Q&A for How to Balance Yourself on a Skateboard

You can practice balancing on grass or carpet so your board doesn't roll everywhere. You can also tighten the wheels down so they roll slower. Then you can practice getting on and off without worrying about slipping out on the wheels. If you're ready for wheels, try bracing yourself against something that's a bit more than waist-high to get you used to balancing.

Yes, but it becomes much more challenging. Pads are recommended until you've gotten the hang of it.

Don't ever stop trying. I've seen people take months just to be able to ride a board. The more you skate, the more it'll become natural to you.

It's most likely caused by having hard wheels, so it makes a loud sound over uneven terrain.

As you are riding a skateboard, put pressure on the heel or toe of your foot. You should tilt in the direction you put pressure on your foot. To be able to do this, you loosen the trucks (the metal piece that holds the tires together). The big bolt in the middle, (known as the kingpin), will loosen or tighten the truck. Loosen it and try it! The other way may be harder; you lift the top of the board slightly with the tail (the curved part on the back) by putting pressure on it, then direct the top with your front foot.

If you stick with it, yes.

The same way as you would on a regular skateboard. It's just a bit harder to balance because penny boards are smaller.

If you loosen your trucks, it will probably make it worse. Try to fix your pivot cup (the small black cup at the bottom of the hanger piece), because this is what makes the trucks turn a specific direction. If it still moves to the left, ask someone at a skate shop for help.

It really depends on their soles - if your high top has a wavy or curvy sole, then it isn't good for the task. A high top that has a rubbery (for the grip) and flat sole will do well.

A penny board is the same thing, only it's a bit harder to balance.

Keep at it! Skateboarding is all about patience and never giving up. Keep practicing and your balance can only get better.

Try to get smaller trucks. If your wheels stick out pretty far, your trucks are too wide. Try getting trucks that are close to or the same width of your board. If you can't afford new trucks, then try sticking your leg out farther than normal when you are pushing off.

8-8.5” boards with softer wheels are good for generally just cruising around; softer wheels make for a smoother ride.

Usually beginners push mongo as it might feel slightly more natural. However, as you progress, certain tricks become slightly more tricky when pushing mongo.

Are the bottoms flat, if yes, then you can. If the bottoms are curved, don't wear them.

Softer wheels can help, or you can just go a little slower. When you have hard wheels, you tend to bounce more.

Absolutely not. Tell him that safety is important and you're not going to risk him getting hurt on your board. Tell him this is non-negotiable.

Try shifting your body weight forward to keep up with the moving board. This will keep your center of gravity on the board instead of centered on the ground.

It is really up to you and how fast you want to go. If you have you balance and your stance correct, simply push yourself as much as you want to keep yourself moving.

A penny board is far easier. Start with the penny board and work up to the skateboard when you've gotten the hang of riding.

Refer to Method 1, Step 2.

That depends on what the court is made of. So long as the surface isn't slippery, that should be fine. Remember that the court is meant for basketball, so be courteous of others who want to use the court. I learned to skate on bitumen, so any empty street or car park also works; just be aware of your surroundings.

Using a 9/16" socket to loosen the bolts on the truck. Either buy a 9/16" socket or buy a skate tool, so you get all the tools you need in one tool.

You might want to tell them where you will ride the skateboard, so it can better suit the terrain. Also ask about the design that will be on the back of your board. Also ask about cost and time until delivery.

Honestly, it just takes a lot of practice. Grab a friend to hold you steady, then get the friend to drag/push you until you feel confident enough to push yourself. Then it's all about repetitive practice.

The first day is all about balance and getting used to the board. Start the first day off by learning how to skate in a straight line, then learn how to steer to avoid grass or certain things by putting weight on either side. You'll eventually get the hang of it and be able to see improvement within an hour or so. Also, everybody has different outcomes whilst learning. For some, it takes a short amount of time to learn, others it might take longer. Mos of all, be patient!

That's called pushing mongo. It's a lot harder to do that when you are a beginner. Try pushing with your back foot instead of your front foot.

Start in your garage or somewhere flat and smooth and make small pushes from the ground to your board. Then try to skate down your street or to the store so you get more comfortable with it.

Firstly, buy some protective equipment. Secondly, lay it on carpet and practice standing on it whilst holding on to something sturdy or get someone to help you balance. Practice often.