How To Turn On A Skateboard: A Beginner's Guide

by Kenji Nakamura 48 views

Turning on a skateboard is a fundamental skill that every skater needs to master. It's not just about changing direction; it's about control, fluidity, and expressing your style on the board. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider looking to refine your technique, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and steps necessary to confidently turn on a skateboard. So, let's dive in and learn how to carve, kickturn, and navigate the streets like a pro!

Understanding the Basics of Skateboard Turning

Before we jump into specific techniques, let's first understand the core principles behind turning on a skateboard. At its heart, turning is about shifting your weight and using your body to influence the board's direction. The main concepts to grasp are weight distribution, leaning, and using your body as a counterweight. Think of your body as the rudder of a ship, guiding the skateboard where you want it to go. Mastering these basics will not only make turning easier but also enhance your overall balance and control on the board.

Weight Distribution: The Key to Control

Weight distribution is paramount for controlled turns. When you're riding, your weight should be centered over the board for stability. To initiate a turn, you'll need to shift your weight in the direction you want to go. This subtle shift engages the edges of the board and allows you to carve a smooth arc. Experiment with shifting your weight slightly forward or backward to feel how it affects the board's response. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference in your turning radius.

Leaning: Guiding the Board

Leaning is another crucial element in turning. As you shift your weight, you'll naturally lean your body in the direction of the turn. This leaning motion helps to engage the trucks (the axles that hold the wheels) and allows the board to turn more sharply. The more you lean, the tighter the turn will be. However, it's essential to lean with control and avoid overleaning, which can cause you to lose balance. Practice finding the right balance between leaning and maintaining your center of gravity.

Using Your Body as a Counterweight

Your body acts as a counterweight, helping you maintain balance during turns. As you lean into a turn, your body naturally compensates to prevent you from falling off the board. This counterbalancing action is crucial for smooth and controlled turns. Try to feel the natural sway of your body and use it to your advantage. Imagine you're a pendulum, swinging gracefully as you carve through turns.

Essential Turning Techniques for Skateboarders

Now that we've covered the fundamental principles, let's explore some practical turning techniques that every skateboarder should know. We'll start with the basics, like carving and kickturns, and then move on to more advanced maneuvers. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. With consistent effort, you'll be turning like a pro in no time!

Carving: Smooth and Fluid Turns

Carving is the bread and butter of skateboarding turns. It's a smooth, flowing technique that allows you to gracefully change direction while maintaining speed. To carve, you'll use your weight distribution and leaning to engage the edges of the board. Think of it like skiing or snowboarding – you're essentially gliding through the turn. The key to a good carve is to maintain a consistent lean and distribute your weight evenly over the board. This will give you maximum control and stability.

  1. Start with a comfortable stance: Begin by positioning your feet shoulder-width apart on the board, with your weight centered. Make sure you feel balanced and stable before attempting the turn.
  2. Initiate the turn with a weight shift: Gently shift your weight in the direction you want to turn. If you want to turn left, shift your weight slightly to the left, and vice versa. Remember, small adjustments are key.
  3. Lean into the turn: As you shift your weight, lean your body in the direction of the turn. The more you lean, the tighter the turn will be. Keep your core engaged and your eyes focused on where you want to go.
  4. Maintain a smooth arc: Strive to create a smooth, flowing arc as you turn. Avoid jerky movements and try to maintain a consistent speed. Focus on feeling the board engage with the ground and gliding through the turn.
  5. Counterbalance your body: As you lean, your body will naturally counterbalance to keep you from falling. Feel this natural sway and use it to your advantage. Keep your arms relaxed and use them for balance if needed.

Kickturns: Quick Direction Changes

Kickturns are essential for making quick changes in direction, especially in tight spaces. This technique involves lifting the front wheels of the skateboard off the ground and pivoting on the back wheels. Kickturns require a bit more practice and coordination, but they're invaluable for navigating obstacles and maintaining momentum. The crucial aspect of a kickturn is balance and timing.

  1. Find a smooth, flat surface: Start by practicing on a smooth, flat surface with no obstacles. This will give you the best chance of success.
  2. Position your feet: Place your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot just behind the front bolts. This will give you the leverage you need to lift the front wheels.
  3. Crouch down and prepare to pop: Bend your knees and crouch down slightly, preparing to pop the tail of the board. Keep your weight centered over the board and your eyes focused on where you want to go.
  4. Pop the tail and lift the front wheels: Quickly stomp down on the tail of the board, popping it off the ground. At the same time, lift your front foot and shift your weight towards the back of the board. This will lift the front wheels off the ground.
  5. Pivot on the back wheels: As the front wheels are lifted, use your shoulders and body to pivot on the back wheels. Turn your body in the direction you want to go, and the board will follow.
  6. Bring the front wheels back down: Once you've turned the desired amount, gently bring the front wheels back down to the ground. Try to land smoothly and maintain your balance.
  7. Practice in both directions: It's crucial to practice kickturns in both directions (frontside and backside) to become a well-rounded skater. Don't neglect your weaker side – consistent practice will help you improve.

Advanced Turning Techniques

Once you've mastered carving and kickturns, you can start exploring more advanced turning techniques. These maneuvers require a higher level of skill and control, but they'll add a whole new dimension to your skating. We'll cover powerslides and reverts, which are dynamic and stylish ways to change direction while adding a bit of flair to your riding.

Powerslides: Controlled Slides for Style and Speed Control

Powerslides are a stylish way to slow down or change direction by intentionally breaking traction with the wheels. This technique involves initiating a slide while maintaining control, creating a visually impressive maneuver that's both functional and fun. Powerslides are not just about style; they're also useful for controlling your speed on downhills or making sharp turns. The essence of a powerslide lies in the skillful management of momentum and friction.

  1. Build up some speed: Powerslides require a bit of speed to initiate the slide, but don't go too fast, especially when you're learning. Find a comfortable speed where you feel in control.
  2. Position your feet: Place your back foot firmly on the tail of the board and your front foot just behind the front bolts. This stance gives you the leverage you need to initiate the slide.
  3. Crouch down and prepare to slide: Bend your knees and crouch down slightly, preparing to break traction with the wheels. Keep your weight centered over the board and your eyes focused on where you want to go.
  4. Initiate the slide: Lean back slightly and stomp down on the tail of the board while simultaneously turning your shoulders and upper body in the direction you want to slide. This action will break traction with the wheels and initiate the slide.
  5. Control the slide: As the board slides, use your body weight and foot pressure to control the slide. Try to maintain a smooth, controlled slide and avoid locking up the wheels, which can cause you to lose balance.
  6. Steer with your front foot: Use your front foot to steer the board during the slide. By applying pressure to the toe or heel edge of the board, you can control the direction and duration of the slide.
  7. Straighten out and ride away: As the slide comes to an end, gradually straighten out your body and bring the board back in line. Try to land smoothly and maintain your balance as you ride away.

Reverts: Instant 180-Degree Turns

A revert, also known as a 180 slide, is a quick and stylish way to turn around 180 degrees. This technique involves sliding the board around in a half-circle while keeping your feet on the board. Reverts are great for quickly changing direction, avoiding obstacles, or adding some flair to your skating. Reverts require a blend of balance, timing, and controlled sliding.

  1. Build up some speed: Like powerslides, reverts require some speed to initiate the slide. Find a comfortable speed where you feel in control.
  2. Position your feet: Place your feet comfortably on the board, with your weight centered. A slightly wider stance can provide more stability during the revert.
  3. Crouch down and prepare to slide: Bend your knees and crouch down slightly, preparing to slide the board around. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go.
  4. Initiate the slide: Turn your shoulders and upper body in the direction you want to revert, and simultaneously stomp down on the tail or nose of the board (depending on whether you're doing a backside or frontside revert). This action will break traction with the wheels and initiate the slide.
  5. Slide the board around: As the board slides, keep your weight centered and use your body to guide the board around in a half-circle. Try to maintain a smooth, controlled slide and avoid locking up the wheels.
  6. Land the revert: As the board completes the 180-degree rotation, straighten out your body and land with your feet in the opposite position. Try to land smoothly and maintain your balance as you ride away.

Tips for Improving Your Turning Skills

Mastering skateboard turns takes time and practice, but with the right approach, you can accelerate your progress. Here are some essential tips to help you improve your turning skills and become a more confident skater:

  • Practice regularly: Consistency is key to improving your skills. Set aside time to practice your turns regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.
  • Start slow and gradually increase speed: Don't try to go too fast too soon. Start by practicing turns at a slow speed and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
  • Focus on your body positioning: Pay attention to your weight distribution, leaning, and counterbalancing. These elements are crucial for smooth and controlled turns.
  • Use your arms for balance: Your arms can help you maintain balance during turns. Keep them relaxed and use them to counterbalance your body as needed.
  • Watch and learn from other skaters: Observe how other skaters turn and try to emulate their techniques. Watching videos and tutorials can also be helpful.
  • Don't be afraid to fall: Falling is a part of learning to skateboard. Don't let it discourage you. Get back on the board and keep practicing.
  • Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as knee pads and elbow pads, to prevent injuries.

Conclusion

Turning on a skateboard is a fundamental skill that opens up a world of possibilities. By mastering the basics of weight distribution, leaning, and using your body as a counterweight, you can carve smooth turns, execute quick kickturns, and even try advanced maneuvers like powerslides and reverts. Remember to practice regularly, focus on your body positioning, and don't be afraid to fall. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be turning like a pro in no time. So, grab your board, head to your favorite spot, and start carving your own path!