Mastering Skateboard Turns: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Learning to turn is one of the most fundamental skills in skateboarding. Without it, you’re essentially limited to riding in a straight line, missing out on the freedom and flow that skateboarding offers. This comprehensive guide will break down several different turning techniques, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced maneuvers. We’ll cover everything from weight shifting to foot placement, ensuring you have a solid foundation for navigating any terrain.
## Why Turning is Essential for Skateboarding
Turning isn’t just about changing direction; it’s about control, balance, and creative expression. Here’s why mastering turns is crucial:
* **Navigation:** Obviously, turning allows you to navigate obstacles, avoid pedestrians, and explore your surroundings.
* **Control:** Precise turning gives you control over your speed and direction, essential for safety and maneuvering in tight spaces.
* **Linking Tricks:** Many advanced tricks require the ability to turn smoothly, either to set up the trick or to ride away afterward.
* **Style:** Turning with confidence and style is a key element of a good skater’s overall aesthetic.
* **Fun:** Let’s face it, gliding through a series of smooth turns is one of the most enjoyable aspects of skateboarding.
## The Anatomy of a Skateboard Turn
Before diving into specific techniques, it’s important to understand the basic principles behind turning a skateboard. Turning involves a combination of:
* **Weight Distribution:** Shifting your weight is the primary way to initiate and control a turn. Leaning in the direction you want to go puts pressure on the edges of the board, causing it to curve.
* **Body Position:** Your overall body position, including your shoulders, hips, and head, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and controlling the turn. Keep your shoulders aligned with the direction you want to go.
* **Foot Placement:** The position of your feet on the board affects the leverage you have for turning. Subtle adjustments to your foot placement can significantly impact the board’s responsiveness.
* **Speed:** Your speed affects the tightness of the turn. Higher speeds generally require more aggressive weight shifting and foot pressure.
* **Truck Tightness:** The tightness of your trucks (the axles that hold your wheels) directly impacts how easily your board turns. Looser trucks allow for tighter turns but can feel less stable at high speeds. Tighter trucks provide more stability but require more effort to turn.
## Essential Turning Techniques for Beginners
Here are several turning techniques that are essential for beginner skateboarders. Practice these techniques in a safe, open area with smooth pavement.
### 1. Weight Shifting (The Lean)
This is the most basic turning technique, and it’s the foundation for all other turns. It involves simply shifting your weight in the direction you want to go.
**Steps:**
1. **Start with a comfortable stance:** Place your feet shoulder-width apart on the board, with your front foot angled slightly forward.
2. **Bend your knees:** A slight bend in your knees will lower your center of gravity and make you more stable.
3. **Look in the direction you want to go:** This is crucial for maintaining balance and initiating the turn. Your body tends to follow your gaze.
4. **Lean gently in the direction you want to turn:** Imagine you’re trying to touch your shoulder to the ground on the side you’re turning towards. Don’t lean too far, especially at first. Small, controlled movements are key.
5. **Keep your balance:** As you lean, adjust your body weight to maintain your balance. You may need to shift your weight slightly to the opposite side to counteract the turning force.
6. **Practice both directions:** Make sure to practice turning both left and right to develop a balanced skill set.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Start slow:** Practice weight shifting at a slow speed to get a feel for how it affects the board.
* **Use your arms for balance:** Extend your arms out to the sides to help maintain your balance.
* **Focus on smooth movements:** Avoid jerky or sudden movements, as these can throw you off balance.
* **Practice regularly:** The more you practice, the more natural weight shifting will become.
### 2. The Tic-Tac (or Kick Turn on the Move)
The tic-tac is a slightly more advanced turning technique that involves using small, controlled kicks of the tail to steer the board. It’s a great way to make sharp turns or navigate tight spaces.
**Steps:**
1. **Start with a comfortable stance:** Similar to weight shifting, begin with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent.
2. **Shift your weight slightly towards your front foot:** This will lighten the tail of the board, making it easier to lift.
3. **Gently press down on the tail with your back foot:** Apply just enough pressure to lift the front wheels slightly off the ground. Avoid slamming the tail down, as this can damage the board.
4. **As the front wheels lift, turn your shoulders and head in the direction you want to go:** This will help guide the board.
5. **While the front wheels are off the ground, use your front foot to push the board in the desired direction:** Use small, controlled movements. Think of it as gently nudging the board with your front foot.
6. **Bring the front wheels back down smoothly:** Avoid dropping them suddenly, as this can cause you to lose balance.
7. **Repeat the process as needed to complete the turn:** You can perform multiple tic-tacs in succession to make a sharper turn.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Practice on a smooth surface:** This will make it easier to control the board.
* **Start with small movements:** Focus on making small, precise adjustments.
* **Keep your weight centered:** Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
* **Use your arms for balance:** Extend your arms out to the sides to help maintain your balance.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Find the foot placement and pressure that works best for you.
### 3. Carving
Carving is a smooth, flowing turning technique that’s often used on ramps or in skateparks. It involves using the edges of the board to create a controlled turn.
**Steps:**
1. **Start with a comfortable stance:** Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and looking in the direction you want to go.
2. **Lean into the turn:** Shift your weight towards the edge of the board that corresponds to the direction you want to turn. For example, to turn left, lean towards the left edge of the board.
3. **Engage the edges of the board:** As you lean, the edges of the board will dig into the pavement, creating a curved path.
4. **Maintain a smooth, consistent pressure:** Avoid jerky or sudden movements. The more pressure you apply, the tighter the turn will be.
5. **Use your body weight to control the turn:** Adjust your weight distribution to maintain your balance and control the speed of the turn.
6. **Look ahead:** Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go. This will help you maintain your balance and anticipate any obstacles.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Practice on a smooth, slightly sloped surface:** This will make it easier to feel the edges of the board engaging.
* **Start with gentle turns:** Gradually increase the angle of your turns as you become more comfortable.
* **Focus on maintaining a smooth, flowing motion:** Avoid stopping or starting abruptly.
* **Use your arms for balance:** Extend your arms out to the sides to help maintain your balance.
* **Experiment with different amounts of pressure:** Find the amount of pressure that allows you to carve smoothly and control your speed.
### 4. Banked Turns (on a Sloped Surface)
Banked turns utilize the slope of a ramp or bank to help you turn. These are very common in skateparks.
**Steps:**
1. **Approach the bank at an angle:** Don’t ride straight into the bank; approach it at a slight angle to set up the turn.
2. **As you enter the bank, lean into the slope:** Let the slope of the bank help guide your turn. Leaning helps maintain contact and control.
3. **Keep your weight balanced:** Distribute your weight evenly between your feet to maintain stability. Don’t lean too far in or out.
4. **Use your arms for balance:** Extend your arms to the sides for added stability and to help guide your body through the turn.
5. **Look where you want to go:** Focus your gaze on the exit of the bank to ensure you maintain your trajectory.
6. **Adjust your speed as needed:** Control your speed to maintain a smooth and controlled turn. Too much speed can make the turn difficult, while too little can cause you to lose momentum.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Start with gentle banks:** Begin practicing on smaller, less steep banks to get a feel for the technique.
* **Maintain a consistent speed:** Avoid sudden acceleration or braking within the turn.
* **Keep your body relaxed:** A tense body can make it harder to balance and control the turn.
## Advanced Turning Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic turning techniques, you can start exploring more advanced maneuvers. These techniques require more skill and practice, but they can add a lot of style and versatility to your skateboarding.
### 1. Powerslide
A powerslide is a controlled slide that allows you to quickly stop or change direction. It involves intentionally breaking traction with your wheels.
**Warning:** Powerslides can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Practice in a safe area with plenty of space.
**Steps:**
1. **Build up some speed:** You’ll need enough speed to break traction with your wheels.
2. **Bend your knees and lower your center of gravity:** This will help you maintain your balance.
3. **Turn your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to slide:** This will help initiate the slide.
4. **Kick out your back foot:** Extend your back foot outwards, causing the back wheels to lose traction.
5. **Control the slide:** Use your front foot and body weight to control the direction and speed of the slide.
6. **Steer back into the slide:** Once you have slid enough, steer the board in the direction of travel to regain traction.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Practice on a smooth surface:** This will make it easier to break traction with your wheels.
* **Start with small slides:** Gradually increase the length of your slides as you become more comfortable.
* **Keep your weight centered:** Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
* **Use your arms for balance:** Extend your arms out to the sides to help maintain your balance.
* **Wear protective gear:** Powerslides can be hard on your shoes and body, so wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
### 2. Pivot Turn
A pivot turn is a quick, sharp turn that involves lifting the front wheels of the board and pivoting on the back wheels.
**Steps:**
1. **Start with a comfortable stance:** Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent.
2. **Shift your weight towards your back foot:** This will lighten the front of the board.
3. **Press down on the tail with your back foot:** Apply enough pressure to lift the front wheels off the ground.
4. **As the front wheels lift, turn your shoulders and head in the direction you want to go:** This will help guide the board.
5. **Use your back foot to pivot the board:** Rotate your back foot to turn the board in the desired direction.
6. **Bring the front wheels back down smoothly:** Avoid dropping them suddenly, as this can cause you to lose balance.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Practice on a smooth surface:** This will make it easier to control the board.
* **Start with small pivots:** Gradually increase the angle of your pivots as you become more comfortable.
* **Keep your weight centered:** Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
* **Use your arms for balance:** Extend your arms out to the sides to help maintain your balance.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Leaning too far:** Over-leaning can cause you to lose balance and fall. Start with small, controlled movements.
* **Looking down at the board:** Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go. Looking down can throw off your balance.
* **Tensing up:** Relax your body and try to stay loose. Tension can make it harder to control the board.
* **Riding too fast:** Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
* **Not wearing protective gear:** Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, especially when learning new tricks.
## Adjusting Your Skateboard for Easier Turning
* **Loosen Your Trucks:** Looser trucks allow for easier turning. Use a skate tool to loosen the kingpin nut, but don’t loosen it too much, or the board will become unstable.
* **Softer Bushings:** Bushings are the rubber cushions in your trucks that control how much the board can lean. Softer bushings make turning easier.
* **Riser Pads:** Riser pads increase the height between your deck and trucks. While they don’t directly affect turning, they can prevent wheelbite (when the wheel rubs against the deck during a turn), which can cause you to fall.
## Practicing Turning: Drills and Exercises
* **Cones:** Set up cones in a line and practice weaving in and out of them using weight shifting and tic-tacs.
* **Figure Eights:** Practice riding figure eights to improve your carving skills and coordination.
* **Slalom:** Find a gentle slope and practice slaloming down it, using your body weight to control your turns.
* **Around a Circle:** Find a small object (like a rock or a cone) and practice riding around it in a tight circle, alternating directions.
## Safety First: Gear and Precautions
* **Helmet:** A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. It can protect your head from serious injury.
* **Knee Pads and Elbow Pads:** Knee and elbow pads can protect your joints from scrapes and bruises.
* **Wrist Guards:** Wrist guards can help prevent wrist fractures.
* **Skate Shoes:** Skate shoes are designed to provide good grip and support.
* **Choose a Safe Location:** Practice in a smooth, flat area with no traffic or obstacles.
* **Start Slow:** Don’t try to do too much too soon. Gradually increase your speed and difficulty as you become more comfortable.
* **Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid skating in crowded areas.
## Conclusion
Turning is an essential skill for skateboarding. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to navigate any terrain, link tricks together, and express your own unique style. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and always prioritize safety. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be carving like a pro in no time!