for failure. When you're getting back into skating, start with the fundamentals. Revisit your stance, balance, pushing, and turning skills. Practice these basics until they feel natural and comfortable. Once you have a solid foundation, you can start working on more advanced tricks, but do it gradually. Break down each trick into smaller steps and practice each step until you've mastered it. Don't be afraid to spend weeks or even months working on a single trick. The key is to be patient and persistent. Remember, skateboarding is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process of learning and progressing, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Every skater has their own pace, and there's no shame in taking your time. The more patient you are, the more solid your foundation will be, and the further you'll be able to go.
Neglecting Warm-Up and Stretching
Another common pitfall is neglecting warm-up and stretching. Skateboarding is a physically demanding activity, and your body needs to be properly prepared before you start riding. Just like any other sport, warming up and stretching can help prevent injuries and improve your performance. Before you get on your board, spend a few minutes doing some light cardio, like jogging or jumping jacks, to get your blood flowing. Then, focus on stretching the muscles you'll be using while skating, including your legs, ankles, hips, and core. Static stretches, where you hold a stretch for 30 seconds or more, are good for improving flexibility. Dynamic stretches, where you move through a range of motion, are good for preparing your muscles for activity. Some good stretches for skaters include hamstring stretches, quad stretches, calf stretches, hip flexor stretches, and ankle rotations. After your skate session, take some time to cool down and stretch again. This will help your muscles recover and reduce soreness. Neglecting warm-up and stretching may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your long-term skating progress. By taking care of your body, you'll be able to skate more often, progress faster, and avoid injuries that could sideline you.
Ignoring Pain and Pushing Through Injuries
Finally, it's crucial to avoid ignoring pain and pushing through injuries. Skateboarding is a high-impact sport, and injuries are a part of the game. However, it's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you feel pain while skating, stop and rest. Don't try to skate through it, as this can make the injury worse. If the pain persists, see a doctor or physical therapist. Ignoring pain can lead to chronic injuries that can keep you off your board for months or even years. Minor injuries, like scrapes and bruises, are common in skateboarding, and you can usually treat them at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, more serious injuries, like sprains, strains, and fractures, require professional medical attention. When you're getting back into skating, it's especially important to be cautious. Your body may not be as conditioned as it used to be, and you're more susceptible to injuries. Start slowly, gradually increase your intensity, and listen to your body. Don't compare yourself to other skaters or try to do tricks that are beyond your current ability. Focus on your own progress and skate within your limits. Remember, skateboarding is supposed to be fun. If you're in pain, you're not going to enjoy it. So, take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don't push through injuries. Your health is more important than any trick.
Final Thoughts
Getting back into skateboarding is an incredible journey. It's about rediscovering a passion, challenging yourself, and becoming part of a vibrant community. By gearing up properly, refreshing your basics, understanding the current skate scene, and avoiding common pitfalls, you'll be well on your way to enjoying all that skateboarding has to offer. So grab your board, put on your safety gear, and get rolling! The skate world is waiting for you. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun. Skateboarding is a way to express yourself, connect with others, and challenge your limits. So embrace the journey, enjoy the ride, and never stop pushing yourself to be the best skater you can be. Now go out there and shred!