How to Turn on a Skateboard

Mastering the Art of Turning

Turning on a skateboard is a core skill that gives you control, flow, and the ability to navigate any terrain, from streets to skateparks. Whether you’re dodging obstacles or carving smooth arcs, knowing how to turn effectively sets the foundation for advanced tricks and confident riding. Turning isn’t just about steering—it’s about feeling the board and making it an extension of your body.

This guide covers three key turning techniques: tail-based turns, reverts, and leaning on the board’s center. Practice these with the Skate Tricks app for slow-motion tutorials to nail your form!

Turning Techniques: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to master three ways to turn on a skateboard. Start in a flat, open area and wear a helmet for safety.

• Tail-Based Turns (Kickturns): Use the tail to pivot the board for sharp turns.
  1. Position Feet: Place your back foot on the tail, front foot near the middle or front bolts.
  2. Lift Nose: Press down lightly on the tail to raise the front wheels slightly off the ground.
  3. Pivot: Shift your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to turn, letting the board pivot on the back wheels.
  4. Land: Lower the front wheels and roll away, keeping knees bent for balance.
  5. Tip: Start with small pivots (30–45 degrees) and progress to 180s as you gain confidence.
• Reverts: Slide the board to switch direction, often used in transitions or after tricks.
  1. Gain Speed: Approach with moderate speed, knees bent, in your regular or goofy stance.
  2. Initiate Slide: Lean back slightly and twist your hips to slide the back wheels, starting a 180-degree rotation.
  3. Control Spin: Use your shoulders to guide the board, keeping weight centered to avoid slipping out.
  4. Complete Turn: Land in switch stance (opposite to your starting stance) and roll away.
  5. Tip: Practice on smooth surfaces like a skatepark bowl to master the slide.
• Leaning (Carving): Use body weight to tilt the board for smooth, flowing turns.
  1. Set Stance: Place feet over the bolts, knees slightly bent, in a balanced stance.
  2. Lean Direction: To turn left, lean toward your toes (regular stance) or heels (goofy stance); for right, lean the opposite way.
  3. Shift Weight: Press lightly on the front or rear of the board’s center to deepen the turn—front for tighter arcs, rear for wider ones.
  4. Maintain Flow: Keep eyes ahead and adjust weight to maintain speed and control.
  5. Tip: Looser trucks make carving easier; tighten them for more stability in kickturns.

Each technique suits different situations—kickturns for quick pivots, reverts for stylish transitions, carving for cruising. The Skate Tricks app’s video guides break down these moves frame-by-frame. Download it now to level up your turning game!

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