Street Skateboarding: Tips, Tricks & Gear Guide

Street skateboarding lets you turn sidewalks, stairs, and rails into a playground. Whether you’re fresh to the scene or looking to tighten your lines, the right advice can shave off wasted effort and keep you rolling safely.

Essential Gear for Street Skaters

The first thing you need is a board that matches your style. A 7.75‑8.25 inch deck gives a good blend of stability and pop for most tricks. Choose a shape with a slightly wider nose if you like flip tricks, and keep the tail blunt for grind stability.

Good wheels matter too. For street work, 52‑56mm wheels with a hardness of 99a‑101a slide well on concrete while still providing enough grip for fast tricks. Pair them with 11‑13mm bearings; cheap ones feel gritty and can ruin your flow.

Never skip safety gear. A wrist guard, knee pads, and a helmet designed for skateboarding protect the joints you’ll most likely hit when learning new moves. They don’t have to look bulky – modern pads fit under your clothes and won’t hold you back.

Core Tricks to Practice

Start with the basics: ollies, pop shuvits, and kickflips. Mastering a clean ollie gives you the height and control needed for everything else. Keep your feet centered, snap the tail, and slide the front foot up the board. It sounds simple, but repeat it until it feels automatic.

Once the ollie is solid, add a pop shuvit. Slide the back foot around the board’s tail while letting the front foot guide the board’s rotation. This trick teaches you board awareness without the foot‑over‑head complexity of a kickflip.

Kickflips combine the pop shuvit rotation with a lateral flip. Start slow, focus on the flick with the front toe, and catch the board with your back foot before it lands. Don’t rush – a controlled, low-height flip is easier to land than a high one.

Grinds come next. Begin on a low, flat rail or a ledge. Approach at a slight angle, ollie onto the rail, and lock your trucks. Practice flatground “boardslides” first to get comfortable with sliding on metal before moving to higher obstacles.

Progression is key. Spend 10‑15 minutes on each trick, then take a short break. This prevents fatigue, which is the main cause of sloppy landings and injuries.

Finding spots is easier than you think. Look for any concrete curb, stair set, or public skate plaza. Most cities have a dedicated skate spot – a quick search or a chat with local skaters will point you in the right direction.

When you’re at a new spot, walk the area first. Spot any cracks, loose tiles, or debris that could cause a slip. A clean line makes the difference between a smooth run and a tumble.

Finally, keep a skate journal. Jot down the tricks you worked on, what felt good, and what needs tweaking. Seeing small improvements on paper motivates you to push harder.

Street skateboarding is all about creativity and flow. With the right board, safety gear, and a steady practice routine, you’ll turn everyday pavement into a personal arena. Get out there, stay safe, and keep shredding.