How to Turn on a Skateboard: 12 Steps to Mastering the Art [2024]

Have you ever watched a skilled skateboarder effortlessly glide through a turn and wondered how they do it? Turning on a skateboard may seem daunting at first, but with the right technique and practice, you can master this essential skill. In this article, we, the expert team of skateboarders at Skateboard Brands™, will guide you through the process of turning on a skateboard, providing you with valuable tips, detailed instructions, and insider insights. So grab your board, put on your helmet, and let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Background: The Art of Turning on a Skateboard
• Step 1: Proper Foot Placement
• Step 2: Initiating the Turn
• Step 3: Shifting Your Weight
• Step 4: Finding the Right Balance
• Step 5: Adjusting Your Trucks
• Step 6: Mastering the Kick-Turn
• Step 7: Carving and Pumping
• Step 8: Navigating Corners
• Step 9: Advanced Turning Techniques
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

Turning on a skateboard involves a combination of proper foot placement, weight shifting, and technique. By following these steps, you’ll be able to turn with confidence and control:

1. Position your feet correctly on the board.
2. Initiate the turn by leaning in the desired direction.
3. Shift your weight to guide the board through the turn.
4. Find the right balance to maintain control.
5. Adjust your trucks for easier turning.
6. Master the kick-turn for sharper turns.
7. Explore carving and pumping techniques.
8. Learn how to navigate corners.
9. Practice advanced turning techniques to take your skills to the next level.

Remember, turning on a skateboard requires practice and patience. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to master. Now, let’s dive into the details!

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Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve into the step-by-step process of turning on a skateboard, here are some quick tips and interesting facts to keep in mind:

• Tip: Practice turning on a soft surface, such as grass or carpet, before attempting it on a harder surface like concrete.
• Fact: Skateboarding is a great way to improve your balance, coordination, and overall fitness.
• Tip: Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, to ensure your safety while skateboarding.
• Fact: Skateboarding originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a way for surfers to ride the streets when the waves were flat.
• Tip: Start with small, gradual turns and gradually increase the intensity as you gain confidence and control.
• Fact: Skateboarding will make its debut as an Olympic sport in the 2021 Tokyo Games, showcasing the incredible skills of skateboarders from around the world.

Now that you’re armed with some useful tips and fascinating facts, let’s explore the art of turning on a skateboard in detail.

Background: The Art of Turning on a Skateboard

Skateboarding is not just about cruising in a straight line; it’s about maneuvering and navigating your way through various terrains and obstacles. Turning is an essential skill that allows you to change direction, avoid obstacles, and perform tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skateboarder looking to improve your turning abilities, understanding the fundamentals is crucial.

Turning on a skateboard involves a combination of body movements, weight distribution, and board control. By mastering the techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be able to execute smooth and controlled turns, enhancing your overall skateboarding experience.

Step 1: Proper Foot Placement

Before you can turn on a skateboard, it’s important to have proper foot placement. Your front foot should be positioned perpendicular to the board, with the ball of your foot resting on or just behind the front bolts. Your back foot should be placed diagonally across the tail, providing stability and control.

Proper foot placement allows you to maintain balance and control while executing turns. Experiment with different foot positions to find what feels most comfortable for you. Remember, everyone’s stance and foot placement may vary slightly, so it’s essential to find what works best for your body and riding style.

Step 2: Initiating the Turn

To initiate a turn on a skateboard, you need to lean in the desired direction. Leaning is the primary method of steering your board. Start by shifting your weight slightly towards your toes or heels, depending on the direction you want to turn.

For a basic turn, lean your body in the direction you want to go while keeping your upper body upright. This weight shift will cause the trucks (the metal parts that connect the wheels to the deck) to pivot, allowing the board to turn.

Step 3: Shifting Your Weight

Once you’ve initiated the turn, it’s crucial to shift your weight to guide the board through the turn. As you lean in the desired direction, transfer your weight onto your toes or heels, depending on the turn’s direction.

For example, if you’re turning left, shift your weight onto your toes on your left foot and your heels on your right foot. This weight distribution helps maintain balance and control throughout the turn.

Step 4: Finding the Right Balance

Maintaining balance is key to executing smooth and controlled turns on a skateboard. As you shift your weight and lean into the turn, focus on finding the right balance between your upper body and lower body.

Keep your upper body relaxed and centered over the board, allowing your lower body to do the work. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can throw off your balance and compromise your control.

Step 5: Adjusting Your Trucks

The trucks on your skateboard play a significant role in how it turns. Trucks consist of several components, including the baseplate, hanger, bushings, and kingpin. Adjusting your trucks can make turning easier or more challenging, depending on your preferences.

If you find it difficult to turn, you can loosen your trucks by using a skate tool or a wrench. Looser trucks allow for more responsive turns, making it easier to navigate tight corners and execute quick maneuvers. However, be cautious not to loosen them too much, as it may compromise stability and control.

On the other hand, if you prefer more stability and control, tightening your trucks can provide a more stable ride. Experiment with different truck tightness levels to find what works best for your riding style and preferences.

Step 6: Mastering the Kick-Turn

The kick-turn is a fundamental turning technique that allows you to execute sharper turns and change directions quickly. To perform a kick-turn:

1. Get moving on your skateboard at a comfortable speed.
2. Position your feet with your front foot angled slightly towards the nose and your back foot on the tail.
3. Shift your weight towards your back foot and apply pressure to the tail.
4. As you push down on the tail, lift your front foot slightly off the board.
5. Use your back foot to pivot the board in the desired direction.
6. Once you’ve completed the turn, bring your front foot back onto the board and regain your balance.

Mastering the kick-turn takes practice, so start with small turns and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable.

Step 7: Carving and Pumping

Carving and pumping are advanced turning techniques that allow you to generate speed and maintain momentum while riding. Carving involves making wide, sweeping turns by leaning into the turn and using your body to guide the board. This technique is commonly used in downhill skateboarding and longboarding.

Pumping, on the other hand, involves using your body’s movements to generate speed without pushing off the ground. By shifting your weight and compressing your body, you can transfer energy to the board, propelling yourself forward. Pumping is often used in skatepark riding and transition skating.

Both carving and pumping require a combination of balance, coordination, and timing. These techniques can take time to master, so don’t be discouraged if it feels challenging at first. With practice, you’ll be able to execute smooth and fluid turns while maintaining speed and control.

Step 8: Navigating Corners

Navigating corners on a skateboard requires a combination of turning techniques and proper body positioning. When approaching a corner, follow these steps:

1. Position your feet correctly on the board, ready to initiate the turn.
2. Lean into the turn by shifting your weight towards your toes or heels, depending on the direction of the turn.
3. Use your body and arms to guide the board through the turn, maintaining balance and control.
4. As you exit the corner, gradually shift your weight back to the center of the board to regain stability.

Practice navigating corners of different sizes and angles to improve your turning skills and adaptability.

Step 9: Advanced Turning Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of turning on a skateboard, you can explore more advanced techniques to enhance your skills. Some advanced turning techniques include:

• Power Slides: Power slides involve intentionally sliding the wheels while turning to control speed and execute precise maneuvers.
• 180s and 360s: These tricks involve spinning the board 180 or 360 degrees while turning, adding style and flair to your turns.
• Board Grabs: Board grabs, such as the Indy grab or the Melon grab, can be incorporated into turns to add creativity and style to your riding.

Remember, advanced turning techniques require practice, patience, and a solid foundation in the basics. Always prioritize safety and wear appropriate protective gear when attempting advanced maneuvers.

FAQ

How are you supposed to turn on a skateboard?

To turn on a skateboard, follow these steps:

1. Position your feet correctly on the board.
2. Initiate the turn by leaning in the desired direction.
3. Shift your weight to guide the board through the turn.
4. Find the right balance to maintain control.
5. Adjust your trucks for easier turning.
6. Master the kick-turn for sharper turns.
7. Explore carving and pumping techniques.
8. Learn how to navigate corners.
9. Practice advanced turning techniques to take your skills to the next level.

How do you start a skateboard?

To start a skateboard, place your front foot on the board near the bolts and your back foot on the ground. Push off with your back foot while keeping your front foot on the board. Once you gain momentum, place your back foot on the board and find your balance.

Read more about “How do you control a skateboard? …”

How do you turn around on a skateboard?

To turn around on a skateboard, follow these steps:

1. Position your feet correctly on the board.
2. Initiate a kick-turn by shifting your weight towards your back foot and applying pressure to the tail.
3. Lift your front foot slightly off the board.
4. Use your back foot to pivot the board in the opposite direction.
5. Bring your front foot back onto the board and regain your balance.

Read more about “Best Skateboard for Beginners Adults …”

How do you turn corners on a skateboard?

To turn corners on a skateboard, follow these steps:

1. Position your feet correctly on the board.
2. Lean into the turn by shifting your weight towards your toes or heels, depending on the direction of the turn.
3. Use your body and arms to guide the board through the turn, maintaining balance and control.
4. Gradually shift your weight back to the center of the board as you exit the corner.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now learned the art of turning on a skateboard. By following the steps outlined in this article and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to execute smooth and controlled turns with confidence. Remember to start with the basics, master the kick-turn, and gradually progress to more advanced techniques. Don’t forget to wear protective gear and prioritize safety while skateboarding.

Now, grab your skateboard, hit the streets, and put your newfound turning skills to the test. Happy skateboarding!

CHECK PRICE on: Skateboard Trucks | Skateboard Wheels | Skateboard Bearings

Recommended Links

• How to Control a Skateboard: Mastering Balance and Maneuverability
• Skateboard Brand Guides
• Skateboard Gear
• Skateboard Fashion
• Skateboard Culture

Reference Links

• How to Turn on a Skateboard: 10 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
• Skateboarding Basics: Tips for Beginners – Skateboard Brands™
• The History of Skateboarding: From Sidewalk Surfing to Olympic Sport – Skateboard Brands™