My son spent the better part of a year trying to learn to Ollie. Then it was months of daily trials and sheer frustration until he landed a solid kick-flip. He was 10 years old and I was really stuck on how to help him learn to do tricks on a skateboard. I mean I knew learning is sometimes frustrating but he tried so hard I wanted to figure out a way to help. So with some research and trial and error I learned the three best ways to help my child learn to do skateboard tricks and progress to being a solid skater.
Skateboard summer camp: skateboarding is wonderfully personal so sending him to camp with a whole bunch of other kids with varying levels of ability and experience gave my son the chance to learn with beginners and pros. He was not intimidated or discouraged. He was able to imitate a variety of skating styles and try on what worked best for his size, stance and ability. Skaters are also very supportive of each others efforts; they all laugh at wipe outs and slap their boards as applause at tricks well landed. Camps are not inexpensive but do offer a great experience and many lifelong friends.
Beginner Trick Skateboard
Teen coach: if you live near a skate park, ask around for the name of an older teen that might want to coach your child. He probably won't be a seasoned teacher, but a person who is a good skateboarder can easily and slowly demonstrate skateboarding techniques for your beginner. Plus, younger kids always think it's cool to hang out with older skateboarders. Your driveway or a parking lot is fine for learning the beginning tricks. You will probably want to keep an eye on the sessions, but do stay low. No skateboarder wants his Mom cheering him on, especially in front of his teen bud!
Guides to skateboarding: a trick tip DVD is not a great learning tool by itself. The teaching is vague and fast-paced trick demos are not helpful in telling your skater if his stance is wrong or he is popping the board hard enough. There is little step-by-step instruction that really works. And to follow them, your skater needs to try the tricks near the TV. Not such a good idea.
The most efficient way is to use a guide book along with a DVD. The best guides are books that break down all the steps of a trick, including the stance, the upper body position, the timing, how to make the trick go higher, etc. Your child can read, look at the photos, re-read and even ask you for some advice. Just search the Web for some great resources.
3 Ways To Learn To Do Tricks On A Skateboard - Surprise, These Are From A Mom
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