Embarking on the exciting journey of learning to skateboard is a thrilling endeavor, but for many aspiring riders, the burning question is, ‘How long does it take to learn to skateboard?’ Whether you’re a complete novice or someone looking to hone your skills, understanding the learning curve is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key factors influencing the time it takes to master skateboarding, from individual aptitude to practice routines. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of the skateboarding learning process and provide insights to help you progress faster on your way to becoming a confident skateboarder.
How Long Does it Take to Learn to Skateboard?
Usually, it takes an hour to learn the basics of skateboarding, like standing on the board and pushing. But for an advanced level, a year or two, maybe three, depending on your commitment, abilities, and passion are required to become a good skateboarder.
Understanding the Basics of Skateboarding does not require so much Hustle. In the beginning, you just need to focus on how things work. Just observe your instructor keenly, and you will be able to do it by yourself in just an hour.
“ There are ten percent muscle, forty percent skill, and fifty percent guts to becoming a good skater “
I am going to give you a short breakdown of the steps involved in learning the basics:
- Balance- 15 minutes
You, most importantly, need to learn how to adjust on the board. It will take very nearly ten to fifteen minutes. Keeping a balance on the board is a very basic thing that does not let you fall
- Pushing- 20-35 minutes
After you can keep your balance on the board, you need to push the board to move forward. It takes almost 20 to 35 minutes to learn
- Carving- 15 Minutes
Turning fast and hard in corners is called carving. The easiest way to carve a bowl on a flat surface is with a longboard or carving board, yet shortboard carving can also be done with practice
- Stopping-10-15 minutes
you have learned all the steps of basic training, so the last step is stopping the skateboard. It’s not difficult, just a little bit tricky.
Along with all the steps you must learn, how to break.
Skateboarding Progression Timeline
Although there is no standard to measure the progress in skateboarding, here I’m going to give you a progression timeline to give an idea about the whole process. Surely some individuals will learn it better than others but the fact is that the more you practice the quicker you progress.
1st Month: In the first month you must focus on pushing, turning, and stopping the skateboard and to avoid accidents, you must learn to apply the brakes properly.
Month 2-4: Now you are aware of riding and turning the skateboard so it’s time to learn some basic tricks like manuals, ollies, kick turns, and riding obstacles in skate parks.
Month 5-7: After spending a lot of time skateboarding you are skilled enough. As soon as you learn the basics, you won’t have any difficulty with tricks such as decent ollies, lappies, big spins, shuvits, and minor board slides.
Month 8-12: The rails and ledges are waiting for you. You will feel satisfied enough after your first grind. Furthermore, you will learn to heelflip and kickflip and combine basic tricks.
After 1 Year+: If you can kickflip, or heelflip, you have mastered it. You can perform ollies in no time. It’s almost time for the tre-flip.
Advanced And Pro Skills of Skateboarding
After spending a year skateboarding and learning all the basic intermediate skills, now it’s time and you are well prepared if you want to continue skateboarding as a sport. you are well prepared to begin the advanced learning of skateboarding. It will take almost 3 years and after this time you will be ripped enough to call yourself an advanced skateboarder. It will take two years to become a pro skateboarder. Now you can take part in all skateboarding competitions.
At What Age One Should Start Learning Skateboarding?
This sort of sport is the simplest to learn in childhood. Besides improving stamina and coordination, skateboarding is a great activity for children. Children as young as 3 can begin training. Small skateboards are also available in the market that is specially prepared for the little champs. The equipment used by children for skiing is the same as that used by adults. You must always keep an eye on the little rider. Children’s actions must be monitored by the parents to avoid any misshapen.
Basic Rules of Skateboarding
Skateboarding may be considered a freestyle sport but there are many written and unwritten rules according to the different stars of skating like the park skating competitions Street skating competitions and the game of skate,
but here I will discuss only the basic rules of skateboarding that must be followed everywhere
- Abide by the rules of your skatepark
- Don’t listen to music with headphones or earphones while skateboarding.
- Do not Skate in bad weather
- Always wear closed-toe shoes
- Avoid hitting cars, buses, or other vehicles. Be careful.
- Always wear a helmet and other safety gear
- Avoid skating in crowded areas
How to Choose the Right Skateboard?
There are different kinds of skateboards available in the market adding to their functionality. So you have to choose one for you according to your ability and professional level. You must focus on quality as a poor-quality skateboard could cause you an injury so don’t buy any cheap stuff. Here are the best skateboards for beginners that I’ve reviewed.
Equipment Makes a lot of difference
Your equipment makes a huge difference. The cheap skateboard you have now will eventually frustrate you, even if you won’t notice it much as a beginner.
Types of Skateboards
Skateboards are classified into two main types: Longboards and Shortboards—there are many more varieties within these two categories depending on their design, different body types, and riding styles. Besides regular skateboards, there are electric skateboards as well. In terms of their respective uses, both are different.
The regular skateboard needs more manual effort to start and push to gain speed. The electric skateboard has an inbuilt e-board deck that can be replaced in the event the deck needs to be replaced.
Also, there are different kinds of skateboards depending on the size and age of the user. Along with age, your shoe size is also required to choose the best skateboard that is perfect in Length and width.
Skateboarding Safety Equipment
Safety is the most critical point of skateboarding. You must be trained enough to avoid injuries, as injuries can slow down your learning process. Safety gears are available in the market. You must get these for yourself.
Here is the list of commonly used protective gear:
- Helmets
- Grip Tape
- Wrist Guards
- Elbow pads
- Knee Pads
- Skate shoes
Some Skateboarding Tricks
As I have already mentioned a lot of times above in this article, in this sport a person is everything. it depends upon his athletic abilities and how long it takes him to master the skills. Here is the list of some tricks along with their short intro without mastering which you can’t even think about to compete with any advanced skateboarder
- Manual – adjusting on a skateboard
- Zeros –jumping with a forward tick
- Ollie – jumping with the board
- Flip – after the jump, the board should rotate in flight;
- Slide – basic sliding
- Rowing –you catch the board by hands
- Stand, linden, stel – it’s about maintaining balance while jumping onto any obstacle.
Useful Tips For Skateboarders
Along with that, some useful tips must be kept in mind for the best performance
- Always warm up before Skateboarding to avoid dislocations and sprains.
- You can learn from seniors who often visit skate parks.
- Practice again and again to master the tricks.
- Often inspect the skateboard as the loose parts may cause injury
- Never try to compete as a senior skateboarder until you are skilled enough as it may cause injuries
Conclusion
We tried our best to answer one of the most asked questions about skateboarding How long does it take to learn to skateboard? Skateboarding could be learned technically in a day or two. Within an hour you will be well aware of the basics. Keep practicing and within a month you will be able to push it well.
If you remain consistent you will be an advanced skateboarder within a few years. It’s all about your passion and consistency. The most positive thing is that you can learn most things by yourself. Happy Skating 🙂