How to balance on a skateboard, comprehensive mastery guide

As you commit to knowing how to balance on a skateboard, we will go inside-out on this vital skill. Because many skaters do it wrong. They go skating without understanding how to balance correctly.

As a result, it takes a vast amount of time and confuses someone, then repeats the same process often.

We don’t want it for you. Just reading this guide, you’ll get the ultimate picture to balance well. Let’s start with me.

Types of surfaces for skateboarding

Before we go deeper, you have to be clear about two things. They will let you know what you will do and do safely, saving you time and keeping you safe every way you want. 

The first one on the list is the surface type. The more precise you get about the surface you will skate, the easier it will be for you to move safely.

The second one comes so naturally that most people rarely talk about it, which is the type of skateboard you choose. This will let you know how to adjust the skate so you can balance more simply. 

Let’s talk about it shortly so you can notice how they work: 

1. Concrete: the most common and versatile surface. Skateparks sometimes contain concrete ramps, bowls, and street features. It predominantly takes place on concrete surfaces, including sidewalks, plazas, and public spaces.
   
2. Asphalt: Commonly found in urban environments, often used for street skating. You’ll see many roads, parking lots, and driveways provide asphalt surfaces. Which also act as cruising and performing tricks.

3. Wood: Often, Wooden ramps and structures are prevalent in skateparks. Halfpipes, quarterpipes, and ramps are constructed with plywood and wooden frames. It gives you a smooth and consistent ride.

4. Metal: It’s used for rails, ledges, and other street features. Skaters can perform grinding tricks on metal rails. Some skateparks incorporate metal elements for added diversity.

5. Skatelite: It’s considered a high-performance skateboard surface material. Which is made from layers of paper and resin. It is commonly used to cover ramps, halfpipes, and other skatepark structures.

6. Ramps and Halfpipes: Typically made of wood or metal. The surface is often coated with skate-friendly materials like Skatelite, plywood, or similar materials.

7. Grass: Many skaters enjoy merging grassy areas into their routines. This is often done for creative tricks and flat-ground maneuvers. However, grassy surfaces can be challenging due to the need for smoothness.

8. Dirt Trails: Off-road or all-terrain skateboards are designed for dirt trails. These boards often have larger, air-filled wheels to navigate uneven terrain, providing a different kind of skateboarding experience.

9. Carpet or Mats: Some indoor skate facilities or training spaces use carpet or mats to create a safe and controlled environment for learning tricks. These surfaces offer a degree of cushioning and can be suitable for practicing certain maneuvers.

10. Polished Concrete: Polished concrete surfaces are sometimes found in skateparks. The smooth, polished finish provides a fast and consistent ride, making it suitable for various styles of skateboarding.

11. Plastic or Polymer Ramps: Some portable or modular ramps are made from plastic or polymer materials. These ramps are lightweight, durable, and often used for temporary setups or events.

12. Combination Surfaces: Many skateparks incorporate a combination of surfaces to provide diverse features. A park might have concrete bowls, wooden ramps, metal rails, and other elements to cater to additional skating styles.

Skaters often adapt to various surfaces based on personal preferences, and you can also choose yours. 

Types of Skateboard:

Skateboards come in various types, each designed for specific riding styles. Here are some of the most common types of skateboards you can understand before diving deep:

1. Standard Skateboard: The most common type of skateboard. It features a symmetrical shape with a slightly upturned nose and tail. And suitable for street, park, and ramp skating.

2. Cruiser Board: This boy is designed for cruising and transportation. It typically contains a more extended deck with a kicktail, making turning easier. Often, they have softer wheels for a smoother ride.

3. Longboard: Longboards are longer and wider than standard skateboards. Ideal for downhill riding, commuting, and cruising. Longboards come in various shapes, including pintail, drop-through, and drop deck.

4. Old School Skateboard: This board features a shape reminiscent of boards from the 1970s and 1980s. Often, contains a wider deck, squared-off tail, and a more pronounced kicktail. Famous for cruising and pool skating.
   
5. Pool Skateboard: Designed for riding in skatepark pools and bowls. Typically, own a wider deck, a larger nose, and a tail for transition control.

6. Street Skateboard: Optimized for technical tricks and maneuvers on flat surfaces. Usually, they have a smaller, lighter deck, a steep concave, and smaller, harder wheels for better flip tricks.

7. Park Skateboard: Built for the skatepark and ramp skating. Includes a medium-sized deck with a moderate concave.

8. Freestyle Skateboard: It’s a versatile skateboard designed for flatland tricks and maneuvers. They often have a shorter wheelbase, smaller cocktails, and a flat for improved control while freestyling.

9. Electric Skateboard: It’s equipped with an electric motor and a battery and delivers motorized propulsion. Popular for commuting and provides an alternative mode of transportation.

10. Off-Road Skateboard: It is also known as an all-terrain skateboard. Designed for riding on rough surfaces, such as dirt trails or gravel paths. It has larger, air-filled wheels and a more robust construction to supervise uneven terrain.

11. Surfskate: Simulate the carving and pumping movements of surfing. Have a unique front truck design for a fluid, surf-like motion. They are known for surf training and surf-style boarding.

12. Mini Cruiser: It’s a compact, lightweight skateboard. The cruiser is built for easy transportation and cruising. You’ll get a smaller deck and softer wheels for convenient short commutes and urban cruising.

How To Balance On A Skateboard Like A Pro

As you skateboard, remember it is not just a sport. It’s an art that combines skill, confidence, and balance. The ability to balance on a skateboard is the foundation for executing tricks, cruising smoothly, and overall enjoying the experience.

Let’s see how you can balance expertly and never look back again.

Understanding the Foundation of Skateboard Balance:

Before you know the secret strategy, understand the basic principle of balancing your board. Here’s how it goes. 

1. Stance: Begin with the right stance. Whether regular or goofy, find the most natural one that fits better for you first. 

2. Foot Placement: Position your feet properly on the board. The front foot should be angled slightly towards the nose. Keep the back foot covering the tail. Experiment with foot placement where it feels best. 

3. Body Alignment: Keep the shoulders parallel to the board when the knees are slightly bent. Allocate your weight evenly between both feet.

4. Center of Gravity: Your center of gravity plays a vital role in balance. It should be directly over the board’s trucks as metal components hold the wheels.

Static Balance Exercises:

1. Stationary Stance: Start by standing on the skateboard with feet shoulder-width apart. Practice shifting your weight from heel to toe. Then, choose a sweet spot where your feet feel best. 

2. Manuals: Lift the front wheels off the ground and hold the back wheels on the surface. It’ll naturally develop a sense of balance and control.

3. Rail Stands: Find a rail or ledge to balance on. Place your skateboard perpendicular to the rail and stand on it with both trucks on both sides. Practice shifting your weight to stay centered.

4. One-Foot Balancing: Lift one foot off the skateboard and balance on the other. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles used for ultimate balance.

Dynamic Balance Exercises:

1. Pushing and Rolling: Practice pushing off with one foot and rolling. Slowly increase speed as you become more comfortable with it. It helps you adjust to the board’s movements faster than possible.

2. Carving: Learn to carve by making gentle turns during the roll. It improves balance and enhances overall control at the same time.

3. Kick Turns: Mastering kick turns involves lifting the front wheels to change direction. This dynamic gives you the overall weight shifts and body rotation.

4. Ollies: Ollies are foundational tricks that involve a pop and jump motion. Learning it requires precise weight distribution and timing.

Also Read: Why is Skateboarding So Hard? – 6 Learning Tips

Pro Tips for Balancing While Riding

1. Relax and Bend Your Knees: Always remember the tension in your body can hamper balance. Keep the muscles relaxed, and slightly bend your knees to absorb shocks and support stability.
   
2. Look Forward: Focus your gaze ahead rather than staring at your feet. Looking forward helps you anticipate changes in terrain.

3. Skate Regularly: Like any other skill, balance on a skateboard requires practice. Save time for regular sessions. Challenge yourself with new exercises and tricks to upgrade your style. 

4. Construct Core Strength: A strong core is essential for balance. Integrate exercises that target your core muscles to enrich your stability congruently. 

Troubleshooting Common Balance Issues

1. Wobbles: it’s a result of tension. Relax your body first, bend the knees, and practice weight shifts to regain control.

2. Wheel Bite: Wheel bite occurs when you touch the deck while turning. Adjust your trucks to prevent this. Always be mindful of your weight distribution.

3. Uneven Terrain: Adapt to uneven surfaces by staying flexible. Slightly bending your knees. Now, shift your weight to navigate bumps and cracks smoothly.

Fear of Falling: Falling is part of the learning process. Overcoming the fear requires incremental advancement to build firm confidence through practice.

Bottom-line:

Balancing on a skateboard is a dynamic skill. It develops with time and practice. Whether you’re a beginner or committed to becoming advanced, the above exercises will give you a solid foundation for developing balance on a skateboard.

Remember, each skater’s journey is unique. Celebrate small achievements, learn from challenges, and enjoy the process of mastering this fundamental aspect of skateboarding. 

Remember: With consistent dedication and a commitment to your balance, you’ll find your true confidence and style in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions: