es


How to Skateboard

Originally conceptualized in the sleepy beach towns of Southern California, skateboarding has gone from rebel fad to alternative sports mainstay, along the way becoming one of the world's most exciting and inventive sports. When people talk about skateboarding, the word progression is often used.  Riders are constantly developing new tricks and pushing the bounds of what is possible on a skateboardbut even the pros had to start somewhere, right?  Learning to skateboard can be tricky, so we are here to provide you with all the necessary tools to get started.

Quick History

* Skateboarding began sometime in the late 1940's and early 1950's, when some bored California surfers sawed the clay wheels off of roller skates and attached them to small pieces of plywood.  The goal was to recreate the sensation of surfing a wave on the pavement, and in its earliest form, skateboarding was often called "Sidewalk Surfing." * The late 1960's and early 1970's saw the emergence of more refined skateboard designs as well as the advent of two foundational developments in skateboarding history: the opening of Vans Shoes in 1966, and the creation of the first polyurethane skateboard wheel by East Coast surfer Frank Nasworthy. * The polyurethane skateboard wheel expanded the limits of the sport, and soon riders, most notably the Skateboards are relatively simple objects, but, as a skater just starting out it is helpful to know rudimentary information about the component parts of the board you are about to ride.

Getting Started

If you have no prior experience with board sports (i.e. surfing or snowboarding), skateboarding can seem a bit daunting at first.  Similar to riding a bike, skateboarding is all about finding your center of gravity and becoming comfortable with the sensation of forward motion.  Proper safety equipment, which we will highlight below, should always be used when practicing riding a skateboard.  If your first attempts are a little rocky, do not be discouraged, we will have you surfing the streets in no time. '''With a Little Help From Your Friends''' ! # Finding your center of gravity is essential.  A good way to start is to place your skateboard on the lawn or on the living room carpet, then stand on the skateboard as it rests in place.  Through this exercise you will determine which is your stronger, or lead, foot.  If you lead with your left foot you are considered to have a Regular stance.  If you lead with your right you are considered to have a Goofy stance.  # You will propel the skateboard by pushing off with one foot, while your lead foot remains on the front-center portion of the skateboard.  To practice, stand on one foot and become comfortable balancing in this position.  # When first riding on pavement, ask a parent or a friend to assist you by holding your hands at arm's length and walking parallel to you.  This will get you acquainted with the feeling of the skateboard in motion, and you can adjust your body and weight according to your comfort level. '''Riding On Your Own''' ! # Once you feel comfortable, stand on the skateboard by yourself and shift your weight back and forth to produce a slight rocking motion on the pavement. This will offer the truest measure of where your center of gravity lies. # The next step is to propel yourself by pushing off with your back foot and then placing it on the board once you have gained enough velocity.  At this point, congratulationsyou are officially skateboarding! # From here, continue practicing.  Find a level surface that is smoothly paved and has little to no traffic, like a schoolyard or an outdoor basketball court.  Make sure to wear your safety gear and always have someone else around; it's always best to skate in a group.

More Thrills, Less Spills: Safety Equipment

If you've ever seen a skateboarding video, then you'll already be well acquainted with the crash or wipeouts section.  It may occur to you, as you're cringing between boneflipping down a huge staircase or just learning how to turn, it is important to protect yourself with the proper safety equipment.  

Element Skateboard Decks

Skateboarding * Skateboarding Apparel * Skateboarding Merchandise !