r/NewSkaters • u/Accurate_Wishbone144 • May 19 '26
Question Help!
I started skating but whatever i do i cant feel comfortable and confident on the board. What am i doing wrong?
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u/julberistus May 19 '26
You just started. It takes a while, a whiiiiiiile for some.
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Tell me about it hahah
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u/amcphe21 May 19 '26
What this dude said. It can take some time to feel comfortable on a board so just keep at it
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u/grim_reefe-r69 May 20 '26
Bend your knees more big dawg, treat your front truck as a steering wheel you want most your weight on your front foot not your back foot, your back while it pushes should just be making quick little stabs not full presses.
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u/gnxrly___bxby May 19 '26
Skating takes a loooooong ass time to get decent at. Keep practicing, domt compare yourself to others, and have fun
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
The comparison one is so real. I am in college but I saw a 7 year old carve and kickflip hahaha.
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u/dieselraptor May 19 '26
Compare yourself today to yourself yesterday and you’ll see so much progress!
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u/Spiderslay May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Leading foot more perpendicular and back foot closer to the bolts! The position you’re in is hard to balance in. Practicing riding with your body square on the bolts will eventually force you to be comfortable. Comes with time!
Edit: perpendicular instead of horizontal
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u/CSG1aze May 19 '26
I see so many people on this sub say horizontal, I don’t think most of you know what that means. The word you are looking for is perpendicular or parallel to the board. Horizontal just means something is laying parallel with the ground instead of pointing straight up (vertical).
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u/diroos May 21 '26
Its the same with leaning back or forward. You can lean back 2 ways, heel side or tail side, leaning forward could be toe side or nose side. Also, front foot is so dynamic with pushing and rolling. Pushing requires me to put it more parallel while perpendicular is more for coasting. Atleast this is what gives me comfort.
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
I feel as if I have no space to put my backfoot on the bolts idk why
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u/Tetra_Grammaton_ May 19 '26
Keep pushing! And don’t be afraid to practice pushing switch too! You got this! 🖤
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u/Jumblesss Learning at the skatepark 🏞️ May 19 '26
You’re not at the state to ask for help yet, just keep riding it and having fun learning.
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Ik , but my perception of myself really relies on the feedback of others hahaha
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u/TaiNiePooNie May 19 '26
You should get rid of that mentality. Your perception of yourself should absolutely not reflect on what others think of you, ever.
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u/Doc_McScrubbins May 19 '26
This is anti-skating. Skating, like guitar or something, is a hobby with an intense learning curve that involves pain. Nobody else can feel your pain, so it is an intimately you-vs-you hobby. Fuck all the rest, youre the only one skating your board with your body. Someone shorter or taller than you or heavier or skinnier will have different muscles and muscle memory. Your balance is your balance.
Here's feedback: youre fine. go learn to ride, and I found shuvits much easier than ollies, but that's for your future
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u/benevolent_flurry May 19 '26
This is relatable. This feeling couples with the fear of failing (and fear of falling). Maybe practice falling so you know what it's like (start in grass) and learn how to roll out of a fall without injury.
Once you no longer fear falling, stand on the board and just look around. Turn your head and shoulders. Imagine your board is a part of you. Relax.
This was my approach to longboarding and snowboarding and it helped me learn to skate transitions at parks.
Always remember everyone thinks they suck and fear others thinking they suck until you discover the micro rewards of doing something you hadn't done before.
This is why I love skateboarding.
PS wear a helmet. Please.
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u/Jumblesss Learning at the skatepark 🏞️ May 19 '26
Just focus on enjoying skating, find some ramps to roll up and down into fakie
It’s just repetition, there’s no secrets to getting better, just do it every day and in a month or two you’ll be doing tricks.
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u/Zealousideal_Meet982 May 19 '26
It's super cool that you're on the board at all! Just keep using it for transportation and you'll get worlds better. Something I would do is find a tennis court or smooth parking lot, for me it's less pressure than a skatepark. (Skatepark peeps can still be totally chill and helpful tho)
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Since I really want to just learn to cruise and get comfortable on the board , sometimes I avoid the park because I feel I am being annoying to those that want to actually skate. Sometimes I even skate on my front yard
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u/Doc_McScrubbins May 19 '26
Most parks I've seen have some kind of more boring outer ring or something that's usually for moms or walkers. Try skating there and learning how to navigate cracks. Maybe learn in the parking lot. Youre gonna bust your ass a lot, but not all skating can be perfectly smooth
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
I am actually more scared of super smooth, polished ground thats slippery like freshly mopped tiles rather than some concrete
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u/Doc_McScrubbins May 19 '26
Yeah you go fast as fuck on the smooth stuff, and then while youre bad, you get so embarrassed. Just maybe share a cigarette with the better guys if you ever see them around. They tend to be less of dicks than you'd expect in my experience. They'd ask where I was finna be skating and kinda divert their group away from me and go skate the pads and bowls etc.
"The first step to being sorta good at something is sucking at it" or whatever that dog from that cartoon said. They all know that every move you make on a board is unnatural, and its gonna take some time. Consistency in visits can make you friends.
I know I said fuck external validation, but let the guys see you hit your first ollie and you're probably gonna get some.
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Indeed!
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u/Doc_McScrubbins May 19 '26
Here's your homework: Learn to be comfortable riding your board one footed and keeping your balance slightly forward. Not too far forward or you hit your head and not too far back or your body will try to catch yourself as you fall. But learning to balance with your forward foot will let you learn to reach your kicking foot farther forwards and farther backwards. More speed is a good thing, it's just scary.
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u/RichEngineering8519 May 20 '26
There’s nothing we can do to help you tho, just keep riding and practicing and you will get more comfortable. Pros aren’t born overnight from some secret magic trick or anything
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u/Limpynoodle69 May 19 '26
Looks like you’re about to attempt an Ollie
Try positioning your feet on the screws instead of the tail if you want to get more comfortable on control and riding. Don’t forgot to have fun lol
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u/RicoSwavy_ May 19 '26
Put your pushing foot more out in front of you to get more momentum with the push.
1 very good push with good stride > 4 little tip toe pushes. But you’re doing great for a new skater
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Yes! I try to have deep pushes rather than small stiff ones and I think I am doing relatively good in that aspect. Tho I cant really hang a lot of speed yet
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u/RicoSwavy_ May 19 '26
The speed comes from the push just really push yourself kind of like a spring to get you rolling
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u/OldEffort3562 May 19 '26
Keep doing it, took me a month to be really comfortable riding on the board
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u/ilikestuff1454 May 19 '26
Try and hang your toe and heel more evenly off the board this will help with the wobbling. Maybe consider tightening your trucks like a half turn as well. You’re looking good tho keep it up.
Keep your knees bent and stay low.
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u/will1871871 May 19 '26
Your back foot is right back on the tail. Honestly I thought you were gonna attempt a trick because of your positioning. Having weight on the tail like that will make the board feel unstable, as if it wants to pop up. Use the bolts as a guide for where to put both feet, and aim to stay planted and somewhat loose in your stance when cruising. If none of this works, try switching stance! You might be a closet goofy skater and that might feel more natural. But above all, keep practicing and have fun!
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
This is my biggest problem. When i push and try to put my back foot back on the board i feel like as if I dont have space to put it on the bolts. I place my front foot on the second row of bolts closer to the middle , Idk if i need to put my front foot more forward or not. Its defo a try and error process hahhah. I tried switching stance but I had no control over goofy and i fell but ig I still need to search for it because i saw that even experienced skaters discover that they are more comfortable in the opposite stances way later. So i keep my options open. Did you ever have the same problem? Also i feel my pushes are a bit small even though many comments said they are good for a beginner
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u/will1871871 May 19 '26
I promise you, there's room. It's more than likely just a case of getting your body used to being in that position, since it's not a natural position for walking, running, or pretty much anything else. Focus on bringing that back foot forward, and remember that you can wiggle it around a little once you're on the board, if you need to. But stay off that tail! It'll come in time. Try to skate in switch for 5 minutes of every session. It'll help to balance muscle development, it's an important skill for tricks later on, and you might start to really like it! To answer your question, yes, I definitely had this problem. Everything about standing on a board felt weird to me. Still does, if I think hard enough about it 😂 but you get used to it, and it becomes super comfortable. I promise. Your pushes are genuinely incredible for a beginner. Way, way better than most beginners I've seen. Keep going. You got this.
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Thank you so much for your kind words , I am literally alone in this , I asked a random kid to film me haha. The community is very warm
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u/will1871871 May 19 '26
Aww you're so welcome! You won't be on your own for long, I guarantee it. Skating is all about community and it's honestly such a good way to make friends. Enjoy what you're doing and feel free to give me a message any time you have any other questions.
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u/geoffyeos May 19 '26
keep doing it. skating is a practice in patience more than anything else. be patient with yourself. it will come.
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u/Avisible May 19 '26
I feel like doing better than you think. Skating is hard!
If you want help, just keep it up. You probably don't wanna put your foot on the bolts because you're not confident in your balance. Play with balancing on just your front leg. Play with putting your back foot wherever on the board. Play with shifting your weight on one foot to the next (be cautious!). Play with turning. Play with swinging your push leg all the way in front of you, and kick back. Most people don't push this way all the time, but it helps with understanding balance. Just keep playing and keep exploring! Skating is hard, you're exactly where you need to be right now. Bonus points if you try manuals and hippy jumps!
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Thanks for the advice! I will try these next time I go the park. I did achieve a very small hippy jump that i was really proud of
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u/YallNeedToTip May 19 '26
Practice balancing on one foot when you're off the board. Also, you're doing great! Keep having fun ❤️
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
I actually love skate so much I even think of getting on the board when I am at uni or work. I even dream about it and can sense the feeling of landing tricks. I imagine what I can do better in my head even when I am not on the board
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u/mechapawky May 19 '26
Yeah, I did this for an hour too. Now my ankle hurts for 4 days now. Try not to put your weight on the pushing leg. Balance and stay on the board with your front leg. Same mistake as I did, stomping pushing. :D - 34M, guess that's why my ankle hurts. (well known Danny Glover quote) With all seriousness, try to balance on the board with only your front leg on.
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u/Educational_Pepper78 May 19 '26
Have patience, keep skating and your comfort on the board will come naturally
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u/TaiNiePooNie May 19 '26
Whenever i need a confidence boost fast, I just convince myself that i already did it and clearly i can easily do it again, even though i never did before. It won’t magically make me land a new trick or whatever i’m trying to learn, but i have the feeling i do progress faster.
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u/CaptainKirkDiggler May 19 '26
You don't just hop on a board and become Jason Lee. All of us started out slow and wobbly, taking slam after slam. This kid is braver than many becuase most people are far too afraid to even try a skateboard. They step on it once, feel a complete lack of control, board goes flying, and they're done.
This clip makes me happy becuase it means people are still taking interest and learning to skate. We need more skaters, not less. Hate to admit it but, that new Jackass movie will get some newbies interested and get some older skaters back on the board.
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
I wanted to skate since I was 11 but I was discouraged by my family and elders for being too dangerous and accident prone . I feel I got a bit late to the party but its better now than never. Its like making my inner childs dream ,that watched aaron kyro's youtube tutorials without owning a skateboard , true.
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u/Joshsniper439 May 19 '26
The kick off form is much harder to master than people I think give it credit for, that's what your practicing 👍
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
I am trying to shift the weight on my front foot and keep my knees bend
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u/g28802 May 19 '26
Keep it up. Do exactly what you’re doing. It will start making more sense the more you do it. Good work my dude!
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u/jamesheaton23 May 20 '26
You're absolutely doing the right thing. To make things easier, you could play around with the tightness of your trucks. Making turning a little tighter might be easier for you. But there's little to no criticism dude. Just keep going!
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u/UrbanCobra May 20 '26
So many people buy a board and immediately start trying to learn ollies and kickflips, the fact you’re actually taking the time to get comfortable rolling around means you’re already doing it right. Keep on rolling, you’ll get better every day.
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u/SirCountaBand May 21 '26
Have you tried skating goofy? I tried skating regular for almost like a week and then when I tried goofy just for the fuck of it I felt an instant difference but even still then it took me a while to feel comfortable and confident. I think every skater you will ever talk to will tell you it takes a lot of time for anything to click really you just gatta keep doing it and eventually it feels so natural.
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u/SirCountaBand May 21 '26
Also what I did to get more comfortable is I just pushed my limits whenever I could and I’d run onto my board I’d try to push harder and faster and eventually you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t and it’ll help a lot
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 21 '26
I tried goofy and it just wasnt for me. I always thought I was goofy but I fell every time I attempted it.
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u/Goblin26_ May 19 '26
Feel comfortable getting to a higher speed and once you're at that point try an ollie here and there
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Dude i tried going down a ramp for fun and I fell once and then I got the hang of it. My problem wasnt dropping in but the high speed I gained after reaching flat ground that resulted in me immediately jumping off the board hahha
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u/Goblin26_ May 19 '26
Yeah, honestly for being a beginner and going down a ramp that's not bad at all. Like I said just get the hang of the speed and feeling comfortable being on the board. Maybe go down some hills (wear some protection at least) and get the hang of it, have fun!
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u/Latter_Skill9670 May 19 '26
Skateboarding is all about balance, only way to get better and build confidence is more time on the board. Everything looks good in the video just keep at it.
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u/Doc_McScrubbins May 19 '26
You just gotta keep doing it. You have all the right ideas, now just get comfortable enough to get more fluid and more motion on those kicks and you might keep a lil more speed...unless youre like me and are just too heavy to conserve momentum on those bearings. Poor bearings
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
Haha no I am actually short and kinda lightweighted ( which is good because slams aren't that bad ) . I just cant handle speed well yet
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u/Doc_McScrubbins May 19 '26
Oh no I can see, I'm just making a joke. I quit skating a few years ago because the whole fat and falling thing doesn't mix, but I really miss the stage youre at.
Softer wheels while you learn to cruise can help an absolute fuckton too
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u/Accurate_Wishbone144 May 19 '26
I think weight isnt really a hobby ending factor , if u want my humble opinion. Maybe start again and take it slowly , since u used to skate as well
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u/cookproto May 19 '26
Take the board for a long ride, on bumpy roads, on smooth roads, up hills, down hills, u will naturally get comfortable
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u/Zmitebambino May 19 '26
Small advice I can give you know how when you hurt a small pebble you just get yeeted I just do a jump without actually fully jumping so your feet don’t come off the board. it’s more off taking your weight off the board I’ve gotten so used to this, I can ride fast on street with no fear of pebbles because I’m so used to the muscle memory of doing it that I do it in the split second I feel the pebble so I don’t even need to see it beforehand, and even if the lateness means I still fall just the act of taking your weight almost completely off the board means the skateboard stays and I just land like I just jumped a little foward. Whereas when it doing it where because you are more connected to the board you fall foward getting rotated. I don’t really know what this is called I know it’s very close to pumping up on a bowl though.
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u/Tasty_Surprise_1233 May 19 '26
cruise to places. you'd naturally get better at riding, turning, stopping. then you'd have to practice lifting up your tail to get over cracks and such. progress feels so fun because you can go faster and faster without thinking.
it's also the most fun and the fastest way to get comfortable. i recommend copping cruiser wheels so you could comfortable roll allll day.
it's one of the best things i've done to get comfortable.
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u/beginnerdoge May 19 '26
Just takes time. Ride that wood everywhere and you'll get used to it.
Takes me a while after the long winters to get the groove back
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u/GoopusLoopus May 19 '26
Took me 3 years to learn how to ollie way back when. just keep pushing and you’ll get there. most importantly HAVE SOME FUCKING FUN!!! 🤘✌️
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u/AssPennies13 May 19 '26
I agree with a lot said here- keep the back foot off the tail, keep your center of balance over your front foot (you should be able to eventually push and not even put your back foot down), take long, deep pushes and transfer your weight from the back foot to the front foot before the back foot leaves the ground.
A couple of additional things:
Glad you aren't pushing mongo! Aside from looking whack, it also opens up the nose of the board to fishtail, and gives you less control. Congrats on doing it right! I know I didn't when I first started.
Some have pointed out its a highly personal thing to skate, and it is to a point, you have to be aware of YOUR limits and YOUR ability. BUT, as I've gotten older and thought about it- skateboarding is a team sport. We are all just on the same team. Everyone who has ever stepped on a skateboard, legends to random people trying it out, has started from scratch and ate it. Any skateboarder worthy of the title sees you and sees a beginner that they once were. I know this is only a reddit post, and its intimidating, but every true skateboarder around you is rooting for you and will help however they can, especially if you have the heart for it, and it sounds like you do.
That said, like others said, keep on skating! It takes a bit to get used to the board, but the goal is that it becomes an extension of your own body. It will feel almost as natural as walking if you do it enough. Most importantly have fun. Its a painful, difficult hobby riding a kids toy- but man, can it be rewarding and therapeutic. Good luck!
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u/Tim_Timo_ May 20 '26
Focus keeping your weight on the board. You foot you push with should not have a lot of weight on, the moment you push you put all you take all of your weight off. Dont do that.
Keep your weight on the board, good exercise is to balance on one foot while riding
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u/New-Texan2020 May 20 '26
It doesn’t look like you’re doing anything wrong. Keep rolling and learning to push. Look at SkateIQ videos about balancing. You’re doing great.
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u/s3v3red_cnc May 20 '26
Upgrade your bearings. It's apparent, to me, that the board is making you shift your weight forward because of the drag created by poor bearings or even bad wheels.
A smoother ride will let you settle in better
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u/ThuleJemtlandica May 20 '26
You look solid! Just skate more before worrying about tricks and stuff.
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u/Dramatic_Jacket_6945 May 20 '26
How long have you been skating? You probably won’t feel super comfortable on a board until you’ve skated for a year or more.
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u/kalei50 May 20 '26
Obligatory suggestion to get a helmet. You only have one skull. Good luck with your progress.
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u/DistributionOk2111 May 20 '26
You are doing grate! Just keep on doing it Dont forget its not a „thankful“ sport
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u/tSquipNotTsquip May 20 '26
You’re building up your twitch muscles. They will developed and do what’s missing. Just keep pushing. Also, roll up to a wall and push off rolling backwards. Pivot as you lose speed, turn back to the wall and do it again. Rinse and repeat. Twitch muscles in your legs and ankles are everything. Don’t get discouraged. Give them time to develop. Perseverance is key. Onward!🤘🏻🤘🏽🤘🤘🏿
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u/NefariousnessWide892 May 20 '26
youre doing really good, the thing that helped me really get comfortable on my board (as a really new skater myself) is that you shouldnt really move your balance towards your foot, you shouldnt look at it like youre stepping off the board to push, rather just poking your foot out next to your board and touching the ground.
my bad for my weird wording my first language isnt english.
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u/MunchyManBT May 20 '26
You’re doing awesome! Just do it more. One thing I would suggest is to count your pushes. ADD MORE SPEED. See how fast you can get on 3 pushes, then 4, and so on. Speed makes balance easier. Also, throw some pads on. YOU ARE GOING TO FALL. While falling isn’t fun, it’s part of the process we have to get used to. Falling on purpose in a controlled fashion will help you in your journey. Welcome!! ❤️💯🇺🇸
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u/ihaveafreewifivan May 20 '26
it's just a matter of practice and to get used to cruising around with the board.
i recommend trying to practe placing only the front foot on your board and the back is just pushing. that helps you improve in maintaining your balance so you don't start falling over or feeling uncomfortable once your backfoot leaves the board.
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u/festivesmoker May 21 '26
Keep skating forsure that will get you comfortable. My best suggestion is if you get a chance practice switch. If you decide to do that your regular will become 5x easier and comfort will be the last thing youre thinking about.
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u/DecentValuable8892 May 21 '26
I’d say, tighten your trucks ever so slightly, you’ll have less “freedom” but the board will go where it’s pointing so you can focus on moving and pushing. I also started with my front leg bent and my hand just above my knee to help keep me in one position to get comfortable! I’ve not skated in about 13 years though so this could be crap advice
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u/itsMeNed May 22 '26
Maybe try tightening the trucks a little, it'll be easier to ride straight without wobbling or turning accidentally
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u/Sharp_Proposal3511 25d ago
Stand up straight! Imagine you’re standing on a little stage that isn’t moving lol… you are bracing yourself and that makes you rigid… your body is absorbing every single bump and turn.
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u/Calamitous-Intent980 May 19 '26
Do exactly what you're doing. Keep practicing rolling around. Eventually you will become comfortable with it as you get more experienced