Has your skateboarding session been more sketchy than sick lately? You might’ve picked up some of the worst skateboarding habits that plague new skaters. This post will be a rock-solid resource where we’ll tackle skateboarding no-no’s just as hard as Chris Joslin tackles insane vert ramps. So, let’s get into it, or should I say, let’s shred into it!
What are the worst skateboarding habits you should avoid?
Next time you’re about to pop an ollie, take a moment to rewind and reflect on your skateboarding habits. Let’s roll through the most notorious missteps that could be messing with your ride:
1. Over-tightening your trucks
Over-tightening your trucks can feel like the easy way out. It can give beginners a deceptive sense of balance and control. Yet, this seemingly innocent practice could cripple your skating in the long run. Why? For starters, snug trucks can restrict your putative pivot and make your punches more of a pigeon’s peck than a peregrine’s swoop.
It doesn’t just put a damper on your ability to carve like a killer but can also lead to faster bushing wear. Style points might seem trivial when you’re starting out, but trust me, the ability to embrace the flow and adapt to diverse terrains is what sets a skateboarding savant apart from static tricksters.
2. Fixating on your board
Ever seen a performer caught up in their instrument more than the music itself? Well, it’s the same when you’re fixated on your own board while shredding the park. The beauty of skateboarding lies in harmony with your surroundings, not just wrestling with the board. Where you look drives where you go; this principle isn’t just for driving a car or a motorcycle.
“Fixating on your board can create a mental tunnel vision that stagnates your creativity and situational awareness.”
It applies to skateboarding, too. Fixating on your board can create a mental tunnel vision that stagnates your creativity and situational awareness. A forward focus prepares you for upcoming obstacles and eases the transition into complex tricks. Besides, catching speed wobbles while bombing steep hills is no laughing matter. Keep your eyes on the road, not your feet.
3. Learning tricks in a stationary position
Alright, here’s the kicker. Nailing tricks stationary can feel rewarding, yet it’s as wobbly as a two-legged table when it comes to long-term skating prowess. Learning tricks while at a standstill can indeed help you grasp the footwork, but it can also set up a flimsy foundation for future progression.
In essence, skateboarding is a dynamic confluence of movements. You’re rarely static when you’re shredding on the street or in the park. So, practicing tricks stationary might make your transition to motion feel like performing an orchestra underwater. The moment you feel comfortable with a trick, take that mother trucker rolling. It’s like learning to dance in a closet; sure, you know the steps, but can you handle the ballroom?
4. Ignoring weight distribution
Skating is not just about knowing your tricks. It’s about understanding your body too. Weight distribution is fundamental to controlling your skateboard, whether you’re cruising down a slope or popping a hefty kickflip. But, the drag is, it’s often overlooked by new skaters, thinking it’s all in the wrist…or feet, in our case!
Why does it matter? Picture yourself standing on a teeter-totter; if you lean too much on either side, you’re going down. Similar to that, ignoring your weight distribution can make your skate around more of a bumpy ride than a smooth glide. And the heartbreak when a perfectly executed trick ends in a wipeout because your weight was off? The word devastating doesn’t even cover it!
5. Neglecting safety measures
Lastly, the “skate or die” vibe doesn’t mean you literally risk your life, as much as it sounds fictionally courageous. Rolling into the park without proper safety gear because it’s not “cool” is a sure-shot ticket to injury land. While we all love to live on the edge a little, not using safety gear can lead to the premature end of a promising skateboarding journey.
Skateboarding is inevitably filled with spills and thrills, but ensuring that you’re equipped with the right gear – helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards – can be the difference between learning from a risky maneuver and ending up in a hospital bed. So, before you make that next run, make sure you’re padded up and ready to roll!
6. Avoiding skate parks out of fear
As a newbie, skate parks may seem intimidating, but shying away from them is a mistake. Practicing in solitude might not always spec up your growth as much as getting out there with seasoned skaters. Why skate parks, you may ask?
Not only do they offer a great platform for you to master various aspects of skating, but they also provide exposure to a dynamic environment that pushes your boundaries. The sheer diversity of obstacles and terrain amplifies your ability to adapt and maneuver, honing your skills in real-life settings.
7. Copying others’ styles blindly
An integral part of skateboarding is developing a personal style. Each skater has a unique way of expressing themselves through their skating. Trying to mimic another skater’s style, especially an experienced one, often leads beginner skaters down a “sketchy” path.
Instead of replicating someone’s style, draw inspiration from various skaters and combine these aspects into your unique mix. Remember, skateboarding is as much about individual expression as it is about technical prowess. The sea doesn’t crave the shark’s style; it craves the ebb and flow that each wave brings.
8. Not committing fully to tricks
Hesitant attempts almost always end up with incomplete tricks or unnecessary injuries. Not fully committing to the tricks is one of the cardinal sins in the skateboarding world.
Just like anything else in life, skateboarding requires total commitment. Half-hearted attempts not only diminish the impact of your tricks but also foster a timid approach to tackling tougher moves. Face the fear, shoulders squared, and dive right in!
9. Not taking rests
‘Skate or die’ is rad, but grinding your body without giving it rest might lead you closer to the latter. Skateboarding is physically demanding, and without proper rest, even the most stoked skaters can burn out or injure themselves.
Striking a balance between training and rest is important. Your body needs time to recuperate and build strength, failing which impacts both your performance and health. Be smart and strive for progression, not demolition!
10. Ignoring etiquette
Skateboarding has an unspoken bro code. Whether it’s waiting your turn at a skate spot or being mindful of the local community where you’re practicing, understanding and abiding by these unspoken rules can go a long way in ensuring a positive skateboarding experience.
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What habits should skaters pick up?
- Remember to hydrate: Skateboarding is as exhausting as it is exhilarating. Carry a water bottle and hydrate your body to keep fatigue at bay.
- Don’t ignore the pain: Listen to your body. If you’ve fallen and it hurts, take a break.
- Don’t overlook warm-ups: Warming up before hopping on your board can help you dodge injuries and increase your flexibility.
- Stay patient: Progression takes time. Don’t rush your journey. Enjoy the ride, literally and figuratively.
- Start with basic tricks: Master the basics before you move on to complex tricks. Walk before you run!
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My tryst with the worst skateboarding habits
OK, pause for confession time. My initial days with skateboarding were like trying to tango with two left feet. Yes, I’ve been a victim of some of these sketchy habits. Oh boy, the vision of my triumphant grin as I tightened my trucks to ‘balance” better is still vivid. And who needs stretching anyway, right? I just wanted to be a Danny Way or a Chris Joslin without knowing my Ollies from my Nollies!
“Embrace the process, the stumbles, the fall-outs- they shape your journey. Never forget, it’s not about nailing every trick in record time, but about enjoying the unadulterated, electrifying joy that skating brings.”
So, here’s my take: Embrace the process, the stumbles, the fall-outs- they shape your journey. Never forget, it’s not about nailing every trick in record time but about enjoying the unadulterated, electrifying joy that skating brings. To anyone out there wobbling, falling, and picking themselves back up – you’re skating just fine! Keep pushing, lads!
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contrary to popular belief, there are no silly questions in skateboarding! Whether you’re new to the scene or just want to brush up your skills, it’s essential to know how to avoid some of the common traps.
Does overtightening trucks really matter?
Yes, over-tightening trucks can hurt your skateboarding skills and your skateboard itself. It restricts your turning ability, can impact your style points, and may cause your bushings to wear out faster. Instead, find the right bushing hardness for your weight for a smoother and livelier skateboarding experience.
Why should I avoid learning tricks in a stationary position?
Learning tricks while stationary can help you master the footwork, but it doesn’t prepare you for executing those tricks while actually skating. Skateboarding is a dynamic sport, and practicing tricks while rolling mimics the real-world situations you’ll be in.
What happens if I ignore skateboarding etiquette?
Ignoring skateboarding etiquette can have unwanted repercussions. Not only can it be dangerous for you and others, but it’s also likely to annoy other skaters. Good skatepark etiquette involves respecting the space of others, taking turns, and observing standard safety rules.
Final thoughts
Time on your board is time well spent. Whilst having fun, it’s also important to break the cycle of bad habits that keep us spinning our wheels. Crunching on this knowledge sandwich, we’ve covered how over-tightening trucks, not respecting etiquette, fear of skateparks, and other bad habits can throw a wrench in your skating.
Do you have a secret sauce to bust these bad habits? Perhaps a unique stance or ritual that makes glassy-eyed beginners nail it like pros? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this skate guide helpful, share it with shredders around you, and check out my full blog for more tricks under your sleeve. Thanks for reading, and stay stoked, always!
Key takeaways
This article covered tricks to dodge the worst skateboarding habits. Here are some key takeaways:
- Over-tightening trucks restrict turns and wear out your bushings faster.
- Fixating on your board limits your awareness and affects navigation.
- Learning tricks in a stationary position can impede real-world performance.
- Ignoring weight distribution can make skateboarding tougher and riskier.
- Neglecting safety measures can lead to major injuries.
- Avoiding skate parks out of fear limits your exposure and growth.
- It can be counterproductive to blindly emulate others’ skateboarding styles.
- Lack of commitment to tricks can result in incomplete execution.
- Ignoring necessary rest times can lead to burnout and injuries.
- Disregarding skateboarding etiquette can sour your relations with other skaters.
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