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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Rachel Dixon

How to start skateboarding

Skateboarding: Rachel Dixon learning to skateboard
First things first. To get on a skateboard, stand to the right of the board. Keep your right leg on the floor by the front right wheel, and step your left leg on to the board. Position it over the front bolts, foot facing forwards. NB. These instructions suit most right-handers - switch sides if you're left-handed or don't feel comfortable
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Rachel Dixon learning to skateboard
Step your right leg up on to the board, positioning it over the back bolts, facing outwards. Bend your knees and get your balance - holding your arms out should help
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Rachel Dixon learning to skateboard
To move, simply push along the floor with your back foot. Keep pushing to build up speed, or bring your foot back on to the board to cruise along
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Rachel Dixon learning to skateboard
To turn, keep your weight on your back foot and gently lift the front of the board, replacing it on the ground in the direction you want to go
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Daryl Nobbs skateboarding
Now over to the professionals ... Keep your body in line with the skateboard, as demonstrated here by Daryl Nobbs
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Chris Oliver skateboarding
Work on your balance. Here, Chris Oliver displays masterful control
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Chris Oliver skateboarding
When you are ready to try a trick, practice an ollie - a basic jump. Find out more about the move here
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Chris Oliver skateboarding
It might be a while before you can get this much air on any of your jumps ...
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Chris Oliver skateboarding
Chris has been skateboarding for around 15 years
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Chris Oliver skateboarding
Good core strength will help you hold your position in the air
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Daryl Nobbs skateboarding
A sense of daring is important - you need enough courage to try steep slopes, high jumps and difficult tricks
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
Skateboarding: Daryl Nobbs skateboarding
Never grasp your board by the wheels - it's not the done thing. To pick it up, stamp hard on the back and grab the front. NB. This (and much of the preceding advice) is easier said than done
Photograph: Anna Gordon/Guardian
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