I often get email from new skaters asking what they should learn first. Well, I can tell you it isn't the kickflip! There are the things I think a new skater should learn in order to have a solid base in skateboarding.
1. Learn to assemble your own board:There is nothing sadder than someone who can't put their own grip tape on the board, put bearings in wheels, etc, etc. If you can't assemble your board, you can't maintain it. Learn to assemble a board correctly.
2. Learn to push: I personally push mongo style. I have been doing it for 30 years, and I don't plan to change. I rarely have to push anyway. However, if you are a street skater, learn to push with your rear foot -- which is the "normal" way now. Not only will this keep you from being made fun of, I think it does help street skaters.
3. Learn to turn: Loosen your trucks a bit and learn to turn really well, both ways, without kickturning or tick-tacking! Bend you knees, get low, and crank out some nice tight turns. Skate like a Z-Boy. Turning is the most basic skill, and it will later allow you to carve bowls and skate like you know what you're doing.
4. Learn to kickturn both ways (frontside and backside): Learn on flat ground. It's important to be able to kickturn both ways on flat. If you can't do this, kickturning on a banked wall, mini-ramp, or bowl will be hard to learn. Learn good 180 kickturns both ways!
5. Learn to skate in a session without being stupid: This isn't meant to be sarcastic. You must learn to skate in a session like a civilized human being. That means you don't drop-in in front of people, you pay attention to your surroundings to avoid collisions, don't stand in the middle of the skatepark right in everyone's way, don't sit on the ledge that people are skating, etc.
6. Learn to drop-in: If you are going to skate at parks, you must learn to drop-in. It is basic, and it is necessary. Put on your helmet if you are scared, but then just do it.
7. Learn to pump: Learn to properly pump a banked wall or a transition. This will allow you to keep your speed without pushing. Again -- the most basic of skills. You can learn it on a mini-ramp, in a ditch, or whatever.
8. Learn to practice: The only way to really have skateboard moves mastered is to practice them over and over again. Pick a few tricks that you really enjoy doing, and every session make sure you do at least 10 good ones. As you get those mastered, add another trick you are working on to the mix. Pay attention to what you're doing.
9. Learn to have some style: Face a bit forward when you skate, not all sideways all the time like a constipated monkey. There are some pro skaters out there that look like they're having digestive problems while skating. Learn to recognize this and avoid it!
10. Learn to enjoy what you are doing! I see so many young skaters taking things too seriously. Getting mad, throwing their boards if they can't make a trick. That's not how it is supposed to be. Mix the tricks you're working on into lines made of moves you can do, preferably at the end of the line so that if you miss a trick, at least you've made some fun moves.
OK -- that's it for now. Go skate.
