{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2025-03-10T20:01:17+00:00"},"categoryId":35412,"data":{"title":"General Sports & Recreation","slug":"general-sports-recreation","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34001"},"slug":"sports-recreation","categoryId":34001},{"name":"General Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"},"slug":"general-sports-recreation","categoryId":35412}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":34001,"title":"Sports & Recreation","slug":"sports-recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34001"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Get out there and play! Whether for fun or fitness, these guides give you the know-how to take your game to the next level.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=35412&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":2,"bookCount":2},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":2,"total":2,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2025-03-03T15:57:43+00:00","modifiedTime":"2025-03-03T15:57:43+00:00","timestamp":"2025-03-03T18:01:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34001"},"slug":"sports-recreation","categoryId":34001},{"name":"General Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"},"slug":"general-sports-recreation","categoryId":35412}],"title":"Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"stand up paddleboarding for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"stand-up-paddleboarding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Navigate the world of stand up paddleboarding with ease. Our cheat sheet offers vital tips on gear, techniques, and mistakes to help you paddle confidently.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you buy a new electronic gadget, it often comes with a quick-start guide that helps you get up and running. Unfortunately, most stand up paddleboards (SUPs) don’t come with a user manual. Think of this cheat sheet as your quick-start guide to SUP equipment, techniques, and common mistakes.","description":"When you buy a new electronic gadget, it often comes with a quick-start guide that helps you get up and running. Unfortunately, most stand up paddleboards (SUPs) don’t come with a user manual. Think of this cheat sheet as your quick-start guide to SUP equipment, techniques, and common mistakes.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35545,"name":"Robert Stehlik","slug":"robert-stehlik","description":" <p><b>Robert Stehlik</b> is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35545"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":35412,"title":"General Sports & Recreation","slug":"general-sports-recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":208930,"title":"Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"anxiety-depression-workbook-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208930"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":301926,"title":"Skateboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"skateboarding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/301926"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":302647,"slug":"stand-up-paddleboarding-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394276295","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/139427629X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/139427629X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/stand-up-paddle-boarding-for-dummies-cover-9781394276295-170x255.jpg","width":170,"height":255},"title":"Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"35545\">Robert Stehlik</b></b> is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":35545,"name":"Robert Stehlik","slug":"robert-stehlik","description":" <p><b>Robert Stehlik</b> is the founder and owner of Blue Planet Surf, a global SUP and surf brand. Robert is a certified instructor and instructor trainer through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association, and he has taught thousands to SUP through lessons and coaching. He has also competed in the Paddleboard World Championship race over 10 times. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35545"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781394276295"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-67c5ee6924783\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781394276295"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-67c5ee69264dd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Equipment","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Choosing the right equipment is essential for success. Here are a few guidelines:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>The board should have sufficient volume for your body weight; ideally, one liter (or more) of volume per pound of body weight is recommended.</li>\n<li>The board should be at least 32 inches wide and stable to make it easier to balance on in a standing position.</li>\n<li>The paddle should be about 6 to 12 inches taller than you.</li>\n<li>If you’re using an inflatable board, make sure to inflate it to the maximum recommended pressure.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Conditions and safety","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Calm, smooth, protected water with minimal wind and waves is ideal for starting out. Using stable equipment in calm conditions sets you up for success and allows you to maintain balance and focus on paddling without battling challenging conditions. Beware of offshore wind (wind blowing you away from shore).</p>\n<p>Always wear a leash — so you can’t get separated from your board — as well as a personal floatation device (PFD), and stay close to shore. Dress for success by being prepared to get wet. Use sun protection in sunny weather and wear a wetsuit if the water is cold. If you must wear glasses, make sure they’re tethered so they can’t sink.</p>\n"},{"title":"Getting wet","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you’re ready to paddle, lift the rail of the board up away from you onto its side and then use the center carry handle to lift and carry it into knee-deep water, making sure the water is deep enough to clear the fin. Get on the board by placing your knees on either side of the center handle, making sure your weight is equally balanced over the center of the board.</p>\n<h3>Start paddling on your knees</h3>\n<p>Before you try to stand up, paddling on your knees first is a good idea; this position is more stable. Make sure to switch hands when you switch sides with the paddle, so your outside hand is on the bottom. The blade should be angled forward, toward the front of the board, not angled toward you (which is how most new paddlers hold their paddle intuitively).</p>\n<h3>Steering the board</h3>\n<p>Before you stand up, practice turning the board by using sweeping forward strokes or by using backward strokes to slow down and turn. Try turning the board 360 degrees by paddling forward on one side and backward on the opposite side.</p>\n<h3>Standing up and finding your balance</h3>\n<p>After you’re comfortable paddling and steering the board in the kneeling position, you’re ready to stand up.</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Take a few strokes to build some momentum and lay the paddle across the board in front of your knees, keeping both hands on the paddle. </strong></li>\n<li><strong> Place your feet where your knees were, on either side of the center handle, and stand up. </strong></li>\n<li><strong> Look forward, put your paddle in the water, and start paddling. </strong>Avoid looking down, which makes finding your balance hard. Instead, focus on the horizon or a fixed spot on land to find your balance. After you start moving, you’ll feel more stable.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>If you’re struggling to balance standing up, you can go back down to your knees. You may need a wider, more stable board to learn on, but don’t worry; balancing becomes easier with practice. Just relax and let your legs do the balancing for you.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Remember: Don’t forget to have fun! Balancing is easier if you’re relaxed. So don’t take yourself too seriously, be ready to get wet, smile, and enjoy!</p>\n<h3>Paddle handling and technique basics</h3>\n<p>Most beginners use mainly their arms to paddle. To generate more power and be more efficient, get a wide grip on your paddle, plant the whole blade in the water, and use your whole body to propel yourself forward by twisting your torso and leaning into the stroke. Reach forward, take relatively short strokes, and avoid pulling the paddle past your feet.</p>\n<h3>Trimming the board</h3>\n<p>The board glides, tracks best (goes straight), and is most stable when your body weight is close to the center of the board. Make sure your feet are on either side of the handle, which is close to the center of the board.</p>\n<h3>Falling in and getting back on board</h3>\n<p>Don’t worry about falling into the water; it’s part of the learning process. Don’t try to catch your fall by falling onto the board, because you can hurt yourself that way. Just fall into the water flat, like a starfish, so you don’t hit the bottom.</p>\n<p>To get back onto the board, hold onto the center carry handle. Get your legs close to the water surface and kick your feet behind you like you’re swimming (not down like you’re trying to push off the bottom). Then slide your chest back onto the board, turn, and get back into the kneeling position.</p>\n<h3>Coming back to shore</h3>\n<p>As you return to shore, get back into the kneeling position, carefully set one foot down, lift up the board from the rail, and then carry it back up the shore. A grassy, shady spot is ideal for setting the wet board down. Avoid setting it on sand; the sand will stick to the board.</p>\n<p>Here’s a link to the video version of this quick-start guide: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kKDfD_XfgMAvoiding Common Beginner SUP Mistakes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kKDfD_XfgMAvoiding Common Beginner SUP Mistakes</a></p>\n"},{"title":"SUP Lingo For Dummies","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>As part of this cheat sheet, let me offer you a good reference for commonly used terms by category.</p>\n<h3>SUP types</h3>\n<p><strong>All-round (or cruiser):</strong> Versatile board shape for cruising and small waves</p>\n<p><strong>Downwind race board:</strong> Designed for catching open ocean swells</p>\n<p><strong>iSUP:</strong> Inflatable boards that are easy to transport and store</p>\n<p><strong>Foil SUP:</strong> Designed to work with a foil mounted under the board</p>\n<p><strong>Race board:</strong> Long and narrow displacement shape optimized for speed</p>\n<p><strong>River SUP:</strong> Maneuverable and stable board designed for whitewater</p>\n<p><strong>Surf SUP:</strong> Shorter board with curvy outline designed to excel in the waves</p>\n<p><strong>Touring SUP:</strong> Longer displacement-type shape with many attachment points</p>\n<p><strong>Wing SUP:</strong> Board with a sail attachment point that allows it to be used as a windsurf board</p>\n<p><strong>Yoga SUP:</strong> Wide and stable board designed for practicing yoga poses</p>\n<h3>Hardboard construction</h3>\n<p><strong>Carbon fiber:</strong> Stronger and stiffer than fiberglass but not as resilient</p>\n<p><strong>Blank:</strong> The foam core inside the board; can be shaped by hand, by a computer shaping machine, or molded</p>\n<p><strong>Epoxy resin:</strong> Two-part resin used to laminate most SUP boards</p>\n<p><strong>EPS (expanded polystyrene):</strong> Lightweight foam blank most commonly used for SUPs</p>\n<p><strong>EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate):</strong> Closed-cell (will not absorb water) soft foam used for deck pads</p>\n<p><strong>Fiberglass:</strong> fabric-like woven sheets of thin glass threads, available in different weights</p>\n<p><strong>High density foam:</strong> Closed-cell (will not absorb water) foam (usually PVC) used as a thin layer in sandwich construction and around inserts to strengthen the weaker EPS foam core</p>\n<p><strong>Innegra: </strong>Highly resilient weave but difficult to sand</p>\n<p><strong>Kevlar:</strong> Another highly resilient weave that’s difficult to sand</p>\n<p><strong>Laminating:</strong> The process of saturating flexible layers of woven materials with liquid resin that cures into a hard, solid surface</p>\n<p><strong>Polyester resin:</strong> Legacy resin used for surfboard construction; should not be used to repair epoxy boards</p>\n<p><strong>Sandwich construction:</strong> Layering different materials to create a thicker, stronger outer shell using a mold or vacuum bagging process</p>\n<p><strong>UV curing resin:</strong> Resin that cures when exposed to UV light</p>\n<p><strong>Wood veneer:</strong> Thin layer of wood or bamboo used between layers of fiberglass to strengthen the outer shell</p>\n<h3>iSUP construction</h3>\n<p><strong>Double-layer:</strong> Boards covered with a second layer of PVC for more durability and stiffness</p>\n<p><strong>Dropstitch:</strong> Thousands of internal threads that keep the top and bottom layers of a board flat and control the thickness of the board; dense, woven, heat-fused dropstitch material is the best technology as of this writing</p>\n<p><strong>Fusion:</strong> Process of bonding the layers (laminating) with heat and pressure; lighter, stronger, stiffer, more durable than glued construction</p>\n<p><strong>Recommended PSI:</strong> Amount of air pressure (in pounds per square inch) a board can handle; maximum recommended pressure is usually between 15 and 20 psi.</p>\n<p><strong>Sidewall construction:</strong> Makeup of the rails; plays a critical role in quality and longevity</p>\n<p><strong>Single-skin:</strong> Dropstitch material covered with a single layer of PVC; lightweight and inexpensive but more flexible and less durable than double-layer construction</p>\n<p><strong>Stringers:</strong> A variety of stiffening materials designed to reduce flex and bounce</p>\n<p>Traction</p>\n<p><strong>Arch bar:</strong> Bump in the center of the tail pad under the arch of the foot that provides tactile foot placement feedback and traction</p>\n<p><strong>Deck pad:</strong> EVA foam pad that provides a grippy, comfortable surface</p>\n<p><strong>Tail kick:</strong> Raised bump at end of the tail pad for critical maneuvers; provides leverage and keeps the foot from sliding off the back of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Tail pad:</strong> Placed over the fins of surf SUPs to provide back-foot traction for maneuvers</p>\n<p><strong>Wax mat:</strong> Thinner, lighter traction without padding</p>\n<h3>Board attributes</h3>\n<p><strong>Action camera mount:</strong> Some boards have a recessed insert on the nose that allows you to mount an action camera attachment</p>\n<p><strong>Bottom:</strong> The board side facing the water</p>\n<p><strong>Boxy/full rails:</strong> Thick rails with more volume; make the board more stable and forgiving</p>\n<p><strong>Deck:</strong> The top of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Dimensions/specs:</strong> The length, width, thickness (usually measured in feet and inches) and volume (in liters) of a board; may also include the weight</p>\n<p><strong>Glide:</strong> How well a board moves through the water</p>\n<p><strong>Leash:</strong> Safety strap that attaches you to the board</p>\n<p><strong>Leash plug:</strong> Plug on the tail of the board to attach a leash</p>\n<p><strong>Nose:</strong> The front end of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Pin tail:</strong> Tail that comes to a sharp point; used for big waves and advanced conditions</p>\n<p><strong>Rails:</strong> The sides of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Rail tape:</strong> Protective tape applied to the rails of the board to protect it from paddle strikes and scratches when you set the board down on the rails</p>\n<p><strong>Round tail:</strong> Hybrid between a squash tail and pin tail</p>\n<p><strong>Squash tail:</strong> Square tail shape with rounded corners; versatile, most common</p>\n<p><strong>Swallow tail:</strong> Tail shape with two tips; used on surf SUPs</p>\n<p><strong>Tail:</strong> The back end of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Tapered rails:</strong> Thinned-out rail shape that bites into the wave better; good for performance surfing and critical conditions but not as stable as full rails</p>\n<p><strong>Vent plug:</strong> Allows air pressure between the foam core and the outside to neutralize; most have a self-venting membrane that allows air (but not water) to pass through</p>\n<p><strong>Volume:</strong> The amount of floatation or buoyancy a board has; measured in liters</p>\n<h3>Deck/Hull types</h3>\n<p><strong>Displacement hull:</strong> A rounded bottom shape and curvy rails designed to pierce through the water and direct the water flow around the hull; creates less drag at normal paddle speeds than a planing hull</p>\n<p><strong>Domed deck:</strong> A rounded deck shape often seen on surfboards; not as comfortable to stand on as a flat deck</p>\n<p><strong>Dugout:</strong> A deeply recessed standing area used on race boards to lower the center of gravity to improve balancing of narrow boards</p>\n<p><strong>Planing hull:</strong> A flat bottom board with sharp rails in the back that allows the board to create lift and slide over the water (plane) at higher speeds, reducing the wetted area</p>\n<p><strong>Recessed deck:</strong> A deck where the standing area is slightly concave and recessed</p>\n<h3>Fins</h3>\n<p><strong>Base:</strong> Measurement from lowest front point to the rearmost point of the fin</p>\n<p><strong>Depth:</strong> Length of fin; the exposed height of the fin as measured from bottom of board to the tip of the fin</p>\n<p><strong>Fin box(es):</strong> The area or areas on the bottom of the board that allow fins to be installed and removed</p>\n<p><strong>Fin setup:</strong> The arrangement and number of fins on a board, which can affect performance and handling</p>\n<p><strong>Rake:</strong> Measurement of how far behind the trailing edge of the base the tip of the fin extends</p>\n<p><strong>Single fin:</strong> One larger center fin; tracks well, has the least drag, and is the most versatile</p>\n<p><strong>Skeg:</strong> Another name for fins</p>\n<p><strong>U.S. center fin box: </strong>Standard-size center fin box that can accommodate a wide variety of fins</p>\n<h3>Fin setups for SUP surfing</h3>\n<p><strong>2+1:</strong> A three-fin setup with a larger center fin and two smaller side fins</p>\n<p><strong>Quad fins:</strong> Uses four side fin boxes consisting of front and rear quad fins; provides good speed and hold on faster waves</p>\n<p><strong>Thruster:</strong> Using three fins that are close to equal in size, one in the center fin box and two in the forward side fin boxes; provides good drive, stability, and control</p>\n<h3>Paddle attributes</h3>\n<p><strong>Blade: </strong>The flat, wide end of the paddle that grabs the water</p>\n<p><strong>Blade edge:</strong> The thin outer perimeter edge of the paddle blade</p>\n<p><strong>Blade size:</strong> Usually measured in square inches of surface area</p>\n<p><strong>Flutter:</strong> The tendency of the blade to wander from side to side during the power phase</p>\n<p><strong>Dihedral:</strong> The raised spine shape on the face of the blade to direct water flow and minimize flutter</p>\n<p><strong>Handle:</strong> The top end of the paddle that the upper hand grips and pushes down on</p>\n<p><strong>Neck:</strong> The transition between the shaft and the blade</p>\n<p><strong>Paddle guard: </strong>Protective material applied to the paddle edge to protect both the blade edge and the rails of the board from getting damaged if the paddle hits the rails</p>\n<p><strong>Power face:</strong> The side of the blade that compresses against the water</p>\n<p><strong>Shaft:</strong> The long, straight round or oval portion of the paddle between the handle and the blade</p>\n<p><strong>Tapered shaft:</strong> A paddle shaft that tapers from a thicker diameter to a thinner diameter</p>\n<h3>Paddle technique terminology</h3>\n<p><strong>Active stance: </strong>A slightly bent knee posture to improve balance and control</p>\n<p><strong>Catch:</strong> The phase of the paddle stroke where the blade enters the water</p>\n<p><strong>Feathering:</strong> Rotating the power face of the blade outward during the release and recovery phases</p>\n<p><strong>Forward stroke:</strong> Stroke that provides maximum forward propulsion</p>\n<p><strong>Power phase:</strong> Where power is applied to the stroke to propel the board forward past the planted blade</p>\n<p><strong>Reach:</strong> The forwardmost part of the stroke where the blade enters the water</p>\n<p><strong>Recovery:</strong> The part of the stroke where you bring the paddle back forward into the reach position</p>\n<p><strong>Release:</strong> The phase of the stroke where the paddle blade exits the water</p>\n<p><strong>Reverse steering stroke:</strong> A reverse paddle stroke used to slow down or turn the board</p>\n<p><strong>Steering stroke:</strong> A sweeping paddle stroke to turn the board</p>\n<p><strong>Stroke rate:</strong> The cadence or number of strokes per minute</p>\n<p><strong>Strokes per side:</strong> Number of strokes taken on one side of the board before switching to the other side</p>\n<p><strong>Tracking:</strong> How well a board goes in a straight line without yawing</p>\n<p><strong>Yaw:</strong> The tendency of the board to turn while you’re paddling on one side</p>\n<h3>SUP surfing terminology</h3>\n<p><strong>Backside:</strong> Position where your back is facing the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Barrel: </strong>The hollow opening inside of a clean, fast breaking wave</p>\n<p><strong>Bottom turn:</strong> Turning from the trough of the wave back toward the steep part of the wave face by digging the rails into a carving turn</p>\n<p><strong>Bump:</strong> Unbroken swells in deeper, open water; can be wind swells (generated by local wind) or ground swells (generated elsewhere)</p>\n<p><strong>Cutback:</strong> Turning from the shoulder of the wave back toward the powerful pocket of the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Cross Stepping:</strong> A smooth and stylish way to move up and down the board with feet and legs crossing over each other (rather than shuffling the feet)</p>\n<p><strong>Dropping in:</strong> Catching a wave in front of a surfer with priority (that is, the surfer closest to the wave peak); considered poor etiquette</p>\n<p><strong>Dynamic lift:</strong> The hydrodynamic lift generated by the board moving over the water surface (as opposed to static lift generated by the buoyancy of the board)</p>\n<p><strong>Face:</strong> The steep, sloping side of the wave that stands up before breaking</p>\n<p><strong>Floater:</strong> Move that involves riding along the top of a crashing lip before coming back down over the back of the breaking wave</p>\n<p><strong>Frontside:</strong> Position where your chest is facing the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Goofy foot: </strong>Surf stance with the right foot forward and left foot back</p>\n<p><strong>Grom:</strong> A young surfer</p>\n<p><strong>Hollow:</strong> Steep, powerful, barreling waves</p>\n<p><strong>Hanging Ten:</strong> Surfing with both feet on the front of the board and all ten toes hanging off the nose of the board (also see nose riding)</p>\n<p><strong>Impact Zone:</strong> The most powerful area of the surf zone where the waves peak and break</p>\n<p><strong>Kook:</strong> Beginner or someone who is unaware of their surroundings</p>\n<p><strong>Left hander:</strong> A wave that breaks toward the left from the surfer’s vantage point</p>\n<p><strong>Lip: </strong>The tip of the wave that throws out over the bottom of the wave as it slows down over shallow bottom contours</p>\n<p><strong>Mushy:</strong> Describes soft and weaker-breaking waves that don’t get very steep and crumbles (gently rolling white water) from the top; ideal for beginners</p>\n<p><strong>Neutral stance:</strong> Feet parallel to the board, toes pointing forward</p>\n<p><strong>Nose Riding:</strong> Surfing on a wave with both feet close to the nose of the board</p>\n<p><strong>Off the lip:</strong> A critical maneuver where a surfer turns sharply at or near the breaking lip</p>\n<p><strong>Offshore:</strong> A wind that blows toward the ocean; creates cleaner waves</p>\n<p><strong>Onshore:</strong> A wind that blows toward the shore; creates mushy conditions</p>\n<p><strong>Parallel Stance:</strong> Standing on the board with feet close to the rails and toes pointed forward</p>\n<p><strong>Peak:</strong> The tallest crest of the wave where the wave starts to break</p>\n<p><strong>Pearling:</strong> When the nose of the board gets pushed underwater as the wave lifts up the tail when catching a wave.</p>\n<p><strong>Planing:</strong> (see also dynamic lift and wetted surface) when the board slides over the water surface and the weight is supported by hydrodynamic lift rather than volume/ buoyancy.</p>\n<p><strong>Pocket:</strong> The most powerful and critical part of a wave, where the face is steepest; closest to the breaking lip</p>\n<p><strong>Quiver:</strong> An assortment of boards designed for various conditions</p>\n<p><strong>Regular foot: </strong>Surf stance with left foot forward, right foot back</p>\n<p><strong>Right hander: </strong>A wave that breaks toward the right from the surfer’s vantage point</p>\n<p><strong>Set:</strong> A group of larger waves (usually three to ten) followed by smaller waves</p>\n<p><strong>Shoulder:</strong> The sloping side of the face away from the breaking wave</p>\n<p><strong>Snaking:</strong> Paddling around another surfer to give yourself priority; considered poor etiquette</p>\n<p><strong>Staggered stance:</strong> Feet are staggered with one foot farther forward and one farther back for more front-to-back stability</p>\n<p><strong>Surf stance:</strong> Feet sideways along the center line of the board, like on a skateboard</p>\n<p><strong>Swing weight:</strong> Board weight further away from the center of rotation (towards the nose of the board). In essence, shorter, lighter boards have less swing weight which and require less effort to change direction.</p>\n<p><strong>Takeoff:</strong> The moment the board speeds up and slides down the face of the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Trough:</strong> The lowest, bottom part of the wave</p>\n<p><strong>Wave hog:</strong> Someone catching all the best waves without regard to other surfers</p>\n<p><strong>Wetted surface:</strong> the amount of board touching the water while planing over the water surface. The faster the board is moving, the less wetted surface is needed to support the weight.</p>\n<p><strong>Whitewater:</strong> The foaming wave that rolls toward shore after the wave face falls in on itself</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2025-01-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":302731},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2024-05-14T13:36:16+00:00","modifiedTime":"2024-05-14T13:36:16+00:00","timestamp":"2024-05-14T15:01:11+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34001"},"slug":"sports-recreation","categoryId":34001},{"name":"General Sports & Recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"},"slug":"general-sports-recreation","categoryId":35412}],"title":"Skateboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"skateboarding for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"skateboarding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Dive into the world of skateboarding with our cheat sheet. Discover essential tips, tricks, and terminology to kickstart your skateboarding adventure!","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Skateboarding is a form of transportation, an extreme sport, a fun activity, a full-body workout, and a fascinating subculture all rolled into one, and it’s a community that welcomes everyone. If you’ve been thinking about skateboarding and don’t know how to get started, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find skateboarding tips for beginners, instructions on how to adjust your skateboard to make it easier to keep your balance, techniques for stopping in an emergency, tips for getting sponsored, and a mini-glossary that’ll have you speaking like a skateboarder before you even lace up your first pair of skate shoes.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Keep it fun! Learning to skateboard requires time and effort, but it should be fun work, not the kind of work you dread doing. Keeping it fun means you’ll do it more and be more creative while building the confidence and coordination you need to excel.</p>","description":"Skateboarding is a form of transportation, an extreme sport, a fun activity, a full-body workout, and a fascinating subculture all rolled into one, and it’s a community that welcomes everyone. If you’ve been thinking about skateboarding and don’t know how to get started, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find skateboarding tips for beginners, instructions on how to adjust your skateboard to make it easier to keep your balance, techniques for stopping in an emergency, tips for getting sponsored, and a mini-glossary that’ll have you speaking like a skateboarder before you even lace up your first pair of skate shoes.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Keep it fun! Learning to skateboard requires time and effort, but it should be fun work, not the kind of work you dread doing. Keeping it fun means you’ll do it more and be more creative while building the confidence and coordination you need to excel.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35408,"name":"Daewon Song","slug":"daewon-song","description":" <p> <b>Daewon Song</b> is an American professional skateboarder. He was named the 2006 “Skater of the Year” by <i>Thrasher </i>magazine, one of the most significant honors in skateboarding. In 2011, Transworld SKATEboarding named Daewon the 29th most influential skateboarder of all time. Daewon co-owns Thank You Skateboards with fellow skater Torey Pudwill. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35408"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":35412,"title":"General Sports & Recreation","slug":"general-sports-recreation","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/35412"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":208930,"title":"Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"anxiety-depression-workbook-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","emotional-health","general-emotional-health"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208930"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":301933,"slug":"skateboarding-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119989929","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119989922/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119989922/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119989922-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119989922/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119989922/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/skateboarding-for-dummies-cover-9781119989929-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Skateboarding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p> <b><b data-author-id=\"35408\">Daewon Song</b></b> is an American professional skateboarder. He was named the 2006 “Skater of the Year” by <i>Thrasher </i>magazine, one of the most significant honors in skateboarding. In 2011, Transworld SKATEboarding named Daewon the 29th most influential skateboarder of all time. Daewon co-owns Thank You Skateboards with fellow skater Torey Pudwill.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":35408,"name":"Daewon Song","slug":"daewon-song","description":" <p> <b>Daewon Song</b> is an American professional skateboarder. He was named the 2006 “Skater of the Year” by <i>Thrasher </i>magazine, one of the most significant honors in skateboarding. In 2011, Transworld SKATEboarding named Daewon the 29th most influential skateboarder of all time. Daewon co-owns Thank You Skateboards with fellow skater Torey Pudwill. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35408"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781119989929"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-66437cb70847b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["home-auto-hobbies","sports-recreation","general-sports-recreation"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781119989929"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-66437cb709063\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Nine skateboarding tips for beginners","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>As with most challenging activities, getting started with skateboarding is often the most difficult part. Just standing on a skateboard without falling off can be a challenge. To ease into it and reduce the risk of suffering any serious injuries, follow these suggestions:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Buy your first skateboard at a reputable skate shop, and don’t go cheap.</strong> You want to start on a quality board that’s right for you: your age, height, weight, and shoe size and the style you plan to skate. For example, are you going to use the board mostly for transportation or to perform high-impact tricks? Do you want a lighter board that’s easier to flip?</li>\n<li><strong>Tighten the trucks.</strong> The <em>trucks</em> are the metal hardware that connect the wheels to the board. Each truck has a nut on it (called the <em>kingpin nut</em>) that you can tighten or loosen. Tighter trucks make the board less wobbly, which is generally best for beginners. As you build balance, you can gradually loosen the trucks. Looser trucks can make some tricks easier to perform. (Keep in mind that overtightening the kingpin nut can damage the rubber/plastic <em>bushings</em> that support the trucks while allowing them to pivot.) These are just general guidelines. Do what feels best for you. Plenty of professionals skate with very tight trucks.</li>\n<li><strong>Wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads until you’re skilled at falling without breaking any bones, suffering a serious head injury, or almost killing yourself.</strong> Practice falling on the pads without your board in the mix and build a sense of awareness for the best ways to absorb impact in specific falling situations. At the very least, wear a helmet. If your board shoots out from under you and you fall backward (like slipping on a banana peel), your head will strike the pavement with a lot of force, and you won’t be able to do very much to break your fall. Stay alert. As you get more experienced, you gain more control over where and how you fall.</li>\n<li><strong>Hold on to something or someone.</strong> When you start putting your board in motion and whenever you’re learning a new trick, hold onto a level railing or have someone spot you as a guide until you feel comfortable enough to let go.</li>\n<li><strong>Master the basics first.</strong> Practice standing on your board, <em>pushing</em> (one foot on the board, one foot off to propel the board forward), turning, stopping, and doing <em>tic-tacs</em> (where you sort of wag the board’s nose while keeping the tail in place).</li>\n<li><strong>Pace yourself.</strong> Don’t push yourself to progress faster than you’re ready to. When you’re getting started, spend time just standing on your board before trying to ride it. Devote a lot of time to simply riding before trying any tricks. Your body and brain need to develop together over time to build balance and coordination and build new neural connections. Remember, you’re figuring out a whole new way to move.</li>\n<li><strong>Watch other people skate.</strong> You can watch videos online. Some videos are instructional while others are more like demonstrations, but both types are helpful. Visit your local skate park or wherever skateboarders go to ride. Just hold off on trying any fancy, death-defying stunts until you feel ready.</li>\n<li><strong>Fail fast and often.</strong> This motto from agile software development also applies to skateboarding. You improve gradually through a process of trial and error. Failure (falling or having to bail out when you’re losing control) is just a sign that you’re doing something outside your comfort zone — something that will ultimately make you better. The key is to stick with it. If you give up, you have no opportunity to improve.</li>\n<li><strong>Film yourself and watch the footage. </strong>Video gives you a different perspective that often reveals what you’re doing wrong or could be doing better. You don’t need a fancy video camera. Your smartphone camera is fine. You can even share your video with others to get their input.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Two ways to adjust the trucks on your skateboard","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><em>Trucks</em> are the hardware that connect the wheels to the deck and allow the wheels to spin. When you shift your weight to one side of the board, the trucks turn slightly to move you in that direction. You can adjust them to make them looser or tighter, which is a personal preference. You may want to adjust your trucks every week at first to see what you like best.</p>\n<p>You can tighten or loosen your trucks using two different methods alone or in combination (see the figure below):</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tighten or loosen the <em>kingpin</em> (nut) that secures the hanger and wheel assembly to the baseplate of the truck.</strong> Tighten it for tighter trucks (less play) or loosen it for looser trucks (more play).</li>\n<li><strong>Change the bushings.</strong> Softer bushings can make trucks looser, and harder bushings can make them tighter. However, regardless of whether the bushings are soft or hard, tightening the kingpin makes them tighter, and loosening the kingpin makes them looser. It’s just a cushioning effect, and it’s a matter of preference, like how hard or soft you like your mattress to be.</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Different truck brands all feel and turn differently as well.</p>\n<div class=\"figure-container\"><figure id=\"attachment_301929\" aria-labelledby=\"figcaption_attachment_301929\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 545px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-301929\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119989929-fgcs01.jpg\" alt=\"person loosening the kingpin and changing the bushings on their skateboard\" width=\"535\" height=\"344\" /><figcaption id=\"figcaption_attachment_301929\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tighten or loosen the kingpin or change the bushings.</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div>\n<p>As you adjust your trucks, consider the following factors:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tight trucks make the board more stable and less wobbly as your weight shifts from side to side, but they make it more prone to tipping if your weight shifts too much to one side. The wheels on the opposite side lift off the ground, which can throw off your balance and cause you to wipe out.</li>\n<li>Loose trucks make the board less stable (wobblier), but they make it easier to turn by shifting your weight to one side of the board or the other. The board leans while the wheels maintain contact with the ground, so the board is less likely to tip over. Stabilizing yourself is tougher, but you start to manage your weight and have a little more play on each side.</li>\n<li>Loose trucks are more prone to <em>wheel bite,</em> which happens when the board comes into contact with the wheels, stopping or slowing their rotation and throwing you off balance. Other factors can contribute to wheel bite, including your weight, the size of the wheels, and tricks that cause high impact or too much weight on one side of the board pressing against the wheel.</li>\n<li>The front and back trucks don’t need to be the same tightness. You can go loose on the front and tighter on the back or vice versa to balance responsiveness with stability. Adjust as much as you need to feel your best.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>A common saying among skateboarders is “Loose trucks save lives!” But if you don’t feel safe and stable riding loose, tighter trucks may save yours.</p>\n"},{"title":"Five ways to stop a runaway skateboard","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Before you go too far or too fast on your skateboard, you need to know how to stop it. Here are five tried and true techniques:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use your rear foot as a brake. </strong>Pivot your front foot so it’s pointing forward; move your rear foot off the board to the ground (but not with all your weight); and let the sole of your shoe drag on the ground, increasing your downward pressure, until your board comes to a stop (see the figure below). This technique puts a lot of wear and tear on your braking shoe.</li>\n<li><strong>Use your board as a brake. </strong>Press your rear foot down on the tail while shifting your weight toward the back of the board and bending your front knee. This move drives the tail into the ground and damages the board over time (causing a condition called <em>razor tail</em>), but it’s a fast, safe way to stop.</li>\n<li><strong>Do a <em>power slide.</em> </strong>Ease your weight off your board with a slight hop (with just your upper body, leaving your feet safely planted to the board) while rotating your upper body sharply to turn the board 90 degrees and slide to a stop on the wheels. Note that the power slide is an advanced maneuver that can create flat spots on wheels.</li>\n<li><strong>Perform the old faithful: “Run, Forrest, run!” </strong>Jump off your board and hit the ground running. This method is always a safe way to abort your mission or jump ship when you’ve run out of more appealing options or you’re in panic mode and can’t think straight. Just be sure you have a clear runway and you’re not jumping off into traffic.</li>\n<li><strong>Make an emergency stop (only for when you’re traveling slowly). </strong>If you need to stop suddenly, step off the board with your rear foot, lift your front foot so it’s hovering slightly over the board, allow the board to roll forward, and then catch the tail with your front foot and drive it into the ground. This technique sounds fancy, but it becomes second nature with time. You can also just step off with your front foot and press down on the tail with your back foot already there. <strong><em>Remember:</em></strong> This stop works at a slow or moderate speed only. Trying to step off your board casually at a high speed is similar to stepping off a high-speed train, and you can imagine how that story ends.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If you’re performing a potentially dangerous trick or maneuver, you can always <em>bail</em> without stopping. You just step off or jump off your board and let it go.</p>\n<div class=\"figure-container\"><figure id=\"attachment_301929\" aria-labelledby=\"figcaption_attachment_301929\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 310px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-301928\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119989929-fgcs02.jpg\" alt=\"person loosening the kingpin and changing the bushings on their skateboard\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" /><figcaption id=\"figcaption_attachment_301929\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One way to stop is to use your rear foot as a brake.</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div>\n"},{"title":"Eight steps to getting sponsored and going pro (experienced skateboarders only)","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>What you do on and off your skateboard can significantly affect whether you get sponsored and eventually turn pro. Here are eight ways to make your case to potential sponsors:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Hone your skills.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Focus on improving continuously.</p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>Build an online presence.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Put together your own website or blog (or create content for popular, respectable skating sites) and promote that content through your social media accounts. Focus on the three most popular social media platforms at first.</p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>Participate in skateboarding contests, demos, and other events, and network with organizers, other riders, and attendees.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Start locally and branch out from there.</p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>Create quality skateboarding videos and share them through your personal network; on social media; and on any major skateboarding sites that let unsponsored riders share videos.</li>\n<li>Submit your skateboarding videos to the companies you want to sponsor you.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Wait till you’re ready; don’t waste their time by sending them bad skate videos.</p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li>Engage positively with the skateboarding community online and offline.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Comment on other skaters’ content, answer questions, and be supportive. Engaging with others keeps you focused on what’s relevant, can make you better informed about the history of skateboarding, and give you even more positive exposure.</p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li>Shop your local skate shops and inquire at your favorites about potential sponsorship opportunities.</li>\n<li>Be patient and persistent.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>You want to be doing something at least every other day to become a better skater and promote yourself, but don’t forget to keep it fun.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">What you’re really doing is promoting yourself. Building a strong brand around yourself is what opens the doors to all other opportunities.</p>\n"},{"title":"20-plus must-know skateboarding terms defined","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When experienced skateboarders talk shop, they sound like they’re speaking a foreign language. You don’t have to memorize a comprehensive glossary of terms, but here are some of the more common-but-interesting terms you’re likely to encounter:</p>\n<p><strong>ABD:</strong> Abbreviation for “already been done,” as in a trick that’s not original.</p>\n<p><strong>Acid drop:</strong> To skate off the end of an object without doing an ollie or touching the board with your hands.</p>\n<p><strong>Bail:</strong> To step off or jump off the board when you can feel that the situation isn’t going to end well. You bail to reduce the likelihood or severity of injury. It’s like an airplane pilot pressing the eject button when the plane seems destined to crash.</p>\n<p><strong>Banger:</strong> A very, very good trick — the cream of the crop.</p>\n<p><strong>Bonk:</strong> A quick tap of the front truck (the metal piece that connects the wheels to the board) or the front wheels on an obstacle.</p>\n<p><strong>Brain bucket:</strong> A helmet.</p>\n<p><strong>Carve:</strong> To turn your board gradually by leaning to one side or the other.</p>\n<p><strong>Catch:</strong> To have the board essentially suction to your feet as you’re about to land a trick. For example, as the board rotates under you, you hope it magnetizes to your feet while in the air — after it finishes its flips and rotation but before landing on the ground.</p>\n<p><strong>Circus tricks:</strong> Skateboarding tricks that are a little wilder, more outside the box, or just plain weirder that most of skateboarding doesn’t seem to embrace but many love watching.</p>\n<p><strong>Crook:</strong> Abbreviation for a crooked grind, in which one truck on either end is grinding across a ledge slightly crooked and angled while the nose or tail is being dragged along the way slightly on either side.</p>\n<p><strong>Fakie:</strong> Riding backward.</p>\n<p><strong>Goofy foot:</strong> Your right foot. Most people ride with their left foot (regular foot) toward the front of the board. If you ride with your right foot forward, you’re said to ride goofy foot. Nothing is wrong with riding goofy foot; it’s like throwing or batting lefty in baseball.</p>\n<p><strong>Grind:</strong> To slide along a narrow surface or edge on the metal trucks bolted to the bottom of your board, between the wheels mounted to the trucks.</p>\n<p><strong>Hesh:</strong> Gnarly, raw, aggressive.</p>\n<p><strong>Hill bomb:</strong> Riding down a steep hill as fast as possible; not a style recommended for beginners.</p>\n<p><strong>Hot pocket:</strong> An injury that occurs when your foot rapidly and forcefully bends back toward your shin bone, causing pain to the front of your ankle joint that can linger for quite some time. It usually occurs off higher-impact tricks when your weight shifts forward and damages that ankle joint.</p>\n<p><strong>Mongo:</strong> To push your skateboard forward with your front foot rather than your rear foot. Skating mongo is considered bad form, but in skateboarding, who cares? You may be criticized, but keep doing it if it feels comfortable.</p>\n<p><strong>Pop over:</strong> A trick that you start on one side of an obstacle and finish by hopping over to the other side (usually with noseslides, crooked grinds, and boardslides). Skateboarder Paul Shier popularized the pop over.</p>\n<p><strong>Pump:</strong> To shift your body weight to build momentum without pushing with a foot. It’s usually used in transition (from a level surface to a ramp or vice versa) but occasionally in the streets to accelerate off certain inclines.</p>\n<p><strong>Sesh:</strong> A skateboarding session with friend or alone; just getting out there and putting in some work.</p>\n<p><strong>Sketchy:</strong> Messy or scary. If you perform a trick and you land slightly unstable, the landing can be described as sketchy. Also, when you try a trick and it feels scary, almost like how you’d feel taking a bad spill, you may say something like, “Whoa, that felt sketchy!”</p>\n<p><strong>Slam:</strong> A hard fall.</p>\n<p><strong>Snake:</strong> To intentionally cut off another skater or steal their line, meaning you see where they’re going and get there before they do.</p>\n<p><strong>Steezy:</strong> A combination of the words style and easy; used to praise a stylish and smoothly executed trick or maneuver.</p>\n<p><strong>Streets:</strong> Urban environments— no skate parks, ramps, or artificial surfaces or obstacles. Being “in the streets” is the rawest form of skateboarding. Most street skaters film only in the streets for major company videos. Street skaters don’t film themselves in skate parks unless they need to film a trick on an obstacle, such as a big bowl, that they can’t find in the streets.</p>\n<p><strong>Thrasher:</strong> An avid, enthusiastic skater.</p>\n<p><strong>Transition: </strong>Any surface that’s not flat and level, specifically bowls, mini-ramps, walls, and other steep surfaces with good curvature for riding up and down.</p>\n<p><strong>Trucks:</strong> The metal hardware that connects the board (deck) to the wheels and provides the means to turn.</p>\n<p><strong>Wheel bite:</strong> What happens when one or more wheels come into contact with the board, usually when carving (turning) or when landing a trick. Wheel rotation can slow or stop, throwing you off balance. Wheel bite is more common with loose trucks or hard landings, and it can leave a mark or start a burned indentation on the bottom of the board.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two 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General Sports & Recreation Articles

Get out there and play! Whether for fun or fitness, these guides give you the know-how to take your game to the next level.

Articles From General Sports & Recreation

General Sports & Recreation Stand Up Paddleboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-03-2025

When you buy a new electronic gadget, it often comes with a quick-start guide that helps you get up and running. Unfortunately, most stand up paddleboards (SUPs) don’t come with a user manual. Think of this cheat sheet as your quick-start guide to SUP equipment, techniques, and common mistakes.

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General Sports & Recreation Skateboarding For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-14-2024

Skateboarding is a form of transportation, an extreme sport, a fun activity, a full-body workout, and a fascinating subculture all rolled into one, and it’s a community that welcomes everyone. If you’ve been thinking about skateboarding and don’t know how to get started, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find skateboarding tips for beginners, instructions on how to adjust your skateboard to make it easier to keep your balance, techniques for stopping in an emergency, tips for getting sponsored, and a mini-glossary that’ll have you speaking like a skateboarder before you even lace up your first pair of skate shoes. Keep it fun! Learning to skateboard requires time and effort, but it should be fun work, not the kind of work you dread doing. Keeping it fun means you’ll do it more and be more creative while building the confidence and coordination you need to excel.

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