Skateboarding has been around for decades, but there are still plenty of misconceptions about who can skateboard, what skateboarding is really about, and how a skateboard should be set up.
For beginners, these myths can sometimes make skateboarding seem more intimidating than it actually is.
The truth is that skateboarding is about having fun and finding a style of riding that works for you. You don't have to be good at tricks, spend all your time at the skatepark, or ride a skateboard with a specific truck setup.
Here are three common skateboarding myths that are worth clearing up.
Myth #1: Skateboarding Has a Closed-Off and Judgemental Community
One common misconception is that the skateboarding community is closed off, judgemental, or unfriendly toward beginners.
In reality, being bad at tricks is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Every skater has been a beginner at some point. Nobody starts skateboarding already knowing how to ollie, kickflip, or land every trick perfectly. Learning to skate is a process, and making mistakes is part of getting better.
You don't need to worry about being judged simply because you're still learning.
If you're new to skateboarding, start at your own pace and focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about what other people think.
You Don't Have to Be Good at Tricks to Be a Skater
Skateboarding isn't a competition where you need to prove yourself before you're allowed to participate.
Whether you're learning to push for the first time, practising your balance, cruising around your neighbourhood, or working on your first trick, you're still skateboarding.
The most important thing is getting out there and enjoying the ride.
Myth #2: Skateboarding Is All About Doing Tricks at the Skatepark
Another common misconception is that skateboarding means going to the skatepark and doing tricks.
While tricks and skateparks are an important part of skateboarding, they are far from the only ways to enjoy the sport.
There are plenty of different disciplines and riding styles within skateboarding.
Longboarding
Longboarding is a popular option for people who enjoy cruising and covering longer distances. Longboards are generally designed with stability and comfortable riding in mind, making them suitable for relaxed rides and longer pushes.
Cruising
Cruising is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a skateboard.
Grab your board, push around your neighbourhood, and enjoy the ride. You don't need to practise tricks or visit a skatepark to have fun on a skateboard.
Surfskating
Surfskating uses specialised trucks that allow the board to make deeper, more surf-like turns.
It's a popular choice for riders who enjoy carving and want a different style of skateboarding.
Long-Distance Pushing
For riders who enjoy covering significant distances, long-distance pushing offers a completely different experience from traditional skatepark skating.
The goal isn't necessarily to land tricks. Instead, it's about travelling, building endurance, and enjoying the feeling of riding.
Skateboarding Is About Having Fun
There isn't one correct way to skateboard.
Whether you're doing tricks at the skatepark, cruising to the shops, carving on a surfskate, or pushing a longboard for kilometres, they're all valid ways to enjoy skating.
As the video puts it, skateboarding is ultimately about having fun — not just doing tricks at the skatepark.
Myth #3: Skateboard Trucks Should Always Be Tight or Always Be Loose
This is a common point of confusion, even among skateboarders.
There isn't one universal truck tightness that every skater should use.
Skateboard truck tightness is largely a matter of personal preference and riding style.
Some riders prefer loose trucks because they provide more movement and allow for deeper, more carvy turns when cruising.
Other riders prefer tighter trucks because they want a more stable feeling, particularly when landing tricks.
Loose vs Tight Skateboard Trucks
Loose trucks:
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Allow more movement from side to side
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Can provide a more carvy turning experience
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Can be enjoyable for cruising
Tight trucks:
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Provide a more stable feeling
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Reduce how much the trucks move when you lean
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Can be preferred for landing tricks
Neither setup is automatically "correct."
The right truck tightness depends on your riding style, experience, preference, and what feels comfortable underneath your feet.
How Tight Should Skateboard Trucks Be?
Instead of asking how tight your trucks should be, consider asking:
"How do I want my skateboard to feel?"
If you want a more responsive, carvy ride, you may prefer looser trucks.
If you want more stability, particularly while practising or landing tricks, you may prefer tighter trucks.
Try different settings and find what feels comfortable for you.
Don't Let Skateboarding Myths Stop You From Riding
The biggest takeaway is simple: don't let these myths stop you from going out and skating.
You don't need to be an expert at tricks.
You don't need to spend every session at a skatepark.
And you don't need to set your skateboard up exactly the same way as another skater.
There are countless ways to enjoy skateboarding, and finding the style that works for you is part of the fun.
Whether you're a complete beginner, a casual cruiser, a longboarder, a surfskater, or someone working on tricks at the skatepark, the important thing is to get outside and enjoy riding.
As the video says: skateboarding is all about having fun — so go out there and have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboarding
Do you have to be good at tricks to skateboard?
No. You don't need to know any tricks to enjoy skateboarding. Cruising, longboarding, surfskating, and long-distance pushing are all ways to enjoy skating without focusing on tricks.
Is the skateboarding community judgemental toward beginners?
The video addresses the misconception that skateboarders are generally closed-off, judgemental, or mean. Being inexperienced at tricks shouldn't prevent you from joining the community. Every skater was a beginner at some point.
Do you have to skateboard at a skatepark?
No. Skateboarding can be enjoyed in many different ways and locations. Cruising, longboarding, surfskating, and long-distance pushing are examples of skating styles that don't revolve around performing tricks at a skatepark.
Should skateboard trucks be tight or loose?
It depends on your personal preference and riding style. Some skaters prefer loose trucks for more carvy turns while cruising, while others prefer tighter trucks for increased stability when landing tricks.
Are loose skateboard trucks better for cruising?
Loose trucks can be preferred for cruising because they allow more movement and can provide a more carvy turning experience. However, truck tightness is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Are tight skateboard trucks better for tricks?
Some skaters prefer tighter trucks because they provide a more stable feeling when landing tricks. However, there is no single truck setup that works for everyone.
What types of skateboarding can beginners try?
Beginners can explore several styles, including cruising, longboarding, surfskating, long-distance pushing, and traditional skateboarding. You don't have to commit to tricks or skatepark riding immediately.
What is the most important thing about skateboarding?
Having fun. Skateboarding doesn't have to be about performing difficult tricks or proving your ability. Finding a style of riding that you enjoy is what makes the sport enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of myths surrounding skateboarding, but you don't have to let them determine how you ride.
You can be a beginner. You can be terrible at tricks. You can prefer cruising over the skatepark. You can ride loose trucks, tight trucks, or anything in between.
There is no single way to enjoy skateboarding.
Grab your board, find a style that you enjoy, and most importantly, have fun.