Turning on a skateboard requires balance, proper foot position, and a willingness to just go for it without fear of falling at first. Beginners start out rolling straight ahead and then learn how to keep going in a single direction. When you’ve mastered this skill, you’ll have no problem with any sidewalks or beginner’s skateparks. Soon, you can move on to learning tricks.
There are two ways to learn to skateboard turn safely. One relies on shifting weight, and a kick turn works with foot pressure. Follow these simple steps for both methods, and soon you’ll be zooming around every curve.
What Are the Two Main Types of Skateboard Turns?
The skateboard turn types include the carving turn and kick turns. The first lets you make more gently, S-shaped curves as you glide along that can turn into a C or U-turn with a greater shift in body weight.
How to Do a Carving Turn on Your Skateboard
Every movement on your board starts with the right stance and balance. Keep your feet approximately shoulder width apart. Bend your knees and lean forward slightly the way you do for riding anywhere. This helps you maintain your balance even when shifting to execute the turns.
1 – Frontside (or Toe-side) Turn – Turn your shoulders in the direction you’d like to go while pushing down slightly on with the toes of your front foot.
2 – Backside (or Heel-side) Turn – Shift your weight backward slightly by leaning and bending your knees more than usual. Turn your shoulders more while looking to the extreme side or back to focus on where you want to end up.
If you do gentle versions of both these turns in sequence, you’ll swoop across the pavement in the S-shape. This won’t get you moving in a different direction, but you can glide forward longer with style.
Tips to Master a Skateboard Kick Turn
When you need to turn sharply or want to gear up for learning tricks, the kick turn is a great first step. It takes some skill and a big dose of confidence to make it happen.
1 – Move your back foot closer to the end of the skateboard tail. The farther back it is, the sharper the turn can be. The front foot stays near the bolts as usual.
2 – Turn your head to look in the direction you want to go. This will also shift your shoulders for some weight distribution and balance help.
3 – Push down sharply on the back foot to lift the front of the skateboard off the ground. At first, it may go too high. Practice this move until you know the right pressure on the back foot.
4 – Shift your body at the same time to let your weight swing the front of the board around in the direction you want to turn. Then, set the front wheels back down and zoom off.
Everything goes slow at the start. Master leaning to turn before you move on to the slightly more difficult kick type. Only make gently pushes and slight leans at first on a flat surface that has a lot of space for mistakes. And of course, always wear your full safety gear and helmet. The more time you give it, the more natural the turns will feel.
Search for a skateboard shop near me or browse the pages of Nattork skateboard options for a better selection. Learning how to ride a skateboard and make safe, smooth turns won’t take long when you have the right gear.
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