Changing Direction
Skateboard Turning
Once you're happy pushing and stopping, skateboard turning is your next step. As a beginner you need to
learn to carve and to kickturn.
But before we start talking about turning we're going to confuse the issue with a bit of skateboard terminology,
frontside and backside.
In the simplest of terms, if you're facing the arc of your turn, it's a frontside turn and if your back is to
the arc of the turn, it's a backside turn.
Not at all confusing right, wait until you start doing tricks. But we'll leave that for later.
The CarveThis is the easiest method of skateboard turning and you'll be doing it a lot. All you need to do
is adjust your weight on the board and it will turn. So, if you want to turn in the direction your toes are
pointing then shift your weight onto your toes. If you want to turn the opposite way, shift your weight onto your
heels.
The more you shift your weight the tighter your turn will be. Leaning your body in the direction of the turn
will make it easier as will bending your knees and getting low over the board for tighter
turns.
The KickturnKickturns are not as easy as carves but they will point you in the direction you want to go
much quicker. Before you attempt this method of skateboard turning make sure you're confident with your balance and
can happily push, stop and carve.
To do a kickturn you will need to learn to balance on the back wheels of the board. You might want to practice
this on some soft grass initially, just so your board doesn't shoot out from under you.
First stand with your back foot over the tail and your front foot just behind the front bolts. Now, begin to
transfer some of your weight to the back of the board. You're just aiming to lift the nose, not let the tail touch
the ground.
As the nose comes up try to hold it for as long as you can. Practise this until you feel quite confident
balancing on two wheels. If you're trying this on the grass, now's the time to graduate to the hard stuff.
Remember, your board will be more apt to do its own thing, so be careful.
If you're happy with your balancing ability we can begin the turns.
Most people find frontside kickturns easier than backside turns so we'll do that first.
The Frontside Kickturn
Start by moving your weight back on the board and lift the front end. If you've been practising this step you
should be quite confident with this part.
Now, grip the board with your front toes and swing the front of the board back behind you and lower the nose.
Don't try to swing it too far at first. If you can only turn it through a few degrees initially, that's okay.
As you gain confidence with your balance, use your upper body to help you turn the board. Twisting your
shoulders and swinging your arms and hips round will help to push the board round further.
The Backside Kickturn
Like the frontside kickturn, you start the backside kickturn by transferring some of your weight onto the back
foot to lift the nose of the board.
This time, however, you're going to use the heel of your front foot to push the skateboard's nose forward and
round. Again, don't try to turn too far at first. Rather let the nose come down after a short distance than risk a
fall.
Skateboard turning takes practise. The more you practise, the further round you'll be able to turn and
eventually you'll think nothing of turning a full 360.
You'll probably find kickturning in one direction a lot easier than the other. Practise until you are
comfortable both ways, it will be well worth it in the long run.
Go to more Skateboarding Lessons
Go to Know How to Skateboard from Skateboard Turning
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