How To Start Skateboarding as an Adult

Whoever said, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," obviously wasn't familiar with skateboarding. Our beloved pastime isn't just for kids and teens—just ask dudes like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero and Lance Mountain, for example. And the best part is, I'm barely scratching the surface with these names! That list goes on and on.  

With all of that said, it's hard to deny that most skateboarders do, in fact, get into it at a younger age. But the good news is, it's never too late to learn! Whether you're interested in learning how to skate as a way to stay active, impress your kids or simply push yourself in a fun and challenging way, learning to skate as an adult can be super rewarding. That's why we're here! Alright, let's get rolling: 

Understanding the Basics

Before you even step on a board, it's pretty important to understand some of the basics, like knowing the parts that make a complete skateboard what it is, for example.

I know some of these might be obvious, but bear with us here. Everyone starts somewhere! The deck is, well, the wooden plank that we ride. I'm sure we all know that one. The trucks are the T-shaped pieces of metal that attach to your board with hardware. It's also what you attach your wheels and bearings to. Your bearings are the small metal rings that go inside your wheels and make your board roll. And wheels are ... wheels! 

Boom. Now that we got that out of the way, we can dig a little deeper.

Choosing the Right Gear Is Essential

Despite your age, as a beginner, having the right gear can make a huge difference in your skateboarding journey from day one. More importantly, using the brands that skateboarders have trusted for decades doesn't hurt either. Here are a few things you should consider grabbing before you start:

First and foremost—your skateboard. The best advice I can give anyone is walking into your local skate shop and asking as many questions as you want. Skate shop employees are full of knowledge and can cater to all your specific needs. Simply put—avoid Target and Walmart completes! Don't search for skateboards on Amazon! Hit your local skate shop. If you start off with the good stuff, it'll make all the difference in the world.

Secondly, a helmet and pads are also something to consider—at the very least a helmet. You don't need me to tell you how important it is to protect your head, and if I'm being completely honest, you are going to fall. It's just a part of the process! But it's also what builds resilience. And I'll tell you what, it'll give you a ton of added confidence early on, which is a major bonus. 

Lastly, I'd suggest investing in a good pair of skate shoes. Trust me, this will be huge in the long run. You want shoes that provide the grip and support needed for skateboarding, and some non-skate shoes out there simply aren't designed for the wear and tear that comes with skating. Just something to consider.  

Where's the Best Place to Practice?

So you have your board, your shoes ... your set. Now where do you actually go to practice? Choosing the right environment to practice is key to your progress, as well as building confidence along the way. I'd suggest somewhere with smooth ground, somewhat isolated and comfortable, both physically and mentally. 

If you live somewhere with a driveway or a flat sidewalk, these can be great places to start in the comfort of your own home. Maybe you have a nice slab of cement in the backyard? Regardless, when you're first starting out, it's best to take things slow. Just stand on the board. Push a bit. Whatever feels comfy.

Once you're a little more comfortable on your board, you can start exploring places like empty parking lots that might offer little street obstacles to start messing around. At the very least, it's somewhere outside the comfort of home. 

And, of course, once you really start to build up some courage, you can head to your local skatepark and start exploring new terrain. Many skateparks have designated areas for beginners, but I'll tell you what—simply being there and seeing it all will help you progress much faster. Feel the stoke and get in on the action! 

Don't Be Discouraged Starting With the Basics

Whether you're at home learning how to push and balance, in an empty parking lot practicing ollies and flip tricks, or confidently rolling around the skatepark, I'd still suggest taking it slow and starting with the basics. 

For example—what's your stance? Are you regular-footed (which means your left foot is at the top of your board) or goofy-footed (right foot forward). If you're unsure, don't stress! Simply stand on your board and find a stance that feels comfortable. Boom! 

Many people will tell you, "There are no rules in skateboarding! Do what you want!" But let me just say that there are some unwritten rules out there that all beginners should know about. A big one is pushing correctly.

You want to practice pushing with your back foot while keeping your front foot on the board. If it feels uncomfortable, maybe switch up your stance. Pushing with your front foot is playfully considered a no-no. You don't want a skateboarder at the park to joke because you're pushing "mongo." You can thank me later. 

Finding your stance, learning to balance and push, beginning to practice how to ollie, and eventually learning how to drop-in is a great place to start! Trust me, everything will start to naturally follow after that. 

Learning From Other Skateboarders

Skateboarding is hard. There's no beating around the bush. But that's literally what makes it so rewarding. That said, learning the basics can be way easier and more enjoyable with some guidance. 

Do you have friends or family who skate? Co-workers? Mutual acquaintances? Whatever! If you know someone who skates, I'd say that's the best place to start. Never be afraid to ask them for tips and advice along the way.

If you weren't able to check any of the boxes above, that's fine. Many cities have skate lessons, private classes or experienced instructors who offer lessons for beginners of all ages. It's a great option to learn the basics safely and confidently. You'll see the progression, guaranteed. 

Lastly, don't forget that we live in a digital age! There are so many skateboarders on YouTube, TikTok and social media in general who offer countless tutorials for beginners. Usually for free! Do a little research. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

Just Stay Motivated!

I'm 34 years old, and I've been skating for two decades now (some days that might be questionable, but this isn't about me). My point is I understand that learning to skateboard as an adult can be challenging, but like anything, staying motivated is key to your progress. 

A good way to stay motivated and track your progress is to set some small, achievable goals! Like we mentioned earlier—start small. Like learning to balance, push, turn... whatever it is. Also, I'd suggest celebrating every milestone along the way. You deserve it. You're road to radness is looking good! 

Most importantly, just know that consistency is key, just like everything else in life that's challenging. Try your best to practice as often as possible, even if you're just dorking around for a few minutes every day. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become on your board and the more confident you'll become! 

Hey, just remember that I referred to it as your "skateboarding journey" because that's exactly what it is—a journey. It takes time, patience, and plenty of persistence, but what doesn't? You will fall, sure. You will make tons of mistakes, of course. (Even your favorite pros aren't perfect!) The point is, that's all part of the process. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Aside from learning tricks, that's a huge part of what makes skateboarding so rad—all the mental health benefits. 

So what have we learned? Skateboarding as an adult is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. It's a great way to stay active, challenge yourself, connect with people ... it's just the greatest thing in the world. No argument. Hit your local shop, set up a board, gear up, and start your skateboarding journey today. Enjoy it!