3 Ways To Stand On A Skateboard - WikiHow

Home » How To Stand On Skateboard » 3 Ways To Stand On A Skateboard - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Stand on a Skateboard PDF download Download Article Find a comfortable stance on a skateboard Co-authored by Jon Depoian

Last Updated: February 25, 2026 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Finding a Comfortable Stance
    • |
  • Staying Balanced
    • |
  • Getting a Feel for the Board
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jon Depoian. Jon Depoian is a Skateboarding Instructor and the Owner of Intro2Skateboarding, an organization based in Orange County, California that provides professional private, home-school, after-school, birthday party, and summer camp skateboard lessons for beginners and experienced skateboarders alike. Jon has over 21 years of skateboarding experience and over 10 years of skateboard instruction experience. He also has extensive experience producing street skateboarding videos and skating competitions. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 80% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 255,489 times.

Before you take to shredding streets, rails, and ramps, you'll first have to learn the most fundamental skill in skateboarding—standing on the board. Once you understand the skateboard’s unique design and learn how to stay firmly planted, balancing will seem like child’s play, and you’ll be on your way to learning harder, more technically impressive skills.

Proper Skateboard Foot Placement

To stand on a skateboard, use a regular stance with your dominant foot at the front of the board. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and sink your weight slightly as you face forward. Keep the weight on the balls of your feet and adjust as necessary.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Finding a Comfortable Stance

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Choose your stance—you can either ride "regular" or "goofy." 1 Choose your stance—you can either ride "regular" or "goofy." In a regular stance, the left foot is situated at the front of the board, whereas in a goofy stance the right foot is up front. Determine which stance is more natural for you by considering whether you’re right or left handed. Most right handed skaters ride in a regular stance. In the end, you should do what feels most comfortable to you.[1]
    • Give both stances a shot and see which one you prefer.
    • If you’re still not sure which stance is best for you, picture yourself on a moving skateboard approaching a ramp, about to bust out a gnarly trick. Which foot do you have forward? Whatever you imagined automatically is likely your most comfortable natural stance.
  2. Step 2 Keep your feet shoulder width apart. 2 Keep your feet shoulder width apart. Start on flat ground; don’t worry about the skateboard at all right now. Place your feet directly under your shoulders and assume a natural stance. In this position, your weight should be evenly distributed over each leg. This will provide you with maximal balance and control over the board.[2]
    • Practice shifting your weight back and forth between each leg while keeping your body aligned and your head centered and upright. This will prepare you to settle into position of stability on the board.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Bend your knees and sink your weight. 3 Bend your knees and sink your weight. Bring your butt down slightly and bend your knees a little. This will center your weight in your hips rather than higher up on your body the way it is when you’re standing normally. With a lower center of gravity, you’ll be less likely to come unbalanced once you’re on the unstable board.[3]
    • Loosen up. It’s harder to make corrections when you’re rigid.
    • Don’t crouch or sink too deep. You just want to be low enough to create a solid base.
  4. Step 4 Point your head in the direction you’ll be moving. 4 Point your head in the direction you’ll be moving. Turn your chin so that you’re facing the direction you would be going if the skateboard was in motion. If you favor a regular stance, this means you’ll be looking over your left shoulder; goofy riders will look to the right. You’ll be able to focus your sight on the ground ahead of you to spot obstacles and ready yourself for tricks, and the position of your feet will also fall within your peripheral vision.
    • There’s a natural tendency to look down at your feet while you’re trying to keep your balance. Remember, however, that where your head goes, your body follows. Stay lined up and get used to looking a few feet ahead of the board.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Staying Balanced

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Step onto the board carefully. 1 Step onto the board carefully. Place one foot on the skateboard and make sure you’ve got solid footing. Then, quickly and cautiously lift the other foot and set it down beside your first foot. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, the way you practiced. Once you’ve gotten on the board successfully, the hardest part is over![4]
    • Don’t go too fast or too slow. If you hurry, you might cause the board to shift unintentionally. If you take too much time, you could throw yourself off balance standing on one leg. Aim to step up with an easy 1-2 pattern, with about the same pace that you would walk up stairs.
    • You’re most likely going to fall a time or two as a beginner. Don’t let this discourage you. After you’ve taken a spill, your fear of falling will begin to fade and you’ll be able to better commit.[5]
  2. Step 2 Position your feet over the trucks. 2 Position your feet over the trucks. A good rule of thumb when you’re first getting comfortable with standing on a skateboard is to stay centered over the trucks. The trucks are the long metal shafts on the underside of the board that attach the wheels to the deck (the wooden platform you stand on). Rest each foot over the bolts on the top of the board that hold the trucks in place. Don’t let your feet spread out too far or come together in too narrow a stance.[6]
    • Conveniently, the distance between the trucks is approximately the same as your feet when in a shoulder width stance.
  3. Step 3 Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. 3 Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Lean your weight forward slightly until you’re poised on the broad part of your foot directly behind the toes. When you’re skating, you need to be able to shift and reposition to stay balanced and perform different maneuvers. Staying on the balls of your feet makes it easier to lift, slide, and pivot your feet at will, and will also allow you to absorb shock through your lower leg muscles while you’re riding.
    • Standing flat footed on a skateboard feels awkward because it essentially takes all agility out of the equation. When you’re on the balls of your feet, you’re ready to respond to the movements of the board.
    • Raising up on tiptoe or letting your heels come off the board will also compromise your balance. Your entire foot should remain in contact with the top of the board; it’s just a matter of where your weight is directed.
  4. Step 4 Make small adjustments. 4 Make small adjustments. Use delicate movements of the feet, ankles, knees and hips to maintain your balance on the board. Lean, tilt, pump your legs and do whatever else you have to do in order to stay upright. You can even wave your arms to steady yourself, if it helps. You should constantly be making small adjustments to keep the board under control, especially once you’re in motion. It will continue to get easier the more you practice.[7]
    • If your feet and body are fixed in place, you will almost always come unbalanced.
    • Try not to sway too far forward or backward. You might fall off or even tip the board over.
    • Balancing on a skateboard is similar to standing on the deck of a boat that is rocking, pitching and swaying. It forces you to stay light on your feet.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Getting a Feel for the Board

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start off on a soft surface. 1 Start off on a soft surface. Set the board down in a patch of grass or on some thick carpet to make sure it doesn’t roll while you’re first learning how to stand on it. A softer surface will prevent the wheels from rolling and causing the board to come out from under you. Get comfortable balancing on the board somewhere stationary before graduating to the asphalt.[8]
    • You should ideally be fairly comfortable climbing on and off a skateboard that’s resting on carpet or grass before you attempt to move to a harder surface.
    • Not only will soft terrain lock the board in place, it will also hurt less should you happen to fall.
  2. Step 2 Be careful when putting your weight over the wheels. 2 Be careful when putting your weight over the wheels. As you step up, do so one foot after the other in a quick, smooth, controlled manner. Beware of rocking the board too far in either direction. Since this is the same action that propels the board, you can easily lose your center of gravity and send the board, and yourself, flying.[9]
    • It can help to remind yourself not to lean too far in any direction when stepping up.
  3. Step 3 Use the grip tape for traction. 3 Use the grip tape for traction. Try getting the basics down on a skateboard that’s covered in a layer of grip tape. Grip tape is a type of adhesive surface similar to high-grit sandpaper that is designed to increase a skater’s traction. This added traction offers you greater control over the board. You’ll be able to progress at a faster rate if you don’t always have to worry about missing your footing.[10]
    • If you don’t have the benefit of grip tape, at least make sure you’re wearing grippy shoes and be extra aware of what you’re doing when you have to move your feet.
  4. Step 4 Avoid the tail and nose of the board. 4 Avoid the tail and nose of the board. On either end of most types of skateboards there is an upturned edge known as either the “tail” or the “nose.” Leave these alone for now. Putting too much weight on the nose or tail will cause the board to lift up, raising one set of wheels off the ground. Needless to say, this can lead to a lot of accidents if it’s your first time on a skateboard.[11]
    • Ensuring that your feet stay over the bolts of the trucks is a good way to keep them from drifting toward either end.
    • The nose and tail will come into play for more advanced tricks, like manuals, ollies and most other “pop” movements, that require you to manipulate the angle of the board.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Why are some boards easier or harder to balance on? Jon Depoian Jon Depoian Skateboarding Instructor Jon Depoian is a Skateboarding Instructor and the Owner of Intro2Skateboarding, an organization based in Orange County, California that provides professional private, home-school, after-school, birthday party, and summer camp skateboard lessons for beginners and experienced skateboarders alike. Jon has over 21 years of skateboarding experience and over 10 years of skateboard instruction experience. He also has extensive experience producing street skateboarding videos and skating competitions. Jon Depoian Jon Depoian Skateboarding Instructor Expert Answer The size of the board impacts how easy it is to balance. How tight or loose the trucks are can play a role as well. Super loose trucks might feel kind of unstable if you aren't used to them. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
  • Question How do you stand on the board if you want to ollie? Jon Depoian Jon Depoian Skateboarding Instructor Jon Depoian is a Skateboarding Instructor and the Owner of Intro2Skateboarding, an organization based in Orange County, California that provides professional private, home-school, after-school, birthday party, and summer camp skateboard lessons for beginners and experienced skateboarders alike. Jon has over 21 years of skateboarding experience and over 10 years of skateboard instruction experience. He also has extensive experience producing street skateboarding videos and skating competitions. Jon Depoian Jon Depoian Skateboarding Instructor Expert Answer You don't have to change your stance a lot for this. At most, you'll just need to slide your back foot towards the tail a bit so that you can apply pressure with your back foot. You don't need to totally change the way you stand if you're already in a standard skating position, though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question How do I do tricks in penny board? javii jwidhaou javii jwidhaou Community Answer It isn't recommended. Penny boards are for cruising around because they have the big wheels and the board isn't a good size for tricks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 26
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Forget about looking cool or attempting fancy tricks until you master the basics, including balancing, pushing and stopping. For some people, this may take a single afternoon. For others it may take weeks. Go at your own pace and focus on doing things the right way.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Learning the proper way to stand should be the first thing you do when picking up skateboarding, even before you get moving. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 1
  • Loose trucks allow for ease of turning, but decrease the board's overall stability. Tightening the trucks will keep the deck from tilting as much. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Skateboarding accidents can result in serious injury. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear to keep yourself from getting too banged up. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
  • Resist the urge to use your hands to catch yourself when you fall. This is a good way to break your fingers or wrists. Instead, try to roll or flatten out and spread the impact through your body. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 6
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Balance Yourself on a SkateboardHow toBalance Yourself on a Skateboard SkateboardHow toSkateboard Skateboard (Beginners)How toSkateboard (Beginners) Determine if You're Regular or Goofy FootHow to Find Your Skate or Snowboarding Stance (Regular vs. Goofy) Ride a Penny BoardHow toRide a Penny Board Tell if You Snowboard Regular or GoofyRegular or Goofy: What's Your Snowboarding Riding Stance? SnowboardA Beginner's Guide to Snowboarding with Tips from an Instructor Turn on a SkateboardHow toTurn on a Skateboard OllieHow toOllie Ride a RipstickHow toRide a Ripstick Longboard SkateboardHow to Longboard Snowboard for BeginnersA Beginners Guide to Snowboarding SurfHow toSurf Manual on a SkateboardHow toManual on a Skateboard Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=con8ii2Bgys
  2. ↑ http://www.sports-information.org/skateboarding.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.tactics.com/info/learning-to-skateboard
  4. ↑ Jon Depoian. Skateboarding Instructor. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ http://www.skatexs.com/blogs/news/7090646-tips-for-kids-how-to-fall-safely-on-a-skateboard
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWOiaLOzFIY
  7. ↑ http://www.tactics.com/info/learning-to-skateboard
  8. ↑ Jon Depoian. Skateboarding Instructor. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ http://www.awesome-skateboard.com/Beginners.html
More References (3)
  1. ↑ http://www.tactics.com/info/how-to-grip-a-skate-deck
  2. ↑ http://www.skatewarehouse.com/anatomy.html
  3. ↑ Jon Depoian. Skateboarding Instructor. Expert Interview

About This Article

Jon Depoian Co-authored by: Jon Depoian Skateboarding Instructor This article was co-authored by Jon Depoian. Jon Depoian is a Skateboarding Instructor and the Owner of Intro2Skateboarding, an organization based in Orange County, California that provides professional private, home-school, after-school, birthday party, and summer camp skateboard lessons for beginners and experienced skateboarders alike. Jon has over 21 years of skateboarding experience and over 10 years of skateboard instruction experience. He also has extensive experience producing street skateboarding videos and skating competitions. This article has been viewed 255,489 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 25, 2026 Views: 255,489 Categories: Learning Skateboarding Article SummaryX

To stand on a skateboard, you should probably stand with your left foot at the front of the board if you're right-handed or your right foot at the front if you're left-handed, but ultimately do whatever is most comfortable for you. Whichever foot you put forward, make sure you keep your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees a little bit to center your weight. As you're riding, keep your weight on the balls of your feet to help you balance. To learn common skateboarding mistakes that you should avoid, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Italian Dutch Indonesian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 255,489 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Phoenix Norwood

    Phoenix Norwood

    May 18, 2016

    "Thanks to this article, I know how to ride a skateboard in only one day! It's going to be a long time until I..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jon Depoian Co-authored by: Jon Depoian Skateboarding Instructor Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 25, 2026 Views: 255,489 80% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote Phoenix Norwood

Phoenix Norwood

May 18, 2016

"Thanks to this article, I know how to ride a skateboard in only one day! It's going to be a long time until I..." more zia siddiqui

zia siddiqui

May 25, 2017

"I wasn't able to stand on the skateboard, and this article helped me a lot. Thanks, wikiHow." Rated this article: Amie Sorensen

Amie Sorensen

Sep 18, 2022

"I finally learnt how to stand on a skateboard." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizRate My Personality QuizRate My Personality QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Balance Yourself on a SkateboardHow toBalance Yourself on a SkateboardSkateboardHow toSkateboardSkateboard (Beginners)How toSkateboard (Beginners)Determine if You're Regular or Goofy FootHow to Find Your Skate or Snowboarding Stance (Regular vs. Goofy)

Trending Articles

Do I Have Rizz QuizDo I Have Rizz QuizAm I Emo QuizAm I Emo QuizDo I Have Main Character Energy?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Am I Manipulative QuizAm I Manipulative Quiz

Trending Articles

Which Game of Thrones House Would I Be In?Which Game of Thrones House Would I Be In?Create & Send Prank Text Messages With Fake Error MessagesCreate & Send Prank Text Messages With Fake Error Messages Read PalmsHow to Read PalmsShould We Break Up QuizShould We Break Up Quiz

Take the Quiz Everyone Is Talking About

Am I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend Quiz

You've Seen These All Over Your Feed

10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & More360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & MoreWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink QuestionsThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink Questions

Featured Videos

Play Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)Persuade a Girl over TextHow toPersuade a Girl over TextGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentMake Hibiscus TeaHow toMake Hibiscus Tea

Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥

Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?

Your Daily Dose of Fun!

Am I a Bruh Girl?Am I a Bruh Girl?When Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhat is My One Piece Race?What is My One Piece Race?What Pokémon Is My Pet Most Like?What Pokémon Is My Pet Most Like? wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Individual Sports
  • Skateboarding
  • Learning Skateboarding
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --566

Tag » How To Stand On Skateboard