Skateboarding Draft
Riding and doing tricks on a skateboard. A creative sport that rewards persistence and practice at skateparks, streets and ramps.
Open the app Find skateboarding games, places and shops near you.
How to start
What you need
- Complete skateboard that fits your shoe size
- Helmet
- Wrist guards, knee and elbow pads
- Flat-soled skate shoes
Typical cost
A complete board costs $60 to $150; helmet $30 to $60; pads $25 to $60; skatepark entry is often free or a few dollars (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Public skateparks, smooth empty parking lots, schoolyards and skate shop beginner sessions.
Rules
- Skateparks often require helmets and may have age or session rules; read the sign at the entrance.
- Share the space: usually one skater on an obstacle or line at a time.
- Casual skating has no official rules beyond park etiquette; only contests use formal rules.
- In competitions, skaters are judged on difficulty, execution and style.
- Mind local laws about skating on streets and private property.
- Respect other users like pedestrians and cyclists.
- Learn to fall and roll to reduce injuries.
- Master basic skills like pushing and turning before tricks.
Drills
Push and glide 8 min
Practice pushing with your back foot and gliding on flat ground, keeping knees bent.
Turning 8 min
Lean your shoulders and weight to carve left and right around cones.
Stopping 6 min
Practice foot braking or tail dragging at slow speed.
Ollie basics 12 min
Stand still on the board, snap the tail and slide the front foot up to level the board. Practice on grass first.
Falling safely 5 min
Practice falling onto pads, rolling and keeping hands away from the ground.
Etiquette
- Wait your turn and watch the flow of the park.
- Do not drop in on someone mid-line.
- Help others who fall and be encouraging.
Safety
- Always wear a helmet and pads, especially when learning.
- Check your board for loose bolts and cracked wheels.
- Avoid busy roads or wet pavement.
Levels
- 1Learning to stand, push and stop.
- 2Can push, turn and roll comfortably.
- 3Can ollie and ride small ramps.
- 4Lands multiple tricks and links lines at the park.
- 5Competes or skates technical terrain with advanced tricks.
Questions
What board should I buy?
A complete board from a skate shop, sized to your shoes.
Is it too late to start?
No, adults learn too; start slow and wear protection.
How long to learn an ollie?
It varies widely, from weeks to months; consistent practice helps.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays skateboarding. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.