How To Turn On A Skateboard? Start Learning From Basics

How To Turn On A Skateboard? Learn With Text And Videos

I was once a beginner skateboarder just like you. I remember struggling to get the hang of it and constantly falling. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Skateboarding can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty frustrating when you’re first trying to make a turn. I know, because I’ve been there.

To turn a skateboard, you need to first master the basic skills. This includes stance and pushing. Once you have mastered these skills, you will be able to turn your skateboard with ease.

In this article, I’m going to teach you how to turn on a skateboard. It’s not as difficult as it seems, but it does take some practice.

So Let’s Get Started!


Skateboarding is a great way to have fun and get some exercise done, but it can be a little tricky to turn your skateboard. Here are six easy steps to turn on your skateboard.

So Let's Get Started! How to Turn On a Skateboard?

Step 01: Check your truck’s tightness

It’s that time of year again when the weather is starting to warm up, and people want to start skating again. Before you hit the skate park or even your driveway, make sure your trucks are tightened up properly. A loose truck can cause you to lose control while skating and could lead to a serious injury.

Trucks are the metal pieces that connect your deck to your wheels. If they are not tightened correctly, they can cause your board to wobble and make it difficult to turn. To tighten them correctly, use a wrench or socket wrench and turn the screws on either side of the truck until they are tight.

It is also important to make sure that your bearings are properly lubricated. If they are not, they will also cause your board to wobble and make turning difficult.                                                                

Step 02: Locate a level, smooth area to practice.

Before you try to turn your skateboard for the first time, it’s important to find a smooth and flat ground to practice on. This will help you to get the hang of turning the board before attempting it on a more difficult surface.

You may also want to wear protective gear, such as a helmet and knee pads when practicing to minimize the chance of injury. As you need to know that 147 major skateboard injuries happened due to the lack of awareness from 2011 -2015.

Step 03: Begin riding in a standard position.

When learning how to turn a skateboard for the first time, you must ride in a normal stance. This will help you to balance and control the board better as you make your turns. It is also important to use the correct turning technique.

Step 04: Lean in the direction you want to go.

The key is to keep your balance. You can do this by leaning in the direction you want to go. For example, if you want to turn to the right, lean your body to the right. This will help you stay on the board and make your turns smoother.

Another thing to keep in mind when turning is momentum. Make sure you pick up speed before making your turn and then use that momentum to carry you through the turn. Picking up speed is easy – just push off with your foot on the side of the board that you want to spin towards.

Step 05: Be sure to stay put.

Now you should focus on maintaining your balance. It’s important to keep your body in the center of the board and use your feet and legs to control your direction. Don’t be afraid to fall – that’s how you learn! Just make sure you’re wearing the proper safety gear, and take it slow until you get the hang of things.

Step 06: Return to your regular posture.

Return your weight to the center of your feet when you’re ready to cease rotating. This will assist in keeping you steady and in command. Staying on your toes increases your risk of falling and losing your posture.

Step 07. Repeat learning from videos

How to Turn Left On a Skateboard?


If you want to know how to turn left on a skateboard, then there are a few ways to do this. One way is to use the heel-toe method. To do this,

How to Turn Left On a Skateboard?
  1. You will need to place your back foot on the tail of the skateboard and your front foot in the middle of the board.
  2. Push down with your back foot and then lift with your front foot to turn the board.
  3. You can also use the kickturn method. To do this,
  4. Put your front foot in the middle of the board and your back foot in the back of the board.
  5. Push off with your back foot and then quickly lift your front foot to turn the board.
  6. Another way to turn left is by using the carve turn. To do this,
  7. Start by positioning yourself in the middle of the board with both feet facing forward.
  8. Shift your weight to your back foot and then lean into the turn while pushing off with your front foot.
  9. Keep your arms bent and close to your body as you turn.

How to Turn Right On a Skateboard?


When you want to make a right turn, you’ll need to lean your body to the right and steer your board in the same direction.

To help you stay upright, use your back foot to push off of the ground and then quickly bring it back to the starting position. You’ll also need to use your front foot to balance yourself and keep you moving in the right direction.

Now you know how to turn left and right on a skateboard. So what are you waiting for, let’s start practicing.

Why Can’t I Turn On My Skateboard?


There are a few reasons why you may be struggling to turn on your skateboard.

Why Can't I Turn On My Skateboard?

01. Bearing Issue

One reason may be that your bearings need oiling. If your bearings are dry, they will not spin as easily and this will make it difficult for you to turn on your skateboard.

02. Trucks Issue

Another common reason for not being able to turn on your skateboard is that the trucks on your board are too tight. If the trucks are too tight, they will not allow the wheels to spin freely and this will also make it difficult for you to turn on your skateboard.

03. Wheels Issue

If you’re a skateboarder, you know that a good grip on the ground is essential for doing tricks and staying safe. Dirty or worn-down wheels can make it difficult to grip the ground and turn on your skateboard. That’s why it’s important to keep your wheels clean and in good condition.

04. Wrong Foot Placement

When you’re learning how to skateboard, it’s important to focus on your foot placement. If your foot placement is wrong, it will be difficult to turn on the skateboard.

To make a tight turn, you’ll need to place your back foot close to the tail of the skateboard. You should also angle your front foot towards the nose of the skateboard.

Final Words


Learning how to turn on a skateboard is a skill that can be mastered with practice. It is important to be aware of the different techniques that can be used to make the turn as smooth as possible.

With a little bit of effort, anyone can learn how to turn on a skateboard for beginners and start cruising around town. By following the simple steps listed in this article, you can be turning into a pro in no time.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start skating!

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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