eron_gpsfs, Flickr

Whether you consider skateboarding an art form or an extreme sport, there’s no doubt about its popularity. If you’re itching to try it, there are many resources available to show you how, starting with the Expert Village video series by Brandon Shinabeck, entitled Easy Skateboard Tricks for Beginners: Free Online Skateboarding Tips.

Turn on a ramp

This skateboarding video series includes 15 how-to videos, demonstrating basic skateboarding techniques, including balance, how to push and turn and how to gain momentum.

Once you’re feeling brave enough, the videos will also show you how to skate transition ramps, learn the moving ollie or stationary ollie tricks, and how to pop and shove it. Basic maintenance is covered, as well as a primer on skating ramps.

If you’d like to make your own ramp, check out these Free Skating Ramp Plans and this step-by-step How to Build a Skateboard Ramp tutorial from wikiHow.

Skateboarding Safety
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 26,000 people treated in hospital emergency rooms each year with skateboard related injuries. Sprains, fractures, contusions and abrasions are the most common types of injuries, but deaths due to collisions with cars and from falls also occur. Download the free PDF CPSC Skateboarding Fact Sheet, for information on protective gear and learning how to fall in the best possible way to minimize the risk of accidental injury.

The CPSC also offers the following suggestions for safe skateboarding:

• Never ride in the street.
• Complicated tricks require careful practice and a specially designed area.
• Only one person per skateboard.
• Never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck, bicycle etc.

Skateboard Parks
Many communities now offer access to dedicated skate parks, both public (normally free to use) and private (which usually charge admission). These facilities include various ramps and rails suitable for beginner through to advanced skateboarders.

eron_gpsfs, Flickr

Group or individual lessons are often available, offering a safe, fun environment, as well as instruction, as you learn the sport. Look in the phone book to find skateboard parks near you, or search for skateboard parks online.