Learning to skateboard is one of the many great ideas if you want to try something new. But when you think about the difficulty levels of learning to ride a skateboard and the risk of injury, you may refrain from trying at all. After all, riding a skateboard is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking.
Interestingly, the introduction of electric skateboards changed the game. It allows a rider to focus more on balancing without worrying about propelling the whole thing forward. With normal skateboards, you need to apply force by touching the ground to move forward. However, with an electric skateboard, you have a remote control system that allows you to control the movement and speed.
In this post, we will look at some tips to help you learn how to ride an electric skateboard.
Get Familiar With Your Board
An electric skateboard has several features you need to know. Therefore, we urge you to start by getting familiar with your new toy.
Knowing each and every feature is essential to making the most of your electric skateboard. If your skateboard comes with a manual, it would be best to go through that carefully. You can also read blogs and watch YouTube videos to learn more about skateboarding.
Master Your Stance and Posture
Before you start cruising on your e-board, it is important to perfect your stance and posture. A stable stance and good posture are essential for a smooth and safe riding experience.
As far as stance is concerned, you can put your left foot forward near the board’s nose, which is known as a natural stance. On the other hand, you have a goofy stance if you put your right foot forward. There is no right or wrong when it comes to stance. Just pick one that feels right and comfortable for you.
Now, moving on to posture, don’t make the mistake of standing up too straight and stiff. Your body needs some flexibility to maneuver the board around easily. Ideally, you should stand in a relaxed position with a slight bend in your knees. Continue practicing to find your perfect posture.
Weight Transfer
As a beginner, the most important thing you must focus on is the weight transfer, especially when you accelerate or brake. You must learn how to position yourself and maintain the required center of gravity.
As you start, slowly pull the trigger, try to lean forward a bit, and hold your finger in that position. That way, you gain speed in a linear fashion. Note that it is best to go slow while learning.
Leaning forward and putting the center of mass just a bit ahead of you helps you counteract that force. And when you brake, it's exactly the same thing but the opposite way. You can lean backward and counteract that inertia. This is the ultimate and basic principle of skateboarding.
Another important skateboard balancing tip is getting used to board cornering. The key here is to find a smooth way to carry your momentum through a bend. It is also important that you maintain the right speed constantly while doing it. It is much easier with an electric skateboard’s remote system as you don’t lose speed in between.
Learn Kick Pushing
Undoubtedly, the best part about an electric skateboard is that there is no need to kick push. That said, kick pushing is a useful skill that will come in handy in certain situations. For example, if you forgot to check your battery and your skateboard runs out of charge, then you can easily kick-push your skateboard instead of walking back home.
Practice Turning
If you have skateboarded and have a sense of balance, riding an electric board on a straight path won’t feel too complicated. That being said, turning is something you need to practice.
Once you have a stable stance, push on the throttle. Next, gradually shift your body weight on your heels or toes to make turns. If you have your left foot on the front and you put weight on your toes, you will turn to the right and vice versa. Also, looking in the direction you want to go makes turning easier.
Braking
Like riding or turning, braking is another important skill you must practice. You’ll be happy to hear that stopping an electric skateboard is a lot simpler than braking a regular skateboard.
Whether you are driving a car or riding a bike, your body automatically propels forward when a vehicle comes to a halt. Similarly, you must be prepared for this phenomenon when stopping an electric skateboard. You should lean back slightly, make sure your footing is stable, and slow down the speed before braking.
Get the Appropriate Safety Gear
It is obvious that no one is ever going to become a pro skater the first time they try it. This means you’re probably going to fall a lot, which calls for investing in appropriate safety gear. You can visit your nearby sports store or browse online for skateboard helmets and knee and elbow pads to avoid injury. Of course, it is important to put safety first while learning and regular riding.
While getting your safety gear, make sure you’re getting the right ones that suit you. For instance, a helmet won’t do much good if it doesn’t fit your head properly. If it’s too loose, it might flip in the event of an accident, exposing you to injuries. If it’s too tight, you might not feel very comfortable, which certainly won’t help you when learning skateboarding.
Choose the Right Learning Ground
It is always best to choose a flat surface to start practicing skateboarding. Also, be sure to check if it’s a less crowded area. You certainly do not want to hurt other people in the process.
Empty roads or car parks are great options to consider for finding your way with your new electric skateboard. Before starting, scout the space for obstacles such as cracks or potholes. You don’t want surprises that can potentially put you in the hospital.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fall
Falling is unavoidable when you’re learning skateboarding. So, instead of dreading it, learn how to fall correctly so that you can avoid major injuries. First of all, it’s crucial to wear the right gear, as previously mentioned.
If you are falling forward, stick your arms out and try to roll on your back and shoulders. Always make sure your head doesn’t hit the ground or any other surface.
Keep It Charged
Your skateboard needs to be optimally charged to ensure high performance. If the battery is low, your skateboard may go into power-saving mode and slow down your ride. Therefore, always make sure your skateboard is charged before heading out for a ride.
To Conclude
That's it! Getting past your fears and trying a hand at something as interesting as skateboarding can become a great experience, especially if you’re a natural. However, we recommend that you take experiences along. Not only will it help you learn faster, but it’s a lot more fun.
