How to start skateboarding

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
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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
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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
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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
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Now over to the professionals ... Keep your body in line with the skateboard, as demonstrated here by Daryl Nobbs
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Work on your balance. Here, Chris Oliver displays masterful control
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When you are ready to try a trick, practice an ollie - a basic jump. Find out more about the move here
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It might be a while before you can get this much air on any of your jumps ...
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Chris has been skateboarding for around 15 years
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Good core strength will help you hold your position in the air
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A sense of daring is important - you need enough courage to try steep slopes, high jumps and difficult tricks
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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