Free Guide
5 Things to Know Before Your First Skateboard Lesson
From Leon Toppin, professional skateboard instructor in New York City.
01
Get your own board (but don’t let it stop you)
Having your own board to practice on between lessons makes a huge difference. But if you don’t have one yet, I can provide one to get you started. Not having a board is not a reason to wait.
02
Wear flat shoes
Vans, Converse, anything with a flat rubber sole. Running shoes don’t work. Sandals definitely don’t work. You need to feel the board under your feet.
03
You’re going to fall
Everybody does. I still do. The first lesson isn’t about landing tricks. It’s about learning to bail without getting hurt and then getting back on. That part is more useful than anything else I’ll teach you that day.
04
It feels weird at first
Your legs will shake. Your balance will feel off. You’ll wonder why this looks so easy on YouTube. That’s normal. Most people are riding comfortably by the second or third session.
05
Just show up ready to try
You don’t need to be athletic. You don’t need coordination. You just need to be okay with looking silly for a few minutes. Bring water, wear something you can move in, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Ready to book?
Most students are riding comfortably by session three.