Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to get started or someone seeking to improve their street skating skills, this guide will walk you through the essentials of street skateboarding, from basic techniques to advanced maneuvers.

1. What Is Street Skateboarding?

Street skateboarding is the art of using the streets—sidewalks, curbs, stairs, handrails, benches, and any other urban features—as obstacles for tricks. Unlike vert skating, which takes place on ramps and bowls, street skateboarding requires riders to be adaptable to the environment, using everything around them to express their creativity and push their technical abilities. This style of skateboarding emphasizes a high degree of technical skill, as skaters need to maintain control and execute precise tricks while navigating unpredictable urban surfaces.

Street skating gained immense popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as skaters began to move away from traditional skateparks and sought new, more varied challenges in public spaces. The move towards street skating was propelled by influential skaters like Rodney Mullen, who introduced groundbreaking tricks that shaped the sport into what it is today. The Ollie, in particular, revolutionized street skating, allowing riders to pop their boards off the ground without using their hands.

2. The Basics of Street Skateboarding

If you’re new to street skateboarding, there are a few fundamental skills and techniques you’ll need to master before progressing to more complex tricks. The following basics will lay the foundation for your street skating journey:

a) The Skateboard

Your skateboard is the most important tool in street skating. For street skateboarding, you’ll typically need a pop-shuvit deck (a standard street deck) with a width that suits your preferences. Most street skaters opt for decks that range from 7.5 to 8.25 inches in width, which provide a good balance between stability and maneuverability.

Make sure you invest in quality wheels and trucks as well. Street skaters usually prefer harder wheels (99A or above) for better performance on smooth, solid surfaces like concrete and asphalt.

b) Stance

There are two primary stances in skateboarding: regular (left foot forward) and goofy (right foot forward). To figure out your stance, pay attention to how you naturally position yourself on the board or when you slide on a slick surface like ice. If you’re still unsure, try pushing off on a flat surface to see which stance feels more comfortable.

c) Pushing and Riding

Once you’ve determined your stance, it’s time to learn how to ride your skateboard. Push off by using your back foot to propel the board forward while your front foot stays on the deck. Practice riding straight, making smooth turns, and controlling your speed by adjusting your weight and foot placement.

d) The Ollie

The Ollie is the cornerstone of street skateboarding. This trick involves popping the tail of the skateboard down and using your front foot to level the board in the air. To perform an Ollie, place your back foot on the tail of the board, apply pressure, and then quickly scoop the tail downward while dragging your front foot up the board. This motion will cause the board to lift off the ground. With practice, you’ll be able to control the height and distance of your Ollie.

3. Common Street Skateboarding Tricks

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start learning some of the essential street skateboarding tricks. These tricks are what make street skating so exciting and diverse. Here’s a breakdown of the most common tricks performed by street skaters:

a) Kickflip

The kickflip is a classic street trick where the skateboarder flips the board in the air by kicking the edge of the board with their front foot. The key to a clean kickflip is timing and foot placement. After performing an Ollie, you need to slide your front foot up and out to the side of the board, using a flicking motion to make the board flip.

b) Heelflip

Similar to the kickflip, the heelflip involves using your front foot to flick the edge of the board. However, instead of using your toes, you’ll use your heel to make the board spin. The heelflip is often more difficult than the kickflip, as it requires better precision and timing.

c) Grinds and Slides

Grinds and slides are essential tricks in street skateboarding that involve riding the edge of an obstacle, such as a rail or ledge, with the trucks of your skateboard. In a grind, the skater lands on the obstacle with the trucks, while in a slide, the skater’s deck slides along the obstacle.

The most common grinds are the 50-50 grind (where both trucks slide along the edge) and the smith grind (where the front truck grinds while the back truck hangs off the edge). For slides, boardslides and lipslides are popular choices.

d) Shuvits and Variations

A shuvit is a trick where the skater makes the board spin 180 degrees (or more) beneath their feet without rotating the rider’s body. The basic shuvit can be modified into various variations, such as the 360 shuvit or bigspin, where the board spins a full 360 degrees.

4. Street Skating Etiquette

One of the most important aspects of street skateboarding is respecting the environment and the people around you. Since street skating often takes place in public spaces, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to pedestrians, store owners, and other skaters. Here are a few key points to remember:

- Don’t skate on private property without permission. It’s important to be mindful of where you skate to avoid legal issues.
- Respect other skaters. Street spots can get crowded, so take turns and be patient with others who want to use the same space.
- Be aware of your impact. Avoid damaging public property, and always clean up after yourself.

5. Developing Your Own Style

Street skateboarding is not only about mastering tricks; it’s also about expressing your individuality. Unlike other skateboarding styles, street skating offers endless opportunities to incorporate creativity and style into every trick. Watch your favorite skaters and pay attention to their unique approach to the same obstacles. Over time, you’ll develop your own style based on what feels natural to you.

6. Tips for Improving Your Street Skateboarding Skills

- Practice regularly. Consistency is key to improving your skills, so make sure you spend time practicing at least a few times a week.
- Push yourself outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new tricks or hit more challenging spots. The more you push yourself, the faster you’ll improve.
- Learn from others. Watch tutorials, skate videos, and check out pro skaters’ footage to gain insight into new techniques and tricks.

Conclusion: The Joy of Street Skateboarding

Street skateboarding is not just a sport; it’s a form of self-expression that brings together skill, creativity, and the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re skating on the streets of your city or trying out new tricks at the local skatepark, the freedom and excitement of street skateboarding will always keep you coming back for more. So grab your board, hit the streets, and start discovering the limitless possibilities of street skateboarding.