Learn the essentials of skateboard handling! Discover how to hold a skateboard correctly, from selecting the right board to perfecting your grip. Ride safely and confidently.
Knowing how to hold a skateboard correctly is important for both safety and performance. Whether you’re walking with your board, riding it, or doing tricks, it’s important to have a good grip on it.
How to Hold a Skateboard While Walking
To hold a skateboard while walking, place your dominant hand on the grip tape of the board, with your fingers wrapped around the tail. Place your other hand on the bottom of the skateboard, near the front trucks. Hold the skateboard at a comfortable angle, with the tail slightly raised.
This is a good way to hold your board because it keeps it close to your body and makes it easy to control. It’s also a relatively low-profile way to hold your board, so you’re less likely to bump into people or things.
How to Hold a Skateboard While Riding
To hold a skateboard while riding, place your dominant foot on the tail of the board, with your toes hanging over the edge. Place your other foot on the front of the skateboard, just behind the front trucks. Shift your weight to your back foot to push off and start skating. Once you are moving, you can adjust your stance to find a comfortable position.
The most common stance for riding a skateboard is to have your feet shoulder-width apart, with your front foot slightly angled outward. However, there are many different variations on this stance, and you can experiment to find what works best for you.
Other Ways to Hold a Skateboard
In addition to the two ways described above, there are a number of other ways to hold a skateboard. Some of the most common include:
- Surfer style: Hold the skateboard horizontally under your arm, with the grip tape facing out. This is a good way to hold your board if you’re walking a long distance or if you’re carrying something else in your hands.
- Mall grab: Hold the skateboard vertically in one hand, with the grip tape facing you. This is a popular way to hold your board when you’re not riding it, but it’s not as stable as some other methods.
- Canary grind: Hold the skateboard vertically in one hand, with the grip tape facing away from you. This is a good way to hold your board if you’re doing a trick that requires you to grab it with your hand.
Which Way to Hold the Skateboard?
The best way to hold a skateboard depends on what you are doing. For example, if you are walking, you will want to hold the skateboard in a way that is comfortable and easy to carry. If you are riding the skateboard, you will want to hold it in a way that gives you good balance and control.
How to Switch the Way You Are Holding Your Skateboard
If you need to switch the way you are holding your skateboard, simply shift your grip and reposition your hands. For example, if you are holding the skateboard horizontally under your arm and you need to switch to holding it vertically in one hand, simply rotate the skateboard and grip it with one hand.
Safety Tips
When holding a skateboard, always be careful not to hit yourself or others. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid holding your skateboard in a way that could obstruct your vision. If you are carrying your skateboard on a crowded sidewalk, be careful not to bump into other people.
Here are some additional safety tips for holding a skateboard:
- Be careful not to trip over your skateboard.
- Avoid holding your skateboard in a way that could block your view.
- If you are carrying your skateboard on a crowded sidewalk, be careful not to bump into other people.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid holding your skateboard in a way that could put yourself or others at risk.
Conclusion
Mastering how to hold a skateboard is the first step towards becoming a skilled skateboarder. Remember, safety should always come first. Choose the right skateboard, understand your stance, and practice proper grip techniques. Once you’ve got these basics down, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the incredible world of skateboarding while minimizing risks and maximizing fun. So, go ahead, grab your board, and hit the skatepark with confidence!
With a little practice, you’ll be able to hold your skateboard like a pro!