There's no denying that skateboarding as a trend has long died out, practically invading pop culture during the 90s as a fun and mostly harmless way to be a rebel. If you were a skateboarder, you were in the cool kids club, and it was well worth all the nicks and bruises along the way.
Of course, the fact that people are still interested in skateboarding means it's so much more than a passing trend, and you weren't just caught up by the 90s bandwagon. It's a type of sport classified as extreme but can be surprisingly safe, provided you know how to handle yourself. So if you're interested in skateboarding and it's your first time, here's a handy guide to help you get started.
Getting geared up for skateboarding
One of the first steps is ensuring you have the necessary gear to practice skateboarding. Without a doubt, you'll likely fall flat on your face during your first time, which is why it's a good idea to have as much protective gear as possible. A helmet paired with elbow and knee pads might not look very cool, but you'd be surprised how many professional skateboarders gear up to this day. Then, of course, one of the most important parts of gearing up for skateboarding is to choose the best skate shoes. Fortunately, there are so many available that all you have to do is choose a design you like.
The same thing goes for the type of skateboard you want. It's a good idea to head to your local skate shop to get the advice of people with plenty of experience. Buying a skateboard shouldn't be taken lightly, so take your time.
Speaking of taking your time: pace yourself
Now that it's time to practice on your brand-new skateboard, the best thing to do is start small to ensure you limit the chances of injury. Balance is gonna be a bit of an issue, as it's your first time learning how to ride a skateboard. The good news is you have all the time in the world to accomplish your goals, so make sure you pace yourself as much as possible.
I mean, sure, you're probably still going to fall on your behind, but that's all part of the process.
Learning to fall the right way
Falling the right way might sound strange, but falling really is a part of skate culture. You can't really learn how to be a decent skateboarder if you don't know how to fall safely. No matter how talented you might be, you're going to end up falling, so learning to fall safely is a top priority. If you want to limit the number of times you slip and fall, make sure not to skate during the rain.
Last but certainly not least, do your best to have fun. Skateboarding can be fun no matter your age, though the older you are, the more you must consider your safety. So long as you play it safe, everything will be just fine.
Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-brown-wooden-bench-4816756/
