Skateboarding is an exciting sport that combines creativity, balance, and physical skill, making it a fantastic activity for kids to enjoy and grow with. Once the basics like pushing, stopping, and turning are comfortable, children often find a new source of joy in learning tricks. This journey not only adds fun but also builds confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. If you’re looking to help your child explore skateboarding tricks safely and effectively, this guide breaks down approachable steps, essential safety tips, and helpful resources to support their progression.
Why Learning Tricks is Motivational for Kids
Learning tricks on a skateboard is more than just about performing cool moves—it’s about discovering what their body can do and pushing their limits in a fun way. For kids, mastering a new trick provides a visible reward and sparks motivation to keep trying and improving. Tricks encourage problem-solving and persistence as they figure out balance, timing, and foot placement. Plus, progression in tricks often leads to new challenges and personal milestones, fueling their passion to skate more frequently and confidently.
When kids see themselves improve trick by trick, it builds self-esteem and a belief in their abilities, which can extend to other areas of life. The social aspect also motivates them, as sharing new skills with friends or fellow skaters creates a sense of community and friendly competition.
Preparing Safely: Gear and Mindset
Before diving into tricks, it’s essential to make safety a priority. Proper gear and a positive mindset create a foundation that helps kids avoid injuries and enjoy skateboarding longer.
Essential Safety Gear
- Helmet: A well-fitting helmet designed for skateboarding protects the head from impacts.
- Knee and elbow pads: These cushions guard against scrapes and bruises from falls.
- Wrist guards: Since many falls happen on outstretched hands, wrist guards prevent sprains and fractures.
- Proper skate shoes: Shoes with a flat sole and good grip help maintain board control and prevent slips.
Mindset for Safe Learning
Encouraging patience and a focus on progress rather than perfection helps reduce frustration. Remind kids that falling is part of learning, and each mistake teaches something new. Creating a safe environment to practice—such as smooth, flat surfaces away from traffic—and ensuring they don’t rush into advanced tricks before mastering simpler ones will promote a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Easy Beginner Tricks: Ollies, Manuals, and Kickturns
Starting with beginner-friendly tricks empowers kids to build confidence step-by-step. Three great starter tricks are ollies, manuals, and kickturns, each developing key skateboarding skills and control.
Ollies
The ollie is the foundational trick that allows skaters to jump with their board. Learning an ollie teaches popping the tail and sliding the front foot, skills which are essential for many advanced tricks.
Manuals
Manuals involve balancing on either the back or front wheels while rolling. This trick enhances balance and board control and helps kids learn weight distribution.
Kickturns
A kickturn is a simple turn done by lifting the front wheels and pivoting on the back wheels. It’s useful for changing direction quickly and increases coordination.
Step-by-Step Instructions and Practice Tips
Breaking down each trick into manageable parts can significantly improve learning success.
How to Ollie
- Start rolling slowly on a flat surface.
- Place your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot near the middle.
- Pop the tail down with your back foot, pushing off the ground.
- Slide your front foot upwards towards the nose of the board while jumping.
- Level the board in mid-air and prepare to land with both feet over the bolts.
- Practice the popping and foot slide motion while stationary before rolling.
How to Manual
- Start rolling at a moderate speed on a smooth surface.
- Shift your weight towards the back wheels and lift the front wheels slightly.
- Use your balance to hold the manual as long as possible.
- Try to keep your shoulders aligned with the board and eyes forward.
- Land all four wheels down smoothly when finishing.
How to Kickturn
- Begin rolling slowly on a flat platform or ramp.
- Shift your weight to your back foot, lifting the front wheels off the ground.
- Turn your shoulders and head in the direction you want to go.
- Pivot on the back wheels to rotate the board.
- Place the front wheels back down gently and continue rolling.
Encourage kids to practice in short, regular sessions to avoid fatigue and maintain enthusiasm. Repetition builds muscle memory, so consistent practice even for a few minutes daily helps accelerate progress.
Video Resources and Tutorials for Kids
Visual aids and tutorials make trick learning accessible and fun. Plenty of skateboarding channels and websites offer step-by-step videos designed specifically for younger skaters.
- Skateboarding YouTube Channels: Channels like Braille Skateboarding offer beginner-friendly tutorials with easy-to-follow explanations.
- Apps and Websites: Platforms like Skateboarding Made Simple or Monster Skate Tutorials provide structured learning paths and tips.
- Local Skate Shops: Many shops share demo videos and can recommend kid-friendly instructional content.
Watching others perform tricks helps kids visualize technique and gain inspiration. Combining video learning with hands-on practice creates a dynamic and effective way to build skills.
Avoiding Common Mistakes While Learning Tricks
Awareness of common pitfalls can save frustration and injuries.
- Trying advanced tricks too soon: Skipping foundational skills can lead to poor technique and falls.
- Neglecting safety gear: Many injuries happen when pads or helmets are forgotten.
- Over-practicing when tired: Fatigue decreases focus and increases risk of accidents.
- Ignoring warm-ups: Stretching and light exercises help prevent strains.
- Not focusing on balance: Tricks rely heavily on balance; working on balance separately supports trick learning.
Encourage kids to listen to their bodies and take breaks. It’s also helpful to practice in controlled environments and avoid crowded or hazardous areas.
Encouraging Creativity and Style in Skating
Skateboarding is as much about self-expression as it is about technique. Once kids get comfortable with tricks, encourage them to add their personal flair. This could mean combining tricks, experimenting with different speeds, or trying creative variations.
Supporting kids in developing their own style boosts their enjoyment and helps them feel confident. Remind them that every skater has a unique way of riding, and creativity is a big part of what makes skating special.
Joining Local Skate Groups or Classes
Community involvement can dramatically enhance a child’s skateboarding experience. Local skate groups, clubs, or classes offer support, motivation, and practical advice from more experienced skaters.
Being part of a group also gives kids opportunities to learn new tricks through observation and peer coaching. Skate classes often provide structured lessons to help progress systematically, and friendly competition can inspire improvement.
If possible, look for beginner-friendly programs that focus on safety and skill-building in a positive environment.
Enjoy the Journey of Trick Mastery
Learning skateboarding tricks is a rewarding process that blends physical skill with creativity and perseverance. For kids, the journey is just as important as the destination—each attempt, fall, and successful trick contributes to growth and fun.
By focusing on safety, starting with simple tricks, using good resources, and encouraging a positive attitude, kids can confidently progress and make lasting memories on their skateboard. Above all, remind them to enjoy every moment, celebrate small victories, and keep the stoke alive as they explore the amazing world of skateboarding tricks.
