Skateboarding is much like any sport, in that daily practice and consistent mastery of the fundamentals are critical to success. Whether you dream of skating with the best of the best, or skateboarding is just a hobby for you, it all starts with the basics. The best in any field never stop practicing the basics.

Identify your dominant foot. You will skate with your dominant foot on the back of your board, as this foot does the steering work. This is usually the foot that “leads” when you walk. For example, when you walk up a staircase, your dominant foot usually takes the first step. Since you probably don’t think about this normally, you may need to watch the way you walk. Skating with your right foot on the back of the board is called “regular” skating, while skating with your left foot on the back is called “dumb” skating. If you ride with your feet in the opposite position than you would normally ride, this is called a “ride switch.”

Find a good place to practice. Ideally, there should be a decent amount of level grass like asphalt where you’ll have plenty of room to move. You may also find it helpful to use a space that has a slope or hill, such as a driveway, but it’s best to find a hill that doesn’t lead to a street with passing cars. Empty parking lots can be good for this sometimes.

Watch videos before taking lessons. If you’re thinking of spending money on lessons, you can get a lot more value for money by watching a few videos online first. You can do a YouTube search for just about any skateboard move you can think of, and you’ll find videos of people demonstrating how to do it. Be sure to pay close attention to the skaters legs, the position of their feet on the boards, and how much they bend their knees. For some types of movements, it’s important to bend your knees at the right times. Watch the videos and try the moves on your own several times. By the time you take lessons, you’ll already know where you’re having trouble, and you’ll know what questions to ask. It will also help you quickly know if the instructor is right for you.

Remember to take it easy, take it day by day and focus on the fundamentals. Don’t try fancy tricks early on, and don’t try anything dangerous too soon.