How to Finally Get Out of Beginner Skater Hell

We’ve all been there – the frustration, the bruises, and that feeling of being stuck in an endless loop of beginner skater struggles. You’ve been skating for a while, you’ve mastered pushing, turning, and maybe even ollied a few times, but you’re not quite getting past that awkward beginner stage. It’s a tough place to be, but don’t worry! Getting out of "Beginner Skater Hell" is totally possible. Here’s how to finally level up and start skating with confidence.

1. Master the Basics (For Real)

It sounds cliché, but mastering the basics is key to moving beyond beginner hell. If you can’t push smoothly, turn confidently, or stop without freaking out, you’re not ready for advanced tricks. The best skaters have solid fundamentals, and once you have them locked down, everything else becomes easier. Spend time refining your push, your balance, and your control. Practice carving, and learn how to stop without a panic brake (we’ve all been there). The better your foundation, the faster you’ll progress.

2. Don’t Skip the Small Stuff

It’s tempting to want to jump into cool tricks like kickflips or grinds, but trust us, you’ll be way more successful if you take the time to master the smaller steps first. Work on getting comfortable with your board. This includes things like pushing with both feet, balancing on your board, and rolling smoothly without hesitation. Don’t rush into technical tricks until you can ride with control and confidence. Remember, learning tricks is just a bonus once you’ve conquered the basics.

3. Consistency is Key

The key to breaking free from Beginner Skater Hell is simple: practice, practice, practice. The more time you spend on your board, the faster you’ll improve. Make it a habit to skate regularly, even if it’s just for a short time each day. Consistency builds muscle memory and confidence. Don’t let fear or frustration stop you from getting back on your board – each session is another step toward getting better. Even if you feel stuck, keep pushing through; it’s a slow grind, but progress is happening.

4. Get Comfortable with Falling

One of the biggest hurdles for beginner skaters is the fear of falling. The truth is, falling is part of the process. The more you skate, the more you’ll get used to taking spills. The key is to learn how to fall safely (always try to roll instead of bracing with your hands) and not let it knock your confidence. Take it from the pros – every skater has fallen, sometimes many times, to get to where they are. Embrace the falls, laugh them off, and don’t be afraid to keep trying.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Progressing as a skater doesn’t happen overnight, so set achievable, realistic goals for yourself. Want to land your first ollie? Set that as your focus and work on it every session until it clicks. Want to grind a ledge? Break it down into smaller steps – like practicing balance and control before attempting the grind. Setting goals helps you stay focused and gives you something to look forward to. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Progress might feel slow, but you’re getting closer to leaving Beginner Skater Hell behind.

6. Learn from Others

One of the best ways to speed up your progress is by watching others. Find some skaters who are a bit further along than you and observe their technique. Pay attention to how they approach certain tricks, their stance, and how they flow between movements. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Most skaters are happy to share advice, and you can pick up tricks and tips that’ll help you move past your beginner struggles. YouTube tutorials and Instagram skaters can also be great resources for learning new tricks and techniques.

7. Break Down Tricks into Steps

One of the main reasons beginners get stuck is that they try to learn complex tricks all at once. Instead of trying to land that perfect kickflip on your first try, break the trick down into smaller components. Master the motion of popping the board, then focus on getting the flick right, and finally, work on timing the jump. Once you’ve got all the elements, putting them together will be way easier. Practice the parts of the trick separately before attempting the whole thing.

8. Challenge Yourself (But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself)

While consistency is key, you also need to challenge yourself. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone and only attempt tricks that you know you can do. But in order to progress, you need to push yourself out of that zone. That doesn’t mean going straight for difficult tricks like big spins or long grinds, but it does mean attempting new skills and gradually pushing your limits. Make sure to stay realistic and avoid getting overwhelmed. Keep the challenges small, and gradually increase the difficulty.

9. Find a Crew

Skateboarding is more fun (and motivating) when you’re surrounded by other skaters. Find a group of friends to skate with who are around the same skill level or slightly better than you. They’ll encourage you, share tips, and keep the session fun. Plus, there’s nothing like the rush of landing a trick with your friends cheering you on. The support of a skate crew can make the tough days way easier to get through.

10. Be Patient with Yourself

Breaking out of Beginner Skater Hell isn’t an instant fix – it’s a process. You will have good days, bad days, and everything in between. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself. Don’t beat yourself up over a bad session or a trick that just won’t come. Skateboarding takes time, and the only way out of beginner hell is by sticking with it. Trust the process, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.

Illustrations by DOSE Skateboarding / Libi Grach