Turning is one of the first skills you need to learn in the skateboarding world. It helps you stay in control, avoid obstacles, and ride smoothly. But how to turn on a skateboard properly? I know you have a lot of questions, such as: How do I turn left and right? Should I lean or lift the front wheels? Et cetera, Et cetera!
Don’t worry, this article will help you! Turning is easier than it looks. With the right technique, you can turn smoothly and stay in control.
In this guide, I’ll teach you how to turn on a skateboard properly with a step-by-step guideline. You’ll learn two key methods: leaning turns and kick turns. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to turn better, faster, and with more control.
So, are you ready to take control of your skateboard? Let’s dive into the article!
Why Turning is Important in Skateboarding
Before learning how to turn, you should already be comfortable standing and pushing on your skateboard. If you can ride in a straight line, you’re ready to start turning.
Turning helps you:
- Avoid obstacles
- Navigate streets and skateparks
- Gain better control over your board
- Prepare for tricks like ollies and flips
There are two ways to turn on a skateboard:
- Leaning turns (carving): Ideal for smooth and wide turns.
- Kick turns: Used for sharp, quick turns, especially when riding slowly.
Let’s go over both techniques in detail.
Wear Protective Gear Before You Start Learning
Before learning how to turn on a skateboard, you should wear protective gear. Skateboarding can be unpredictable, and falling is normal when you’re learning. The right gear will help prevent injuries and keep you confident while practicing. Here’s what you need:
- Helmet: Protects your head from serious injuries. Make sure it fits well.
- Knee Pads: Cushion falls and prevent scrapes or bruises.
- Elbow Pads: Protect your elbows if you fall forward.
- Wrist Guards: Help prevent wrist injuries when you catch yourself during a fall.
- Skate Shoes: Wear flat, grippy shoes for better board control.
Wearing protective gear keeps you safe and helps you focus on learning without fear of getting hurt.
How to Turn on a Skateboard by Leaning (Carving)
Turning by leaning, also known as carving, is the easiest way to control your skateboard. This method works by shifting your weight to tilt the board, which makes the wheels turn in the direction you want to go. If you’re a beginner, this is the first turning technique you should learn. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Get in the Right Stance
Before you start turning, make sure you are standing correctly on the skateboard. Your stance affects how well you control your turns.
- Place your front foot over the front bolts of the skateboard. This keeps your weight centered.
- Position your back foot over the rear bolts to help balance the board.
- Keep your knees slightly bent. This lowers your center of gravity, making it easier to stay balanced.
A proper stance will help you turn more smoothly and avoid falling.
Step 2: Start Riding at a Comfortable Speed
To turn correctly, you need to be moving. If you’re not already riding, follow these steps:
- Place your front foot on the board.
- Use your back foot to push off the ground a few times to gain momentum.
- Once you’re rolling, place your back foot on the board over the rear bolts.
If you go too slow, turning will be more challenging. Try to maintain a steady speed.
However, you should read this article: How to Ride a Skateboard!
Step 3: Lean in the Direction You Want to Turn
Now that you’re moving, it’s time to turn. Turning is all about shifting your weight.
- To turn left: Lean back onto your heels.
- To turn right: Press down on your toes.
Your board will follow the direction of your weight shift. If you lean slightly, you’ll make a wide turn. If you lean more, you’ll turn sharper.
Step 4: Control Your Turn
Turning is not just about leaning, it’s also about control. To stay balanced:
- Keep your knees bent and body relaxed.
- Move smoothly and gradually. Remember, avoid jerky movements.
- Look in the direction you want to go. Your body naturally follows where your eyes are looking.
If your turn feels too sharp, ease up on the lean. If it’s too slow, lean a bit more. The key is finding the right balance.
Step 5: Adjust Your Trucks for Easier Turning
If you’re struggling to turn, your skateboard trucks might be too tight. The trucks are the metal parts that hold the wheels to the board. They control how easily the skateboard responds to your weight shifts.
- Tight trucks = More stability but harder to turn.
- Loose trucks = Easier turning but less control at high speeds.
If your board feels stiff, use a skate tool to loosen the skateboard trucks slightly. Turn the kingpin nut (the large bolt in the center of each truck) counterclockwise to loosen it. If your board feels wobbly, tighten the skateboard trucks by turning the nut clockwise.
Why This Method Works Best for Beginners?
Leaning turns are smooth and natural. This method works well for cruising, longboard skateboarding, and general riding. If you’re using a cruiser skateboard or a longboard, this is the best way to turn.
How to Turn on a Skateboard with a Kick Turn
Kick turns allow for sharp, quick turns by lifting the front wheels and pivoting on the back wheels. Here’s how to do it:
- Position your feet: Place your back foot on the tail and your front foot near the front bolts.
- Shift your weight: Press down slightly on the tail to lift the front wheels while keeping your knees bent for balance.
- Turn the board: Use your front foot, shoulders, and hips to guide the board in the desired direction.
- Lower the wheels: Gently set the front wheels back down to maintain control.
- Practice gradually: Start with small pivots and work up to 180-degree and 360-degree turns.
This method is great for quick direction changes, tight spaces, and preparing for tricks.
However, you can read the full article: How to kickturn on a Skateboard!
How to Turn Better on a Skateboard
If you want to improve your turning skills, try these tips:
- Practice “S” turns: Shift between left and right turns smoothly.
- Increase speed gradually: Turns feel easier at moderate speeds.
- Stay on the balls of your feet: This improves balance and control.
- Keep your upper body stable: Avoid twisting too much.
If you’re struggling, check your trucks. Tight trucks can make turns harder, while loose trucks make turning easier but reduce stability.
How to Turn Around on a Skateboard
If you need to make a 180-degree turn, use a kick turn to pivot in place. If you’re moving, a wide carving turn will help you turn around gradually.
For a 360-degree turn, practice multiple small kick turns in a row until you complete a full circle.
How to Turn Fast on a Skateboard
If you need to turn quickly while riding, follow these simple tips:
- Press harder on your toes or heels. This tilts the board more, making it turn faster.
- Pick up more speed before turning. A moving skateboard reacts better to weight shifts.
- Loosen your trucks a little. This helps the board respond faster when you lean.
- Use kick turns for sharp turns. Lift the front wheels and pivot instead of leaning.
Practice these techniques to improve control and make quick turns with ease.
Recently Published Article: What Are the Best Skateboard Trucks!
How to Turn Left and Right on a Skateboard
Wandering about turning left and right on both sides of the board? Here is the simple:
- To turn left: Lean on your heels (regular stance) or toes (goofy stance).
- To turn right: Lean on your toes (regular stance) or heels (goofy stance).
With kick turns:
- To turn left: Pivot your front foot to the left.
- To turn right: Pivot your front foot to the right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Turn on a Skateboard
How to Turn on a Skateboard for Beginners
Start with slow, gentle leaning turns. Keep your knees bent and practice balancing before attempting kick turns.
How to Turn on a Cruiser Skateboard
Cruiser skateboards are smaller than longboards but still great for carving. Keep your turns wide and controlled.
How to Turn on a Longboard Skateboard
Longboards are designed for smooth carving. Leaning turns work best because longboards have softer, more flexible trucks.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to turn on a skateboard using both leaning and kick turns. If you’re a beginner, focus on leaning turns first before moving on to kick turns. Keep practicing, adjust your truck tightness, and most importantly, have fun skating.
