Are you eager to take your skateboarding skills to the next level? In this article, we’ll explore the exciting world of perfecting manual skateboarding techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your existing skills, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to boost your confidence, enhance your balance, and impress your friends with some incredible manual tricks. So, grab your skateboard and let’s get rolling!
Choosing the Right Skateboard
When it comes to skateboarding, choosing the right skateboard is essential for a smooth and enjoyable ride. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting the perfect skateboard for you.
Selecting the Right Deck Size
One of the first things to consider when choosing a skateboard is the size of the deck. The deck size refers to the width of the skateboard, and it plays a significant role in your overall skating experience. If you’re a beginner or primarily using your skateboard for cruising, a wider deck around 8 to 8.5 inches might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in tricks and street skating, a narrower deck between 7.5 to 8 inches might be a better fit.
Choosing the Appropriate Trucks
Trucks are the metal T-shaped components that connect the wheels to the skateboard deck, and they directly impact your ability to turn and maneuver. Selecting the right trucks is crucial for stability and control. For street skating and tricks, a narrower truck width is preferable. However, if you’re into cruising or vert skating, wider trucks are more suitable. It’s also important to consider the hardness of the bushings in the trucks, as they affect the responsiveness and turning ability of your skateboard.
Picking the Right Wheels
Wheels are another important component of your skateboard. They come in various sizes and hardness levels, each suitable for different styles of skating. Larger wheels (55-60mm) are typically better for cruising and commuting, providing a smoother ride over rough surfaces. Smaller wheels (50-54mm) are more common in street skateboarding, enabling quicker acceleration and more precise tricks. The hardness of the wheels is measured on the durometer scale, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels. Softer wheels (78A-87A) are better for cruising, while harder wheels (99A-101A) are more suitable for tricks and skating in skateparks.
Understanding the Basics of Manual Skateboarding
Now that you have your skateboard, it’s time to delve into the fundamentals of manual skateboarding. Manuals are an essential skill that involves balancing on two wheels without touching the ground with your other wheels.
What is a Manual?
A manual is a skateboarding trick that involves lifting the front or back wheels of the skateboard off the ground, maintaining balance on only two wheels. It requires a combination of weight distribution, body positioning, and control to keep the skateboard in a controlled and balanced position. Manuals are often used as a foundation for more complex tricks and can add style and creativity to your skateboarding.
Basic Manual Techniques
To perform a manual, start by riding at a moderate speed and gradually shift your weight towards the tail or nose of the skateboard, lifting the other set of wheels off the ground. It’s crucial to maintain balance by using your ankles, knees, and core muscles. Engage your core to keep your body centered over the skateboard and make subtle adjustments with your feet and legs to maintain balance.
Importance of Balance and Weight Distribution
Balance and weight distribution are key elements in successful manual skateboarding. As you shift your weight towards the back or front, make sure to keep your body centered over the skateboard. A slight shift in weight can drastically affect your balance. Engaging your core muscles will help you maintain stability and make it easier to correct any imbalances. Practice adjusting your weight distribution gradually and experiment with different foot positions to find what works best for you.
Developing Balance and Stability
Before diving into advanced manual techniques, it’s important to develop your balance and stability on the skateboard. Here are some exercises and tips to help you improve these crucial aspects.
Practicing on a Flat Surface
Start by practicing on a flat, smooth surface with enough space to maneuver safely. This will allow you to focus on your balance without distractions or obstacles. Begin by standing on your skateboard and getting a feel for the stability. Practice shifting your weight from side to side, focusing on maintaining a centered and balanced position. As you become more comfortable, gradually introduce small movements and weight shifts to develop your balance further.
Improving Core Strength
Building core strength is vital for maintaining stability and balance while manual skateboarding. Incorporate exercises like planks, Russian twists, and leg raises into your workout routine to strengthen your core muscles. A strong core will provide stability and help you make necessary adjustments to stay balanced on the skateboard.
Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility plays a crucial role in maintaining balance on the skateboard. Regular stretching exercises for your lower body, particularly your ankles, calves, and hips, will improve your ability to adjust and react to changes in weight distribution. Include exercises such as ankle circles, lunges, and hip stretches in your warm-up routine before skating.
Mastering the Manual Technique
Once you’ve developed your balance and stability, it’s time to progress to mastering the manual technique itself. Here are some steps to help you become proficient in manual skateboarding.
Starting with Small Rolls
Begin by attempting short manuals for a few feet or meters. Ride at a comfortable speed and shift your weight to lift either the front or back wheels off the ground. Focus on maintaining balance throughout the manual, and as you progress, try increasing the distance gradually. Pay attention to your body positioning, weight distribution, and adjustments made with your feet to fine-tune your technique.
Progressing to Longer Distances
As you gain confidence and balance, challenge yourself by attempting longer manuals. Start with slightly longer distances than what you’re comfortable with and gradually increase it over time. This progression will help you build endurance, improve your overall balance, and increase your control over the skateboard.
Controlling the Board with Your Feet
Throughout the manual, it’s important to have excellent control over the skateboard with your feet. Use your front foot to slightly press down on the board and maintain balance, while the back foot helps control the board’s tilt and adjusts your weight distribution as needed. Experiment with different foot positions and find what feels most comfortable and stable for you.
Improving Balance through Practicing Tricks
Once you have a solid grasp on the manual technique, you can further improve your balance by incorporating tricks into your manual skateboarding routine. Here are some tricks that can help enhance your balance skills:
Kickturns and Pivot Turns
Kickturns and pivot turns involve using your body weight and feet to rotate the skateboard in either a 180-degree or 360-degree motion while maintaining the manual position. These tricks challenge your balance and require precise foot control and weight distribution. Practice these tricks in a controlled environment, gradually increasing your rotation and complexity as you become more comfortable.
Nose and Tail Manuals
Nose manuals and tail manuals are variations of the basic manual where you focus on balancing on either the nose or tail of the skateboard. These tricks require additional control and compensating for weight distribution, challenging your balance and coordination. Start by attempting short nose or tail manuals, gradually increasing the duration and difficulty.
Manual Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic manual, explore different variations to add creativity and style to your skateboarding. This could include manual shuvits, manual kickflips, or even incorporating manuals into lines or combinations. Experiment with different tricks while maintaining the manual position to improve your balance in various situations.
Perfecting Your Manual Popping Technique
Popping is a technique used to elevate the front or back wheels of the skateboard off the ground while performing a manual. Perfecting your manual popping technique will enhance your control and increase the possibilities for more advanced tricks. Here’s how to improve your manual popping skills.
Understanding Proper Weight Shifting
To execute a successful manual pop, it’s essential to understand the proper weight shifting technique. Start by riding with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. As you initiate the manual, shift your weight towards the back foot while simultaneously popping the front wheels off the ground. The weight shift creates the necessary leverage to elevate the wheels and maintain balance.
Popping the Manual with the Rear Foot
The rear foot plays a crucial role in popping the manual. As you shift your weight towards the back foot, quickly snap the tail of the skateboard down with your rear foot. This snapping motion generates upward force, lifting the front wheels off the ground. Practice this motion repeatedly, focusing on achieving a swift and controlled pop.
Utilizing the Front Foot for Balance
While the rear foot is responsible for popping the manual, the front foot is crucial for maintaining balance and control. Use your front foot to press down slightly on the skateboard, providing stability during the pop and keeping the board level. Experiment with the pressure and positioning of your front foot to find the optimal balance and control for your manual popping technique.
Increasing Endurance and Stamina
Manual skateboarding requires a certain level of endurance and stamina, as it relies on maintaining balance and control over an extended period. Here are some tips to improve your endurance and stamina for manual skateboarding.
Building Cardiovascular Fitness
Engaging in cardio exercises like jogging, cycling, or swimming regularly will help improve your cardiovascular fitness. A healthier heart and lungs will provide you with more energy and endurance during manual skateboarding. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio activity three to four times per week to see improvements in your stamina.
Gradually Increasing Manual Time
Another effective way to build endurance and stamina specifically for manual skateboarding is by gradually increasing the duration of your manuals. Start with shorter manuals and incrementally increase the time as your balance and control improve. Keeping track of your progress and setting goals will help you stay motivated and continue pushing your limits.
Including Interval Training
Interval training is a highly effective method for improving endurance and stamina. Incorporating short bursts of intense manual skateboarding followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity activity will build both anaerobic and aerobic fitness. For example, try performing a series of short but intense manuals followed by a few minutes of rest or light skating. Repeat this cycle several times during your skate session to challenge and improve your stamina.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To ensure a safe and successful manual skateboarding experience, it’s essential to be aware of and avoid common mistakes. Here are a few common errors to watch out for:
Leaning Too Far Back
One common mistake beginners make is leaning too far back during a manual. Leaning too much to the back can throw off your balance and make it difficult to maintain control. Practice keeping your weight centered and only shifting it enough to lift the front or back wheels off the ground. This will help you maintain balance and prevent unnecessary falls.
Focusing only on Upper Body
While the upper body plays a role in maintaining balance during a manual, it’s crucial to remember that the entire body contributes to stability. Neglecting to engage your core, legs, and feet can lead to an unstable position and make it challenging to maintain the manual. Be sure to distribute your weight evenly and utilize your entire body for control and balance.
Neglecting Protective Gear
Skateboarding can be a physically demanding activity with a risk of falls and injuries. Neglecting the use of protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, can result in severe injuries. Always prioritize your safety and wear appropriate protective gear when skateboarding, especially when attempting manual tricks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and protective gear can greatly reduce the risk of injury.
Maintaining Your Skateboard
Proper maintenance of your skateboard is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Regular inspection, cleaning, and replacing worn-out parts will ensure your skateboard stays in excellent condition. Here are some maintenance tips:
Regularly Inspecting the Board
Regularly inspect your skateboard for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check the deck for cracks, delamination, or splintering. Examine the trucks for any looseness, bending, or significant damage. Inspect the wheels for flat spots, excessive wear, or unevenness. Identifying issues early on will allow you to address them promptly and prevent further damage.
Keeping Trucks and Bearings Clean
Trucks and bearings are two critical components that require regular cleaning. Use a skateboard-specific tool to remove the wheels and access the bearings. Clean the bearings using a specialized bearing cleaner or isopropyl alcohol, removing any dirt or debris. Lubricate the bearings with skate-specific lubricant and reassemble the wheels and trucks. Keeping your trucks and bearings clean will ensure smooth and efficient performance.
Replacing Worn-out Parts
Skateboard parts, especially wheels and bearings, experience wear and tear over time. As they wear out, they can affect the overall skateboard performance, including manual skateboarding. Monitor the condition of your wheels and bearings, and replace them when they show signs of significant wear, such as flat spots or reduced speed. Additionally, replace any damaged or broken parts promptly to avoid compromising your safety and the overall skateboard quality.
Seeking Professional Guidance and Tips
If you’re serious about perfecting your manual skateboarding skills, seeking professional guidance and tips can greatly accelerate your progress. Here are some avenues to consider:
Taking Skateboarding Lessons
Skateboarding lessons are an excellent way to learn from experienced instructors who can provide personalized guidance and feedback. Look for skateboarding schools or training centers in your area that offer lessons for beginners and more advanced skaters. Learning proper technique and receiving direct feedback can help you fine-tune your skills and overcome any challenges or obstacles.
Attending Skateboarding Workshops
Skateboarding workshops often gather a community of skateboarders where you can learn from and be inspired by others. These workshops typically include demonstrations, group sessions, and opportunities for one-on-one instruction. They provide a supportive and collaborative environment to learn and share tips with fellow skateboarders.
Getting Feedback from Experienced Skaters
Engage with experienced skaters in your local skate park or through online skateboarding communities. Seek advice, ask for feedback on your technique, and learn from their experiences. Experienced skaters often have valuable insights and tips that can help you refine your manual skateboarding skills.
Remember, mastering manual skateboarding takes time, patience, and practice. Embrace the learning process, enjoy the journey, and have fun while perfecting your skills. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be riding stylish and balanced manuals in no time!