What is Freestyle Skateboarding? (A Beginner’s Guide)

Discover the exciting world of freestyle skateboarding for beginners. Learn the basics, master tricks, and create your own unique style.

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Have you ever seen a freestyle skateboarder weave in and out of cones, doing spins, flips, and slides with seemingly effortless grace? Thats freestyle skateboarding.

In this post, you’ll learn everything you need about freestyle skateboarding, from equipment and stance to the most advanced techniques and styles. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned skateboarder looking to add to your skills, you’ll find useful information and tips to help you reach your goals in freestyle skateboarding. And don’t worry, we won’t judge you if you don’t know what a casper flip or a truck stand is yet.

What is freestyle skateboarding? Freestyle skateboarding is a style that is all about doing tricks on a skateboard while moving your feet and body like you’re dancing. It includes many tricks, such as spins, flips, and slides, and allows for creativity and self-expression. Freestyle skateboarding is a hard but fun activity that both beginners and experts can enjoy.

What Is the History of Freestyle Skateboarding?

Freestyle skateboarding, also known as “freestyle,” is one of the oldest styles of skateboarding that originated in the United States in the 1960s and became popular until the early 1990s. The emphasis in freestyle skateboarding is on technical flat-ground skateboarding, which includes a wide range of tricks, such as spins, flips, and slides, as well as dance-like footwork.

Even though downhill skateboarding competitions from the early 1960s are still around in the form of “death-defying hill bombs,” freestyle competitions and most tricks have changed over the years. The earliest skateboards were made by attaching roller derby skates to wooden crates, and the first models had handlebars attached.

In Japan, freestyle skateboarding is a family affair…

Alan (Ollie) Gelfand came up with the ollie, a hand-free air trick, in 1978. It is one of the most important tricks in skateboarding today.

In Japan, freestyle skateboarding is a family affair, and former champions of the 1980s skate community drive its popularity. However, Isamu Yamamoto, a 17-year-old Japanese freestyle skateboarder, is a rising star and has recently taken the skateboarding world by storm with his unique skating style.

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what are some Freestyle Skateboarding Tricks?

Freestyle skateboarding is all about being creative and going with the flow. Many different tricks can be done on flat ground, around obstacles, and on different surfaces. Here are a few beginner-friendly freestyle skateboarding tricks to get you started:

  • Pop and shove It: This trick involves making the skateboard pop and spin 180 degrees, then catching it with your back foot.
  • Boneless: This trick involves jumping off the board, grabbing the nose with one hand, and then placing your foot back on the board while lifting the other.
  • Monster walk: This trick involves moving your feet in and out while riding on two wheels, which creates a walking motion.
  • TicTac: This trick involves alternating between carving and pivoting while riding, which allows you to change direction quickly.
  • No comply: This trick involves jumping off the board, spinning it 180 degrees with one foot, and then landing back on it.

These are just a few examples of the many tricks you can learn in freestyle skateboarding. As a beginner, it’s important to first master the basics of controlling your skateboard, such as pushing, rolling, and carving, before attempting more complex tricks.

Who is the best freestyle skateboarder?

One of the most influential freestyle skateboarders is Rodney Mullen, who is often referred to as the “godfather of street skating.” Mullen is known for his innovative tricks, such as the kickflip and heelflip, and has won 34 out of 35 freestyle contests during his competitive career.

Image of a man on a skateboard with jeans. Source: allan mas, pexels
Image of a man on a skateboard with jeans. Source: allan mas, pexels

Another skater considered one of the best in the world is Leticia Bufoni, who has won 11 X-Games medals and holds the Guinness World Record for the most wins in the World Cup of Skateboarding World Rankings in the female street division.

Because of his creativity and technical skills, Daewon Song is also known as one of the best freestyle skateboarders. In addition, he is known for his ability to combine freestyle and street skating, which has influenced the sport and inspired many other skaters.

While there is no definitive answer to who the best freestyle skateboarder is, the skaters mentioned above have significantly impacted the sport. They are widely recognized for their achievements and influence.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “How to Freestyle Skateboard: The Basics” from the Andrew Schrock YouTube channel.

A video called “How to freestyle skateboard: The Basics” from the Andrew Schrock YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about what freestyle skateboarding is? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

What are some common tricks performed in freestyle skateboarding?

Freestyle skateboarding includes various tricks such as 360 spins, handstands, nose manuals, and many more. These tricks often involve complex footwork and balance, making them both challenging and impressive.

What is the difference between freestyle skateboarding and other forms of skateboarding?

Freestyle skateboarding is distinguished from other forms of skateboarding by its focus on creative expression and flow. Unlike street skateboarding or vert skateboarding, freestyle skateboarding emphasizes individual style and the incorporation of dance-like footwork into skateboard tricks.

Do I need any special equipment to try freestyle skateboarding?

No. The basic equipment for freestyle skateboarding is a skateboard and, maybe, the appropriate safety gear such as a helmet and pads. Some freestyle skateboarders prefer a specific type of board, such as a wider board with a flatter shape to facilitate footwork. However, the most important thing is to find a board and gear that you feel comfortable and safe using.

Conclusion

Well, my friends, I hope this post has inspired you to unleash your inner Tony Hawk and try freestyle skateboarding. Who knows? You might just discover a new passion and become the next skateboarding legend. But you’ll still have a blast trying out new tricks and impressing your friends even if you don’t.

Remember, freestyle skateboarding isn’t just about the tricks and spins, it’s also about the flow and creativity. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try new things. And if you fall (which, let’s be real, you probably will), just pick yourself back up and keep going. As the saying goes, “if at first you don’t succeed, skate, skate again.”

Are you ready to try out some new tricks and unleash your creativity with freestyle skateboarding? 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 article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!

Key takeaways

This article covered what freestyle skateboarding is. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Freestyle skateboarding is a type of skateboarding that emphasizes creative expression and flow.
  • It includes a wide range of tricks, such as spins, flips, and slides, as well as dance-like footwork.
  • Freestyle skateboarding can boost your confidence, and improve your balance and coordination.
  • To get started with freestyle skateboarding, you’ll need a skateboard and appropriate safety gear, and you can learn everything from the basics of equipment and stance to advanced techniques and styles.
  • Remember to have fun, be creative, and try new things, and don’t be afraid to fall and keep trying.

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Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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