Skateboarding is a method of transportation, an action sport, as well as a recreational activity that involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard. Skateboarding is also a fun and exciting way to get around and enjoy the outdoors.

However, before starting skateboarding, you have to know how to turn on a skateboard properly as it is the initial part of skating, and without knowing it, you cannot ride on your skateboard.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, knowing how to turn on a skateboard is an essential skill to have. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to turn on your skateboard like a pro.

First of all, you have to stand comfortably on the board. Then you will need to know how to push off and cruise a short distance in a straight line.

Types of Turn On Skateboard

There are many methods of turning a skateboard. Let’s see some types of turns you need to practice the most.

1. Carving Turn

Carving is the most effective and the easiest method of skating for beginners. Before starting, you should loosen your skateboard truck as needed so that you can take your desired turns. Because turns of skateboards depend upon how much loosened the truck is. After loosening the trucks, you have to start practicing.

First, place your front foot on the board and then start pushing against the ground with your back foot. After three or four pushes, you can set your back foot on the board. You have to lean your weight in the direction you want to turn your skateboard.

You can take left turn by leaning back over your heels and right turns by leaning over your toes if you are a regular rider (using the left foot as front foot). But if you are a goofy rider (using the right foot as front foot), just follow the reverse direction mentioned before.

If you find difficulties while taking turns, you can loosen your trucks a little bit and ensure a proper setting. Tight trucks make it difficult to turn, while loose trucks make it easy to turn but difficult to control the skateboard. But for beginners, tighter trucks are better than loose trucks. Next, you should try to keep your weight centered so that you can keep your balance while riding.

2. Kick Turn

Kick-turn is a technique, and it means a sudden change in direction when turning your skateboard. To make a kick turn, you should push off the skateboard and start riding first. Then place your back foot on the upturned rear edge of the board. After that, push down with your back foot on the tail and distribute your weight equally between two feet fleetly, which will cause raising the nose of the board.

You shouldn’t push down too fast or too hard otherwise, your speed will be overthrown. You can reel the nose of the board in any direction according to your choice. But you need to be careful because if your front wheels stay longer off the ground, the possibility of flying out the board under you will increase. Then use your front foot to steer the board and twist your shoulder and hips. After completing the turn, shift back your weight to your front foot and keep riding.

3. Tic Tac Turn

Tic-tac turn is slightly like kick turn. Kick turn can be used to change direction up to about a 30-degree angle while moving. On the other hand, tic-tac turn helps the skaters to take 70 to 80 degree turn when they want to skip small obstacles like crack or bump on the ground. Let’s see how to make a tic-tac turn.

To make a tic-tac turn, you have to place your foot in a tic-tac position. Push your back foot lightly and raise the nose of the skateboard a little. Then change the direction and keep going.

Some Tips For Beginners

• There is a saying – “Practice can make a man perfect.” This is indeed true, especially for skateboarding. The more you practice, the more you capably make turns.
• Dedication is another important thing for learning skateboard. If anyone wants to learn skateboarding, he should be determined and dedicated.
• A helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads should be used to protect your body while skateboarding
• Kick turn should be practiced on a smooth surface area such as on grass or carpet rather than on the road, which is harsh and rough.
• Wear shoes with tight grip so that you can keep controlling over the board
• Tighter trucks will be better for beginners because loose trucks would be hard to balance
• Keep the body relaxed because a relaxed stance helps to adjust your balance in any situation.
• Be ready to fall as it is an unavoidable part of skateboarding

Conclusion

These are some popular turns used by beginners and pro users. Initially, you can try them. To learn how to turn on a skateboard, what is needed the most is practicing. Learning will be effective only when you can skate practically and perform various tricks. I think the above writing about turning on the skateboard will be supportive for you.

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