Why is skateboarding so hard? (Learning Tips)

Many people have a sense that skateboarding is difficult, but if you ask them why – they will often struggle to explain.

To some, it appears an intimidating activity, packed with potential for falls and injuries, like in any sport.

But the truth is there is much more to skating than just physical coordination – it requires focus, mental strength, and courage too. So what makes skateboarding so hard?

With this guide, we are taking a deep dive into all the aspects of skating that make it one of the toughest sports around.

From understanding your gear to learning how to land tricks safely – we’ll cover everything you need to know about why skateboarding can be so challenging (but also extremely rewarding!).

Key Takeaways:

• Skateboarding is hard because it’s a physical and mental challenge
• It takes a lot of practice to be able to balance on the board and control your movement
• Skateboarding can be frustrating because you often fall down, but that’s how you learn and get better
• There’s a sense of satisfaction when you finally nail a trick or skateboard down a difficult path
• Skateboarding is great exercise and it’s fun too.

Why is skateboarding so hard?

Skateboarding is hard because it requires a mastery of the following:

Balance –

One of the most important skills to master when it comes to skateboarding is balance.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just cruising around or performing tricks; you need to have a balanced stance on your board at all times.

This requires practice and patience as even experienced riders struggle to maintain their balance while skating. 

Coordination –

Another essential skill for successful skateboarding is coordination.

You must be able to coordinate your body movements with your board in order to move forward, turn corners, and perform tricks safely and effectively.

This takes time and practice as well as focus on form and technique to get right. 

Strength –

You need strength in order to do many of the tricks associated with skateboarding such as kickflips or ollies (jumping off the ground).

These maneuvers require extensive leg muscles as well as upper body strength for momentum control during jumps and turns.

Even basic activities like pushing off require some level of strength since you are relying on your own body weight rather than an external power source such as a motor or engine.  

Technique –

On top of the physical aspects mentioned above, there are also technical elements that come into play when it comes to mastering skateboarding skills.

For example, being able to properly set up a trick before execution requires knowledge about the proper technique to ensure success without injury or mishap during landings or spins involved in various trick slides, etc.

Lastly, having an understanding of physics helps with understanding how different forces interact during trick performance which can then be applied during practice sessions for better results over time due to increased muscle memory recall upon repetition.

Mental Toughness –

Finally, one last factor that makes skateboarding so difficult is mental toughness.

As with many sports, there will be plenty of times when you feel like giving up because it feels too hard or progress seems too slow.

To combat this, it is important not only to stay motivated but also to understand that setbacks are part of the process.

Being mentally tough means accepting failure gracefully yet still pushing yourself toward personal growth.

Having a positive attitude towards failure helps build resilience which can help one persist through challenging times.

How can I learn to skateboard?

As I told you earlier, skateboarding is hard, but it’s also very rewarding.

And although it can seem daunting at first, the best way to learn how to skateboard is simply by practicing and taking it slow.

★ Start by getting comfortable with your gear

Before you start learning how to skateboard, make sure you have all the right gear. This includes a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads (you don’t want bruises or scrapes!), as well as some good shoes and a quality skateboard. You can usually find affordable starter packs that come with everything you need for beginner skateboarding. 

★ Find a Place to Practice –

Once you have your gear ready, it’s time to find somewhere suitable to practice. Look for flat ground with smooth surfaces like parking lots or empty streets away from traffic. Try to avoid rough patches of asphalt or concrete since they could cause damage to your board or even cause injuries if you fall off.

★ Learn Basic Techniques –

Before jumping in headfirst and trying tricks right away, try mastering basic techniques like pushing off and riding down slopes first. Learning these basics will build confidence and give you more control when skating down hills or ramps later on in your learning process. It might seem boring at first, but mastering fundamentals is essential if you want to become a good skater!  

★ Get Familiar With Your Board –

It’s important to know what parts of your board are responsible for what actions so that you know where to place your feet when riding down slopes or doing tricks later on. Take some time getting used to everything about the board – its size, shape, grip tape design etc – so that when it comes time for action, there won’t be any surprises!  

★ Start Slow –

Don’t try too many tricks at once; take it slow and start with small jumps and turns before progressing onto more advanced maneuvers like ollies and kickflips. Starting slowly will help build up confidence while giving yourself enough time to practice different techniques until they become second nature.

★ Invest in Professional Lessons –

If possible consider investing in professional lessons offered by experienced skaters who can provide personalized advice tailored towards improving your skillset faster than if practicing alone at home. Skatepark lessons are especially helpful because they provide a safe environment with plenty of room for making mistakes without getting hurt.

★ Never Give Up –

Lastly, remember that learning how to skateboard requires patience; Rome wasn’t built in a day after all! So take things one step at a time, stay motivated & never give up even if progress seems slow – eventually, all those hours spent practicing will pay off & soon enough you’ll be shredding like an expert skater!.

Final Guide

Skateboarding is definitely a challenge but it’s also an incredibly rewarding and satisfying activity. With proper knowledge, practice, and dedication you can learn how to skateboard correctly and become the best skater you can be.

It’s important to understand that learning any skill takes time, patience, and effort – so don’t give up if it seems hard at first.

Start off by getting familiar with your gear and equipment, look for a good place to practice, learn basic techniques, invest in professional lessons if possible and above all – don’t give up.

With the right attitude and dedication you’ll be shredding like an experienced skater in no time.

FAQs

What gear do I need to start skateboarding?

A: To start skateboarding you will need a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads (you don’t want bruises or scrapes!), as well as some good shoes and a quality skateboard. Most starter packs include all the necessary items for beginner skateboarding.

Where should I practice?

Look for flat ground with smooth surfaces like parking lots or empty streets away from traffic. Try to avoid rough patches of asphalt or concrete since they could cause damage to your board or even cause injuries if you fall off.

How can I learn faster?

Investing in professional lessons offered by experienced skaters is a great way to learn faster and improve your skillset. Skatepark lessons are especially helpful because they provide a safe environment with plenty of room for making mistakes without getting hurt.

How much time do I need to dedicate?

Learning how to skateboard requires dedication, patience and practice. Try practicing for at least 30 minutes a day 3-4 times a week, and you’ll start seeing improvements in no time.

What if I make mistakes or fall?

Falling off your board is completely normal – it’s part of the learning process. Don’t be discouraged, just get up and try again! The more you practice, the better your skills will become.

Can skateboarding be dangerous?

Yes, skateboarding can be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken. Make sure to always wear a helmet and other protective gear, and practice in safe areas away from traffic.