Mastering Electric Skateboarding: Tips For Aspiring Riders

how to become a better electric skateboarder

Electric skateboarding is an exciting hobby that can be picked up by people from all walks of life. While some people may find it easier to learn than others, it is a skill that can be learned by anyone. The first step to becoming a better electric skateboarder is to get comfortable with your board and let it become an extension of your body. It is also important to understand how to balance on a normal skateboard before moving on to an electric one, as this will improve your electric skateboarding ability. In addition, it is crucial to always prioritize safety by wearing protective gear such as a helmet, knee, and elbow pads. As with any new activity, it is important to take your time and build your pace gradually. By spending more time on your board, you will become better at controlling it and performing tricks.

Characteristics Values
Safety gear Helmet, knee and elbow pads, and reflective clothing
Riding speed Start off in mode 1 (or Low) and gradually increase
Riding stance Determines which foot is front and which is back
Braking Lean back and apply pressure to the front foot
Tricks Ollie, 180's, Shuv-Its, Pop Shuv-Its, Switch Ollie, Kickflip
Practice Ride the skateboard everywhere, try tricks while cruising
Skate with others Go to skate parks, make friends, and learn from others
Fear Don't be scared, commit to the trick
Balance Learn on a regular skateboard or longboard first

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Wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads

Electric skateboarding is an exhilarating activity, but it's important to remember that it can also be dangerous. One of the best ways to become a better electric skateboarder is to wear protective gear, which can help prevent injuries and build confidence.

The most important piece of protective gear is a helmet. Head injuries can be life-threatening, and a good helmet will protect your head from serious injury. Make sure to get a quality helmet that meets or exceeds safety standards, such as those set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. It should fit securely and comfortably on your head, with the bottom edge parallel to the ground. Many helmets also have adjustable pads inside to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, look for features like sweat-wicking technology to keep you comfortable during intense rides.

Knee and elbow pads are also essential for protecting yourself from injury. Falling off a skateboard often results in landing on your hands and knees, and having knee and elbow pads can help cushion the impact and prevent bruises, scrapes, and more serious injuries. These pads are especially useful when learning new tricks or riding at high speeds, as they give you the confidence to try new things without fear of hurting yourself.

Wrist guards are another important piece of protective gear. They protect your wrists, which are commonly injured when losing balance and falling off a skateboard. Slide gloves, which are built to withstand concrete, are also valuable safety gear, especially if you want to start riding aggressively on your longboard. They allow you to catch your balance and slide smoothly on the ground.

By wearing protective gear, you can focus on improving your skills without worrying as much about the potential dangers. It's a good idea to wear this gear every time you ride, regardless of your experience level or location. Remember, safety should always come first when enjoying the thrill of electric skateboarding.

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Learn the basics on a regular skateboard first

Electric skateboards can reach much higher speeds than regular skateboards, so it's important to learn the basics on a regular skateboard first. This will help you learn all the ins and outs of stability and balance, which are essential skills for skateboarding.

To start, get comfortable with your board. Let it become a part of you so that it feels like an extension of your body. You can practice by riding your skateboard everywhere—to the store, to school, to work, and everywhere else. The more time you spend on your board, the better you'll become at controlling it. You can also try riding with friends, as this will help you stay motivated and learn new tricks.

In addition to practicing, it's important to prioritize safety. Wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Make sure to also ride in well-lit areas and avoid obstacles such as potholes or cracks in the pavement. Be extra careful when riding at high speeds, as it will be harder to react to unexpected obstacles.

Learning the basics on a regular skateboard will help you build a strong foundation for electric skateboarding. You'll develop balance and coordination, which will make it easier to control your electric skateboard and perform tricks. Remember to always take your time and gradually build up your pace to avoid accidents.

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Get comfortable with your board

Getting comfortable with your electric skateboard is a crucial first step to becoming a better electric skateboarder. This will help you to feel confident and in control when riding.

Start Slow and Practice

The first step to getting comfortable with your board is to spend time on it. The more time you spend riding, the more comfortable you will become. When you're first starting, it's important to resist the temptation to go fast. Take your time and gradually build up your pace. Start with a low speed setting on your electric skateboard and move up the modes as you become confident in each one.

Get the Basics Down

Before attempting tricks, it's important to master the basics. This includes learning how to balance, carve, and stop. Learning to foot brake is fundamental to skating and will help you feel more in control. Practice lifting your back foot off the board and slowly adding more pressure until you can slow yourself down.

Safety First

Wearing protective gear is crucial when practicing and will help you feel more confident and comfortable on your board. This includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and good skate shoes. It's also important to be visible when riding, especially at night, so consider wearing reflective clothing or attaching reflective tape to your board.

Know Your Stance

Understanding your skateboard stance will help you feel more comfortable and in control. Figure out which foot will be your front foot and which will be your back foot. If you've snowboarded, surfed, or wake boarded, your skateboard stance will likely be the same. If you're unsure, stand up straight and have someone lightly push you from behind. The foot you use to catch yourself will likely be your front foot.

Learn on a Regular Board

While electric skateboards are a lot of fun, it's worth considering learning the basics on a regular skateboard or longboard first. This will help you master stability and balance, which are crucial to feeling comfortable on a board. You can then transfer these skills to an electric board.

Remember, the key to getting comfortable with your electric skateboard is to take your time, practice the basics, stay safe, and gradually build up your skills and confidence.

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Practice tricks at faster speeds

Once you've mastered the basics of electric skateboarding, you might want to start practising tricks at faster speeds. However, it's important to remember that safety should always be your number one priority. Make sure you have the right safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and even wrist guards.

When you're ready to start practising tricks at faster speeds, find a smooth, flat surface with plenty of space, such as an empty car park or a large, open field. Start by getting comfortable with your board and the feeling of riding at higher speeds. Lean on your front foot to initiate turns and use the special speed stance—lift the heel of your back foot and place the ball of your foot in the centre of the deck—to increase stability and reduce speed wobbles.

Once you feel stable and in control at higher speeds, you can start attempting tricks. Try out some basic tricks, such as the Ollie, 180s, Shuv-Its, or Pop Shuv-Its. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the complexity of the tricks you're performing. Remember to always scan the area in front of you for obstacles and be aware of your surroundings.

It's important to note that practising tricks at faster speeds can be dangerous. Make sure you have a spotter—someone who can help you avoid obstacles and ensure your safety. Start with small tricks and gradually increase their complexity as you get more comfortable. Always listen to your board, and don't push it beyond its limits. If something doesn't feel right, stop and check for any damage.

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Skate with others and learn from them

Skateboarding is a fun and adrenaline-filled activity that can be picked up by people from all walks of life. While it is important to get comfortable with your board and practice, one of the best ways to improve your electric skateboarding skills is to skate with others and learn from them. Here are some ways to do that:

Find a Skateboarding Community

Look for local groups or communities of skateboarders in your area. This could be a neighborhood group of kids learning to skateboard, a local skate park with regular skaters, or even an online community that meets up for skating sessions. Becoming a part of a community will not only provide you with a network of like-minded individuals but also give you access to different spots and terrains to practice on.

Skate with People Better than You

Playing skate with people who are more skilled than you can be a great learning opportunity. It gives you a chance to observe and learn new tricks, and also pushes you to try something different from your usual routine. You can learn from their techniques, gain a different perspective, and even get tips and advice on improving your skills.

Learn from Each Other

When skating with others, take the opportunity to teach and learn from each other. In a group setting, you'll find that everyone has something unique to contribute. Someone might be great at Ollies, while another person has mastered the Kickflip. By sharing knowledge and supporting each other's progress, you can accelerate your learning and gain a deeper understanding of the sport.

Stay Motivated

Skating with others can be a great source of motivation. It can be boring and demotivating to skate alone, but when you're with others, you'll likely feel more excited to try new tricks and push yourself. Watching others land tricks can inspire you to challenge yourself and take on new skills.

Safety in Numbers

Electric skateboarding can be dangerous, especially when attempting new tricks or reaching high speeds. Skating with others provides a level of safety as they can look out for you and offer assistance if needed. Always remember to wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, and ensure you are visible to others, especially when skating at night.

By skating with others and learning from them, you'll not only improve your skateboarding skills but also become a part of a supportive community that shares your passion for the sport.

Frequently asked questions

The first step is to get comfortable with your board. It is recommended to learn the basics of skateboarding on a regular board or a longboard before moving on to an electric one. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start riding your electric skateboard at low speeds and gradually increase the speed as you become more confident.

Safety should always be a priority when riding an electric skateboard. It is important to wear protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and reflective clothing or reflective tape, especially when riding at night. Additionally, check your local laws regarding the use of electric skateboards or PEVs.

Spending more time on your board will help you improve your balance and control. Riding your skateboard often and exploring different terrains will enhance your skills. You can also practice different tricks and techniques, such as foot braking, to improve your overall skateboarding abilities.

One common mistake is trying to go too fast too soon. It's important to build your pace gradually and ride at a speed that you are confident you can control and brake at. Additionally, always be aware of your surroundings and look out for obstacles that may appear when riding at higher speeds.

Skate with friends or join a local skate park community to stay motivated and inspired. Learning from others and pushing yourself to try new tricks can help improve your skills and keep the activity enjoyable. Remember to always have fun and enjoy the process of learning and improving.

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