New Skater?

So you want to be a longboarder, eh? A Happy Skater, yes? Well, chum, you’ve come to the right place! Just as this website is a collection of happy and hopefully inspiring skate stories and photos, so it must serve as catalyst for you to get out there. This is a simple, short guide to getting started:

There are plenty of sites that can give you the technical lowdown on which board, hardware and shoes you’ll need to buy, some of which are featured in the friends section here. What you will need, above all, is a HELMET. Get some nice skate shoes and maybe some gloves or wrist guards for your lovely hands. At this stage, safety really does have to come first, or you'll not look pretty later.

If you’ve found yourself a terrific little spot to try out, make sure you don’t go there at a time when it’s likely to be busy – try another place instead. Don’t go out when it’s wet or damp enough for your board to slide out. Eventually you’ll wake up, look outside the window and just know when it’s the right conditions – and you’ll smile if it’s a corker! If you work, you'll be looking at the clock all day!

If you live in a town, chances are you’ll know of a few places that are good to start learning. It’s almost like driving - industrial estates, and empty car parks on weekends and evenings are ripper spots to perfect your skills. You might well see a few other skaters out. Some like to keep to themselves, but most longboarders I know would gladly have a chat and give you some help.

Didn’t anyone tell you you’re about to have the best fun ever? Stop looking so scared at that plank of wood – it won’t bite! Put it under your foot, give it a roll, forward and back. Is it made of wood or carbon? Does it have spray on grip or stick on grip tape? Does it feel different to how it felt standing on the safe carpet in the shop? Bet it feels a bit funny eh?

In the stories section, Han, a new skater, gives a great description of how to get going properly. Go check it out! To stop, at this stage, the best advice might be to remain at a slow speed and jump off to the side. Remember to run forwards, not sideways, as your momentum is still going to be carrying you that way, and no one likes a messy stack. Footbraking comes later!

Because you’ve searched for something that will make you feel amazing for ages. You yearn for something different that will make you feel alive inside, and darn, don’t those longboard things look cool? Get out there and try skating, and if you fall off – get right back up, patch yourself up, and keep going. Very soon, you’re going to be feeling on top of the world, smiling all over the joint. Learn the basics and the rest will follow. Go for it, you lucky Happy Skater!