Turning a skateboard is one of the most important skills to learn when starting out as a skateboarder. Turning your skateboard effectively will allow you to control your speed and direction while cruising down the street or performing tricks in the skatepark. With the right technique and practice, you can turn your skateboard with ease.
Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced rider, knowing how to turn your skateboard correctly is essential. In this guide, we will cover all the basics of turning a skateboard, including essential terms and techniques, as well as tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your skateboard. So, let’s get started!
Essential Skateboard Turning Terms
Before you start turning your skateboard, it is important to understand some of the essential terms associated with skateboard turning. Here are some of the most important terms you should know:
- Pivot: This is the act of turning your skateboard around the center of your back foot.
- Carving: This is the act of turning your skateboard while keeping your feet on the board.
- Ollie: This is a skateboarding trick that involves popping the tail of your board off the ground while jumping into the air.
- Nose: The nose is the front end of the skateboard.
- Tail: The tail is the back end of the skateboard.
Now that you understand some of the essential terms associated with skateboard turning, let’s move on to the techniques.
Basic Skateboard Turning Techniques
The most basic technique for turning your skateboard is the pivot. To do this, put your back foot on the back of the board and your front foot on the ground. Then, push your back foot in the direction you want to turn and your board should follow. This technique is great for slow and tight turns, such as when navigating around obstacles.
The next technique is called carving. To do this, place one foot on the nose of the board and the other on the tail. Then, push your feet in opposite directions while leaning your body into the turn. This technique is great for making wide and fast turns, such as when navigating down a hill.
The last technique is the ollie. This is a trick that involves popping the tail of the board off the ground while jumping into the air. To do this, crouch down and put your back foot on the tail of the board. Then, jump and flick your front foot while pushing down on the tail of the board. This trick is great for doing tricks and navigating tight spaces.
Tips for Turning Your Skateboard
When it comes to turning your skateboard, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. The first is to practice turning slowly. This will help you get a feel for how your board responds to your movements and will help you develop your technique.
The next tip is to practice turning in different directions. This will help you learn to control your board in different directions and will help you develop your turning skills.
The last tip is to practice turning in different environments. This will help you develop your turning skills in different scenarios and will help you become a better skateboarder.
Conclusion
Turning your skateboard is an essential skill for any skateboarder. With the right technique and practice, you can turn your skateboard with ease. In this guide, we have covered the essential terms and techniques for turning your skateboard, as well as some tips to help you get the most out of your skateboard. So, get out there and start turning your skateboard!