Well, I don't skateboard, only ice and rollerblade. I've gotten to like, in test level, where 10 is a pro, to like 2/10 in figure skating. Both are pretty balance related sports, so...
Basically, the way to succeed in all kinds of sports, barring professional instruction helping you, which of course is always nice, is to "just do it." The main thing in learning things like this, you gotta find a way to get out of your comfort level, but at the same time, minimize your risk of injury, it's possible to advance much faster if you're more willing to fall, but, you're gonna fall. But, if you don't fall, it'll take longer. That's the tradeoff, I guess. So basically, you gotta just push yourself really hard more or less.
The other thing, I've not skateboarded since I was a child, but I remember my balance got much easier to deal with the more attention I paid to the way my trucks were adjusted, so adjust them to the way you like them best if you haven't done that, and yeah...
You trying to do vert, street tricks, or longboarding? Either way, whatever you do, the internet is valuable, and there's always lots of resources, usually free, to find out ways to do stuff.
But yeah, being competent at stuff takes a LOT of time, and I think as an Aspie, it can easily become an obsession, however you might not be "natural" at it. But, if you wanna do it, you're gonna have to stick with it and practice hard more or less, not too many shortcuts.
If you just wanna go faster, I don't know, skating down the street, if balance isn't your issue, and you just want leg strength, just go look into leg exercises to do. Squats are a classic that'll help you get faster leg power in everything, even sprinting, for example. In roller and ice skating, I don't know if it's applicable to skateboarding quite as much, but I'd guess it is, basically the answer for everything is "bend your knees!" Your knees control a lot of balance, so the lower down you get your knees, the more power you can apply to controlling the board, and the more power you can apply with your stroking leg.
Quote:
(6) Knees Bent: Also, remember to keep your knees bent. Your knees will serve to absorb the movement of the skateboard, and if you have stiff knees, your skate will kick you off your board in no time. So in the back of your mind should always be, “Keep. Knees. Bent.”
(7) Pumping: When you get to the point where you are comfortable with the above practice methods, begin working on your pumping technique. This can be difficult as it is easy for the skate to get away from you when your pushing. Imagine that you are simply walking and making a step forward with the foot that you are pushing on the side of the skateboard. Keep your planted foot parallel to the board and your knee bent. It is also easier to make more powerful pushes vs. smaller less powerful pushes, which in the long run will significantly help you in your skating.
Apparently according to this site, it is applicable in skateboarding.
http://www.westboundboarder.com/2009/07 ... beginners/But really, practice makes perfect, at the beginning of any kinda thing like this, you just need to practice a lot and hope for the best.
Quote:
"If it is important, do it every day. If it's not important, don't do it at all."
-Olympic gold medalist and wrestling coach, Dan Gable.
17 Jan 2012, 7:36 pm
