Skateboarding is a challenging sport, no question about it. Even seasoned skaters can sometimes feel completely out of sync at their favorite skate spot. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The good news is, we’ve picked up a few clever tricks that can make people think we’re much better skaters than we actually are.
So, while mastering skateboarding might take time and effort, looking like you’re good at it is actually quite achievable. Give these tips a try and see if you don’t get a bit more respect at your local skate park.
Person stretching their leg while sitting on a skateboard
Stretch… A Lot
There are numerous benefits to stretching before skating, and one of them is that it will help you appear more skilled than you might be.
When you first arrive at the skate spot, do a couple of laps to find the perfect place to be seen without being in the way. Then, start a long and slow series of stretches. After finishing one series, do another quick lap, maybe pop a couple of flatground ollies, and then return to your stretch spot for a second round. Keep this up until you’re ready to leave.
Anyone observing you will be confused about your actual skill level. They’ll likely think, “Maybe they’re saving the best for last,” or “They just need a warm-up, and then they’ll probably start shredding.” You can amplify this bluff by adding a little twist and grimace while rolling between stretch sessions, suggesting that your back is slightly injured, which is why you’re not tackling the big obstacles right away.
Person pivoting on a skateboard
Pivot Constantly
If no one is certain about your stance, they can’t really judge you! When you’re rolling for more than a few feet, pivot off your nose and cruise around in reverse. Be sure to avoid any swongo pushes, as that would immediately expose you. Just keep your shoulders square regardless of which way you’re rolling, and you’ll soon be as intriguing as the Venice park Skategoat guy.
Person doing a 5050 grind on a ledge
Go Fast, Do 5050s
When in doubt, just cruise around the spot and 5050 grind every ledge you can easily reach. Don’t get fancy; keep it simple and lock into the ledge smoothly. In between grinds, do those long, extended pushes that you’ve seen countless times in old skate photos.
To add a little flair, throw in a couple of quick powerslides between pushes to make some noise and draw attention to yourself before you hit the next grind. Push, powerslide, push, grind, and repeat until everyone is forced to admit that you are, indeed, good at something.
Person attempting a kickflip tailslide
Kickflip Tailslide to Faker
This move sounds complicated, but it’s actually easy. This makes it a perfect trick to hide your actual skill level under the guise of, “almost had it.” You don’t even need to be able to land kickflips or backtails. Just fling the board a bit, turn your shoulders, and put one foot on the ledge, and you’ve instantly leveled up.
After doing this a few times, combine it with some of the tactics mentioned before. Attempt a fake kickflip tailslide, and if it doesn’t work out, skate back to your stretch spot while holding your lower back and reaching your other arm up dramatically.
Person pretending to do a nollie heelflip
Land 2 Tricks -> Fake a Nollie Heel
If you manage to land two tricks in a row, avoid trying for a third and revealing your amateur status. Instead, commit to the bail. No trick looks better to bail out of on flat ground than a nollie heelflip. There’s something about the way that trick pops behind you that makes it seem like you’re too skilled to bother landing it.
Person shrugging after a skate session
Shrug Everything Off
Showing anger or excessive joy isn’t cool to serious skaters. Instead, adopt a stoic approach to everything that happens during your session. If someone lands a new trick that will surely end up on Instagram, give a respectful nod and nothing more.
The point is to show everyone that you’ve seen it all before. The highs and lows of skateboarding are nothing new to you, a seasoned skater who’s experienced it all.
Person leaving the skatepark after 20 minutes
Bounce After 20 Minutes
After arriving at the skate spot, performing fifty 5050s, a few powerslides, a long stretch, and some kickflip tailslide fakers, it’s time to leave before people realize your game. When leaving, make a big deal about it. Go around and dap up everyone, whether you know them or not, so they’ll think you’re a local and deserve their respect.
To take this to the next level, fake a FaceTime call that loudly lets everyone know you’re either going to film a trick or meet up with someone.
By employing these tactics, you can cultivate an image of a skilled skateboarder even when you’re still honing your skills. Remember, the key is to create an illusion of effortless expertise, leaving others wondering about your true potential. These tips, while not making you a better skater overnight, can certainly help you gain some street cred at your local skatepark.
