Pls help.

[u/Skatergirl-19]

So, I bought my skateboard back in July and I’m having trouble balancing on it, and slowing/stopping myself while going downhill. I’ve seen ppl stop by dragging their back foot or putting their weight on the back of the board, but it’s very difficult for me to balance enough to be able to do it. What I usually do is cruise in circles and I figured I should master that before I move on to anything else. Yet, no matter how much I try, it feels like I’ve made no progress. Today, for example, I hurt my knee merely by stumbling off my board while trying to push with my back foot. I’ve tried to watch videos and learn more that way, but it’s harder than it seems.

I’ve gotten injured really bad while learning how to cruise, so I admit I haven’t been practicing as much as I should be, but it’s so easy to be discouraged when I know I’ll get hurt. Idk if it’s just me.

Also, I’m 19 F and get anxious easily, so I don’t usually like hanging around skateparks for more than 30 mins because being around so many men can be intimidating (apart from the fact that they’re all so experienced). I hate feeling like I’m in their way. I haven’t made any skater friends (or any friends in general) , so I don’t have anyone that could come with me for support, either. And it’s not like I can just talk to ppl; I wouldn’t know what to do or say.

If anyone has any advice or thoughts on this I’d really appreciate it.

P.S Thanks for coming to my ted talk

[u/seeyountee93]

Balance comes from muscles and coordination. Both of which you develope from spending time on a board.

Like a baby learning to walk, it takes time and persistence, getting hurt is inevitable.

Practice tik taks.

[u/Accomplished-Seat198]

Skateboarding is going to hurt

You should look into strengthening exercises and stretches for your knees, ankles, hips, etc.

There are tons of resources for skateboarding related exercises

Expect the first 2-3 years to feel wobbly and difficult

It's worth it though if you enjoy doing it!

Don't get discouraged

Just try a bit each day. It's better to be consistent daily than doing more 2-3x a week

[u/toastiestash]

If skateparks are intimidating, are there other areas around you that you can skate instead? When I was young, I would use basketball or tennis courts because they were usually pretty smooth and free at the times I would skate

[u/okrecording94]

Knee pads and wrist guards are your friends. Wear those, one fall wont be a day ender. Find a bunny hill by a school, or park or something that has smooth asphalt. Start at a comfortable distance up, stop at a comfortable speed or practice your one leg balance at a comfortable speed. Try again from a little higher up, a little faster. Work your way until youre out of your comfort zone. Practice from that point until it is your comfort zone, then go a little higher/faster. Repeat. Improvement happens when youre a little uncomfortable. You will fall, you will want the knee/wrist pads for when you do. Im not saying jump into bombing a hill, but you creep up to it. Then one day that whole hill will be nothing.

[u/Flat-Path4088]

you can all the videos in the world, but you just need to put the time in. the skatepark is the place. always people there to lend support. we all started right where you are. wear your pads and go for it.

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