What Are the Best Skateboarding Tricks for Beginners?
Share
Start Strong: Easy Skate Tricks Every New Skater Should Master
Introduction: Every Pro Was Once a Beginner
Starting out in skateboarding can feel overwhelming—but the truth is, every pro started with the basics. The key is to build your foundation with beginner-friendly tricks that boost your balance, board control, and confidence. Whether you’re riding in a park, cruising the streets, or repping your APEX t-shirt at the local spot, here are the best beginner skateboarding tricks to learn first.
1. The Ollie — Your First Real Trick
The ollie is the cornerstone of modern skateboarding. It’s how you learn to pop the board into the air using your feet alone—no hands, no ramps.
✅ Why Learn It:
- Opens the door to almost every other trick
- Builds timing and foot coordination
- Helps you hop curbs, gaps, and more
🎯 Pro Tip: Practice on flat ground and focus on popping the tail and sliding your front foot.
2. The Shuvit — Simple But Flashy
A shuvit (or shove-it) spins your board 180 degrees beneath you while you stay in the air. It looks complex but is surprisingly accessible with some balance.
✅ Why Learn It:
- Teaches board control
- Looks smooth and stylish
- Builds confidence in landing
3. Manual — The Wheelie of Skateboarding
A manual is when you balance on your back wheels while moving forward. Think of it as a skateboard wheelie—cool, clean, and low-risk.
✅ Why Learn It:
- Improves your balance
- Builds leg strength and precision
- Works into more advanced combos later
🎯 Pro Tip: Start slow. Keep your weight centered and use your arms to balance.
4. Kickturn — Learn to Steer With Style
A kickturn helps you turn your board sharply by lifting the front wheels slightly and pivoting. It’s essential for skating ramps and tight spots.
✅ Why Learn It:
- Crucial for park and bowl riding
- Builds comfort with foot shifting
- Looks clean when styled right
5. Fakie & Switch Riding — Train Your Brain
Learning to ride fakie (backward) or switch (opposite stance) expands your board control and gets your body used to unnatural movements.
✅ Why Learn It:
- Prepares you for future tricks
- Builds symmetry in your riding
- Makes you a more versatile skater
🎯 Pro Tip: Try rolling fakie down a mellow hill or skatepark bank to build comfort.
Bonus: Beginner Trick Combo to Try
Ollie → Manual → Kickturn
This simple combo is a great way to start chaining tricks together—and it looks way more advanced than it feels.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Skateboarding isn’t about landing every trick on your first try—it’s about showing up, getting better, and pushing past limits. Keep your head up, wear your scrapes like a badge, and rep gear that backs your mindset.
🔥 Gear Up with APEX
From durable tees to bold hoodies built for movement, APEX apparel keeps you ready for the next trick, next fall, next win.
