Skateboarding 101

How does Skateboarding work? What are the basic fundamentals of the game? Get ready to learn about Skateboarding 101. You don't need any prior knowledge to start learning.

Skateboarding The Basics

Skateboarding is a sport in which athletes ride on skateboards and perform tricks in order to gain a score from a set of judges. The highest overall score from the judges is declared the winner. Competitive skateboarders are rare and very skilled as they must do unique and jaw-dropping tricks in order to impress the judges.

Skateboarding Equipment and Gear

In skateboarding, there is not a plethora of equipment needed in order to participate in the sport. Athletes generally just need a skateboard but protective gear is also recommended. These include a helmet and pads for one’s knees and elbows. Athletes must also wear shoes or sneakers that they feel comfortable in, in order to perform the best they possibly can.

Skateboarding Penalties and Rules

There are not too many rules in skateboarding, however, athletes must wear a helmet in order to protect themselves. Also, athletes must stay on the ramp otherwise they can face suspension or disqualification from the competition. Judges decide winners and losers and the head judge has the highest authority and makes final decisions.

Skateboarding Positions

Skateboarders must position their dominant foot, either right or left, at the front of their skateboard with their less dominant foot at the back. This positioning is how the board is controlled as the back foot can lift and turn the board when needed while the front foot guides the board forward. Athletes must also position themselves at the top of the ramp to start a competition until the horn is blown and they are allowed to begin.

Important Skateboarding Concepts

There are many concepts to understand surrounding the sport of skateboarding. For example, a regular footed stance is when a player has his dominant foot at the front of the board and less dominant foot at the back. Here is a list of just a few important concepts to know regarding skateboarding:

Regular footed stance
Goofy footed stance
Nollie Stance
Switch Stance
Fakie Stance