Starting to skateboard as an adult has its own unique challenges and benefits. You may doubt if you can start now or worry about the effort it needs. Yet, many adults have joined skateboarding later in life and found it fulfilling.
They show it’s possible to skateboard at any time in life if you stay persistent and positive. This adventure means you’ll fall but also learn and grow. It turns skateboarding into not just a fun hobby but also great exercise and a way to ease stress.
Key Takeaways
- Many adults successfully learn to skateboard, proving age is just a number.
- Skateboarding offers physical exercise and stress relief.
- Challenges include physical demands but can be overcome with persistence.
- Accepting falls and enjoying the learning process is crucial.
- Numerous stories confirm that adults can master skateboarding.
Understanding the Benefits of Learning to Skateboard as an Adult
Skateboarding is great for all ages, not just the young. Adults can find joy, exercise, and stress relief in it. A study shows 45% of skaters are 12 to 17 years old. Yet, many adults have started skating. This shows adult skateboarding advantages.
Skateboarding helps improve motor skills and teaches you to keep trying. It gives you a good workout, strengthening your core, balance, and coordination. Adults who skate increase their physical activity by 25%. Plus, you can burn 8 to 12 calories a minute while having fun.
The mental health perks of skateboarding are huge. It works like meditation, giving adults a break from life’s stress. Learning new tricks boosts your confidence and lowers stress. Neal Unger, a skater in his 60s, proves you’re never too old to skate. Check out his story here.
Skating also helps you meet people and make friends. It’s easy to connect with others in the skateboarding world. Public events and sessions are perfect for meeting new friends from different places.
Starting to skateboard as an adult can change your life. It’s good for your body, mind, and social life. Even if it seems scary at first, the joy and empowerment it brings are worth it. So, why not try skating and see all the benefits of skateboarding for yourself?
Choosing the Right Skateboard for Your Needs
Picking the right skateboard as an adult is important. It should match how skilled you are and how you plan to use it. There are skateboard types for every style, making finding the perfect one easier. We’ve gathered info on best skateboards for beginners, sizes, and features to help you choose.
Skateboards come in types like cruisers, longboards, and standard boards, each with its perks. Cruisers are great for easy, comfy rides around town. Longboards are the go-to for downhill racing and covering long distances. Standard boards are versatile, ideal for doing tricks and skatepark fun.
Here’s a guide to help you find the right skateboard size based on your shoe size and height:
| Shoe Size (US – EU) | Deck Width (inches) | Body Height (cm) | Deck Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 1 | EU 31.5 | < 100 cm | < 28″ | |
| US 5 | EU 36.5 | 7.625″ – 8″ | 100-125 cm | 28″ – 30.5″ |
| US 7 | EU 40 | 7.875″ – 8.125″ | 125-140 cm | 28″ – 30.5″ |
| US 9 | EU 42.5 | 8.00″ – 8.375″ | 140 – 175 cm | 30.5″ – 31.875″ |
| US 10 | EU 44 | 8.125″ – 8.5″ | 175 – 190 cm | 31.875″ – 32.25″ |
| US 12 | EU 46 | 8.375″ – 8.625″ | > 190 cm | > 32.5″ |
Choosing a skateboard also means thinking about wheel size, hardness, and truck heights based on your skating style. Complete skateboards are good for beginners. They’re affordable and easy to use. Look for deals like the 40% off complete skateboards at the skatedeluxe shop to save money and get quality.
In short, the best skateboard fits both your body and your skating dreams. It makes starting in skateboarding fun and easy.
Essential Gear for Beginner Adult Skateboarders
As you start skateboarding, getting the right skateboarding essential gear is key. This gear keeps you safe and boosts your confidence. For beginners, picking the correct gear lessens injury risk, making skateboarding more fun.
A sturdy helmet is vital. It shields your head from injuries, making it essential skateboarding safety equipment. Make sure your helmet fits well for the best protection.
Then, there’s protective gear for skateboarding like knee and elbow pads, plus wrist guards. They protect against cuts and broken bones. This gear is a must since many injuries happen on uneven surfaces. It also gives you the confidence to try new moves safely.
Getting gear that fits right is crucial. Choose high-quality material for durability and comfort. Well-fitting gear stays in place and doesn’t limit your movement. This is extra important for adults to help keep balance and control on the board.
To wrap it up, having full skateboarding safety equipment is smart. From helmets to pads, every piece of skateboarding essential gear helps prevent injuries and makes skateboarding better. So, arm yourself with the right gear and skate confidently!
Tips for Getting Started with Skateboarding
Starting to skateboard might seem hard, but some beginner tips can help. First, work on balancing and simple moves in a safe, flat place.
Wondering how to begin skateboarding? Get a good beginner board, costing between $100 and $175. Also, don’t forget safety gear like helmets and pads to prevent injuries. About 50% of skate injuries happen because of bad surfaces and not having the right safety equipment.
Adults might find it harder to learn skateboarding. Yet, practicing for one hour daily and following a routine can bring big improvements. Start with 30 minutes of stretching and balancing exercises. Then, spend another 30 minutes on skills you know, and try new tricks for 30 more minutes.
Watching skate videos daily for 30 minutes is key. They give you tips on style and how to do techniques. Stick to this plan, and in 3 weeks, you might be ready to try an ollie. In about 4 weeks, you could actually do one.
Davis Torgerson, a skater with 20 years of experience, talks about the importance of learning to fall the right way. Since wearing safety gear can prevent half of skate injuries, keeping safe is very important.
In a month, you could master four skills: pushing, kickturns, riding different areas, and doing ollies. Tips always say consistency and not giving up are key. Keep going, stay positive, and celebrate small wins. That’s the way to enjoy learning skateboarding.
Connecting with the Skateboarding Community
Joining the skateboarding community can make your skateboarding better. You get support, make friends, and learn a lot. Since skateboarding has become more popular, especially with adults during the pandemic, there are more people to meet. Many adults, even in their 30s, started skateboarding to feel less lonely during the pandemic. This has made the skateboarding world welcoming and diverse.
Local skate parks are a great place to start. They are full of action and offer a chance to watch skilled skateboarders. You can join group lessons and practice your skills. These places mix safety with community spirit. Experienced skateboarders often offer tips and support, making it easier to get into skateboarding.
Online forums and social media are also great for joining the skateboarding world. Sites like Reddit and Facebook have groups for all skateboarding levels. You can talk, share your progress, and get help from many people. To connect more with skateboarders, try going to skate events nearby. These events can be small meetups or big contests, and they’re good for making friends and getting better at skateboarding.
Being part of the skateboarding community helps you learn faster and make friends for life. The supportive vibe helps celebrate every small win. For more tips on improving at skateboarding, here’s a detailed guide on whether skateboarding lessons are worth it. Connecting with others means more than just skateboarding; it’s about being part of an excited and supportive group.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!