Which Mistakes Should a Beginner Avoid When Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an exciting and exhilarating sport, but like any new activity, there’s a bit of a learning curve. I remember that when I started, I made quite a few mistakes. Some were funny (like trying to ollie in flip-flops), while others left me with scrapes and bruises.

Do you know mistakes are part of the process, and nobody gets it perfect immediately? But if you can avoid a few common pitfalls, you’ll have a much smoother start.

So, what are some of the biggest mistakes beginners make when learning to skateboard?

Let me walk you through them and, more importantly, show you how to avoid these mistakes to ensure you get the most out of your skating experience.

Trust me, a little preparation will save you from much frustration.

Not Wearing Proper Safety Gear

One of the most common mistakes I see—one that I’m guilty of, too—is not wearing the proper safety gear. We’ve all been there, looking at the skateboarders who aren’t wearing helmets or pads and thinking, “Well, if they’re not, I won’t either.”

But as tempting as it is to skate without gear, it’s never worth the risk. Skateboarding might look effortless when you see the pros do it, but for a beginner, falls are going to happen, and they happen hard.

The Risks of Skating Without Safety Gear

Always remember—Skateboarding is all about balance and control. As a beginner, these are skills you’re still developing, so there will be plenty of times when you lose your balance or fail to stop correctly. Without the right gear, even a minor fall can lead to painful scrapes, bruises, and more serious injuries like fractures or head trauma.

When I was starting, I didn’t always wear my helmet. I felt like it looked dorky, and it made my head feel heavier. But after several falls, I learned that a helmet is essential. One lousy spill could put you out of commission for weeks or worse. A helmet protects your skull and brain, and wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads provide extra protection to the most vulnerable parts of your body.

If you’re still skeptical, just know that even the pros wear safety gear during practice, and for good reason. You can replace a board or a set of wheels but can’t replace your health.

Want to know more about why safety is vital for skateboarders?

Learn More >> Importance of skateboard safety gear.

Standing on the Skateboard Incorrectly

You wouldn’t believe how many beginners I’ve seen stand incorrectly on their skateboards. Believe it or not, how you stand dramatically affects your ability to balance, steer, and stop. It’s one of the most overlooked basics of Skateboarding but also one of the most crucial elements.

The Right Stance for Stability

When you first learn to skateboard, your stance might initially feel awkward. Many beginners must make the mistake of standing too far back or forward on the board, which can throw off your balance.

You want your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent to keep yourself stable. Your front foot should rest just behind the front bolts of the skateboard, while your back foot should be near the tail.

Keep your body loose; don’t tense up. Skateboarding is a fluid-motion sport, so you want to be able to shift your weight naturally. If you’re too stiff, you’ll find it harder to balance and make those quick turns when needed.

I made the mistake of leaning back too much when I started, thinking it would help me keep control of the board. But all it did was make it easier for the board to slip out from under me.

The key is distributing your weight evenly and staying centered over the board. This helps you stay grounded and gives you much more control as you start riding.

Check out this article on the correct skateboard stance for a more detailed guide on the perfect stance. Learn More >>

Choosing the Wrong Type of Skateboard

Choosing the wrong type of skateboard is a mistake many beginners make, and I don’t blame them—it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. When I bought my first skateboard, I didn’t know the difference between a cruiser, a longboard, or a popsicle deck.

But over time, I learned that choosing the right type of skateboard for what you want to do makes all the difference.

Picking the Right Board for Your Style

I highly recommend using a standard popsicle-shaped skateboard if you’re just starting. This is the most versatile option and is excellent for learning to ride and picking up tricks as you improve.

You’ll also want to consider the width of the deck. If your feet are on the smaller side, you’ll want a board about 7.5” wide. If your feet are more significant, go for something closer to 8.0”.

Then there are the wheels. Larger wheels are best for cruising streets and sidewalks, while smaller, harder wheels are ideal for skateparks and learning tricks. It’s all about figuring out where you’ll be skating the most and what kind of skating you want to do.

It’s easy to pick a skateboard because it looks cool, but choose one that suits your level and the type of riding you want.

If you’re still unsure about what kind of skateboard you need, I found this helpful guide on choosing the best skateboard for beginners.

Learn More >> The best skateboard for beginners

Pushing Off with the Wrong Foot (Mongo Pushing)

If you’re anything like me, you probably didn’t even know there was a wrong way to push off on a skateboard. I didn’t give it much thought when I started—I just did what felt natural. But pretty quickly, I found out about mongo pushing.

What Is Mongo Pushing?

Mongo pushing is when you use your front foot to push off the ground instead of your back foot. This might feel easier when you’re just starting, but it makes it harder to control your board in the long run. The biggest issue with mongo pushing is that it throws off your balance, especially when you start going faster or trying to make sharp turns.

How to Push Correctly

Well, it’s time to discuss how to push correctly. The proper way to make it is to keep your front foot steady on the board and use your back foot to push off the ground. You want to place your front foot near the middle of the board, keeping it stable while your back foot does the work. Once you’ve pushed, bring your back foot onto the board’s tail and get into your stance. This helps you maintain control and steer or stop as needed.

Learning to push correctly might feel awkward initially, but it’s worth it in the long run. If you’re curious about mastering this technique, I found a helpful resource on how to push on a skateboard.

Learn More >> how to push on a skateboard

Overlooking the Importance of Balance

As a beginner, it’s easy to focus on all the fun stuff—like learning tricks or speeding down hills—but one of the most essential skills to develop is balance. It’s hard to stay upright on your board without solid balance, let alone try more advanced skills.

Why Balance Is Key

Balance is the foundation of Skateboarding. If you can’t balance on the board, it doesn’t matter how fast you are or how many tricks you know. Skateboarding requires constant weight shifting to stay upright, steer, and absorb the bumps and cracks in the pavement.

Balance Exercises for Beginners

One of the best things you can do as a beginner is practice your balance—both on and off your board. Simple balance drills can help, like standing on one foot or practicing on a balance board. You can also just stand on your skateboard while holding onto a railing or wall, getting used to the feel of the board under your feet.

When I was learning, I spent a lot of time practicing balance exercises, which paid off. As my balance improved, riding my skateboard became much smoother and more controlled.

If you’re looking for ways to work on your balance, check out this guide on enhancing balance for Skateboarding.

Learn More >> balance for Skateboarding

Not Learning How to Fall Properly

Skateboarding involves a fair share of falls, but believe it or not, there’s a right way to fall. I learned the hard way that trying to catch myself with my hands can lead to wrist injuries, which are incredibly common for beginners.

How to Fall the Right Way

When you feel yourself losing balance or falling, try to roll with the fall instead of sticking your arms out. By tucking in your arms and moving onto your side or back, you can distribute the impact across a larger area, minimizing the risk of injury. It takes practice, but learning to fall safely is essential to Skateboarding.

Falling may not be the most glamorous part of skating, but everyone does it, so it’s better to be prepared. If you’re interested in learning more about safe falling techniques, look at this article on how to fall safely on a skateboard.

Learn More >>  how to fall safely on a skateboard

Focusing Too Much on Tricks Too Early

When I first started skateboarding, I was eager to jump straight into tricks. If I could land an ollie on day one, I’d be well on my way to becoming a great skater(Honestly, it was a bad idea). But it turns out that focusing too much on tricks too early is a mistake many beginners make. Skateboarding is built on a foundation of basic skills, and skipping over those basics can slow your progress.

Mastering the Basics First

Before working on tricks, you should focus on mastering the fundamentals of riding, turning, and stopping(Basics are always essential). Once you’re comfortable with these, you’ll find that learning tricks become much more accessible. Some tricks, like the ollie, are nearly impossible to do well if you haven’t built up a solid foundation first.

Ignoring Regular Practice

You can’t expect to get good at skateboarding overnight—it takes time and consistent practice. Many beginners give up too quickly or only skate every once in a while. But just like any other skill, the more time you put in, the faster you’ll improve.

Create a Practice Routine

I recommend setting aside specific days and times to practice. Start with small sessions, like 15-30 minutes a few times a week, and gradually increase your practice time as you get more comfortable on your board. Don’t just practice the fun stuff—work on the fundamentals, too.

Need help creating a practice routine? Here’s a guide on skateboarding practice routines.

Learn More >> skateboarding practice routines

Final Thoughts: Skateboarding Is All About Enjoying the Ride

Finally, Skateboarding is about having fun. Yes, beginners make plenty of mistakes, but learning from them is part of the process. Remember, The most crucial thing is to stay persistent, wear the right gear, and enjoy the learning journey.

Remember, every pro skateboarder started as a beginner and made plenty of mistakes.

If you’re just starting, be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and don’t rush into tricks before mastering the basics. To learn more about improving your Skateboarding, check out the ultimate guide for beginner skateboarders.

Learn More >> ultimate guide for beginner skateboarders

FAQ: Common Skateboarding Mistakes to Avoid