FOOD FOR THOUGHT before you skate

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- Get the right gear - This includes a board suited to your size and skill level, skate shoes for grip, pads/helmets for safety, and wrist guards for new skaters learning to fall properly. Support Local skateshops if you can.

- Find a good place to practice - Look for smooth, flat ground like an empty parking lot or basketball court to start out. Grass or carpeted areas are also good for practicing balance. Avoid hills or bumpy surfaces when starting.

- Learn to balance - Practice stepping on the board, pushing off gently and cruising back and forth to get comfortable balancing. Try placing only your front foot or back foot on the board to improve balance.

- Learn to steer - Put equal weight on both feet centered over the board and practice slight shifts in weight to steer side-to-side. Keep knees bent and stay loose.

- Practice stopping - Learn to stop by leaning back slightly and pressing your rear foot down on the tail of the board. Dragging the back foot can also help stop. 

- Learn to kickturn - Practice rotating the board 180 degrees using your front foot to twist the board and back foot to pivot. Helps change direction.

- Take it slowly - Only practice one new technique at a time. Repeat it until you feel comfortable before moving on. Don't rush into tricks.

- Stay motivated - Set mini goals and celebrate small wins. Skate with others learning. Staying motivated will help practice become fun.

- Be safe - Know your limits and pad up, especially if attempting ramps or tricks. Learn how to fall safely too.

Most of all, be patient and don't get discouraged. Skateboarding takes time to master.