Absolute Guide To Freestyle Skateboard: Tricks & Tips

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Remember those old skateboarding videos, the ones where people weren't just grinding rails but were dancing with their boards? That's freestyle skateboarding. It's an art form, a sport, and a whole lot of fun rolled into one. This isn't about the biggest air or the fastest speed; it's about creativity, control, and expressing yourself on four wheels. Whether you're a seasoned skater looking to expand your repertoire or a complete newbie curious about this unique discipline, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with freestyle skateboarding. We'll cover essential tricks, the right equipment, advanced techniques, and even a bit of history. So, grab your board and let's examine in!

Essential Freestyle Skateboard Tricks for Beginners

so you're stoked to explore into freestyle skateboarding? Awesome! Don't expect to be doing handstands on your board overnight. Like anything worthwhile, it starts with the basics. These aren't just random moves; they're the building blocks for everything else you'll learn. Nail these, and you'll have a solid foundation to progress.

First up is the manual. Think of it as a wheelie, but on a skateboard. Get comfortable balancing on your back wheels, shifting your weight to maintain control. Practice makes perfect, so spend some time just riding around, trying to hold it longer each time. It’s the core of many freestyle tricks.

Next, the nose manual. It's the same concept as the manual, but on your front wheels. It requires a different kind of balance, more subtle, more precise. It might feel awkward at first, but stick with it. Once you get these two down, you can start linking them together.

Then, we have the rail stand. This involves popping your board up onto its side and balancing on the edge. It sounds crazy, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Start by just trying to get the board up onto its edge, then work on holding it there. This trick opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Finally, the pogo. Stand on the tail of your board, grab the nose, and hop. It looks simple, but it requires coordination and a good sense of balance. Think of it like a pogo stick, but with a skateboard. It’s a fun trick to learn and a good way to get comfortable with the feel of your board.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get these right away. Freestyle skateboarding takes time and dedication. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there. Watch videos, get inspired, and most importantly, have fun! It's all about expressing yourself and pushing your limits.

Remember, safety first! Wear a helmet and pads, especially when you're starting out. Find a smooth, flat surface to practice on, away from traffic and obstacles. And don't be afraid to fall. It's part of the process. Just get back up and keep trying.

Once you've mastered these basic tricks, you'll be ready to move on to more advanced techniques. But don't rush it. Spend the time to build a solid foundation, and you'll progress much faster in the long run.

Choosing the Right Freestyle Skateboard Equipment

Alright, so you're ready to take the plunge and get yourself set up with the right gear for freestyle skateboarding? That's awesome! But before you rush out and buy the first board you see, let's break down what makes a freestyle skateboard different and what to look for in each component. Trust me, having the right equipment can make a world of difference in your progress and enjoyment.

Deck: Size and Shape Matter

The deck is the heart of your freestyle skateboard, and it's important to choose one that's right for you. Freestyle decks are typically smaller and lighter than street or park decks, which makes them easier to maneuver and flip. Look for a deck that's between 7.0" and 7.75" wide and around 27" to 29" long. The shape is also important. Freestyle decks often have a symmetrical shape, with a square tail and nose, which allows you to perform tricks in either direction.

Wheels: Small and Hard is Key

When it comes to wheels, you want something small and hard for freestyle skateboarding. Smaller wheels (around 50mm to 55mm) accelerate quickly and make it easier to perform tricks like rail stands and pogos. Hard wheels (97A durometer or higher) slide easily and provide a more responsive feel. Softer wheels are better for cruising and absorbing bumps, but they're not ideal for freestyle.

Trucks are also very important. You'll want to look for trucks that are lightweight and responsive. Some freestyle skaters prefer narrower trucks (around 7.5") for easier rail stands, while others prefer slightly wider trucks for more stability. It really comes down to personal preference, so try out a few different sizes and see what feels best for you.

Bearings and Hardware: Don't Skimp!

Last but not least, don't forget about the small stuff! Good quality bearings can make a huge difference in the speed and smoothness of your ride. Look for bearings with an ABEC rating of 5 or higher. And make sure to use high-quality hardware to attach your trucks to your deck. You don't want your board falling apart in the middle of a trick!

Advanced Freestyle Skateboard Techniques and Combos

Alright, you've got the basics down. Now it's time to take your freestyle skateboarding to the next level! This is where things get really interesting, combining those fundamental tricks into fluid, creative sequences. Think of it like learning a dance – each step builds upon the last, creating a mesmerizing performance. Let's examine into some advanced techniques and combos that will blow people's minds.

One of the first advanced techniques to master is the casper. This involves flipping your board onto its nose, catching it with your foot, and balancing on the nose while the board is vertical. It's a tricky move that requires a lot of practice, but once you get it down, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. From there, you can transition into other tricks, like the anti-casper or the one-footed casper.

Another popular advanced trick is the pressure flip. This involves using your heel to apply pressure to the edge of the board, causing it to flip. It's a fast, stylish trick that can be incorporated into a variety of combos. Try combining it with a manual or a rail stand for a really impressive sequence.

Now, let's talk about combos. This is where you link multiple tricks together to create a seamless flow. For example, you could start with a manual, transition into a rail stand, then pop into a casper, and finish with a pressure flip. The possibilities are endless! The key is to practice each trick individually until you can do it consistently, then start experimenting with different combinations.

• Manual to Rail Stand to Casper: A classic combo that showcases balance and control.
• Pogo to Pressure Flip to Rail Stand: A more technical combo that requires precise footwork.
• Anti-Casper to One-Footed Casper to Manual: A challenging combo that demonstrates advanced skills.

Don't be afraid to get creative and invent your own combos! Freestyle skateboarding is all about expressing yourself, so let your imagination run wild. Watch videos of other freestyle skaters for inspiration, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on things. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if you don't get these tricks right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there. Break down each trick into smaller steps, and focus on mastering each step before moving on to the next. And don't forget to have fun! Freestyle skateboarding is all about expressing yourself and pushing your limits, so enjoy the ride!

The History and Evolution of Freestyle Skateboarding

The Early Days: Flatland Pioneers

Freestyle skateboarding didn't just appear overnight. It evolved from the early days of skateboarding when skaters were still figuring out what was possible on these newfangled contraptions. Back then, empty swimming pools weren't the go-to spot, and vert ramps were still a twinkle in some skater's eye. Instead, skaters took to flat, paved surfaces and started experimenting with balance, footwork, and creativity. These pioneers, like the legendary Rodney Mullen, laid the foundation for what freestyle would become.

The Rise of Innovation and Influence

As skateboarding progressed, freestyle continued to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what was possible. New tricks were invented, old tricks were refined, and the style became more technical and complex. Freestyle also had a profound influence on other forms of skateboarding. Many of the tricks that are now commonplace in street and park skating, like the ollie and the kickflip, were originally developed by freestyle skaters. Freestyle's emphasis on creativity and innovation has inspired skaters of all styles to push their limits and think outside the box.

Conclusion: Keep the Freestyle Spirit Alive

Freestyle skateboarding is more than just a set of tricks; it's a mindset. It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a skateboard, expressing your creativity, and having fun. Whether you're mastering the basics or inventing your own signature moves, remember to embrace the spirit of innovation and experimentation that defines freestyle. The skateboarding world is always developing, and freestyle continues to inspire and influence skaters of all styles. So, keep practicing, keep learning, and keep the freestyle spirit alive!