Stepping onto a board for the first time? There’s nothing like that rush—the breeze in your hoodie, the sound of wheels hitting pavement, and the moment your feet leave the ground on your first trick. At Alcostashop, we live for these moments, stocking the dopest gear—from Santa Cruz decks to Spitfire wheels and Creature boards—to keep you rolling with style.

But before you start shredding like a pro, you’ve got to master the basics. Here are 10 essential tricks every beginner skater should learn, plus insider tips to help you land them faster.

1. Ollie

This is the foundational trick—it unlocks everything else.

How to Learn It:

• Crouch and snap the tail of your board down.
  

• Slide your front foot up and level out in the air.
  

• Land with knees bent.
  
  

Try it on grass first. A Baker deck will give you the perfect pop.

2. Pop Shove-It

Your board spins 180 underneath you—clean, simple, stylish.

How to Learn It:

• Scoop your back foot while popping the tail.
  

• Jump straight up and catch the spin.
  

• Land and roll away smoothly.
  
  

Land softer with Spitfire Super Juice wheels.

3. Frontside 180

Add a 180 body turn to your ollie. Smooth on ramps or flat ground.

How to Learn It:

• Ollie and rotate your shoulders frontside.
  

• Let your hips and board follow.
  

• Spot your landing and stick it.
  
  

Stay cozy while practicing in a Spitfire Demon Seed hoodie.

4. Backside 180

The sibling of the frontside 180—spin toward your heels.

How to Learn It:

• Ollie and turn your shoulders backside.
  

• Guide the spin with your eyes.
  

• Center your weight to avoid slipping.
  
  

Get that extra control with a Santa Cruz deck.

5. Kickturn

Pivot on your back wheels to change direction—great for cruising.

How to Learn It:

• Lean back slightly to lift the front wheels.
  

• Rotate your shoulders to turn.
  

• Practice on the flat before trying ramps.
  
  

A lightweight Creature deck makes turning feel effortless.

6. 50-50 Grind

Both trucks slide across a curb or rail—feels magical.

How to Learn It:

• Ollie onto a ledge, landing both trucks.
  

• Stay centered and balanced.
  

• Pop off gently.
  
  

Get the right speed and grip with Spitfire wheels.

7. Heelflip

A flip trick using your heel—tough but impressive.

How to Learn It:

• Ollie, then flick your heel off the board’s edge.
  

• Let it flip once, catch it, and land clean.
  
  

A Powell deck helps make those flips smoother.

8. Kickflip

Flip the board with your toes—every beginner’s dream trick.

How to Learn It:

• Ollie and flick the front foot outward.
  

• Catch the board mid-air and land centered.
  
  

Practice on carpet for confidence. Baker decks offer solid control.

9. Rock to Fakie

A ramp trick where you rock on the coping and roll back backward.

How to Learn It:

• Roll up with steady speed.
  

• Rock the front trucks onto the coping.
  

• Shift your weight back and roll down fakie.
  
  

Get grip and balance with a Santa Cruz deck.

10. Boardslide

Your board slides across a rail—flashy and fun.

How to Learn It:

• Ollie and rotate 90 degrees to land mid-board.
  

• Keep weight centered and balance the slide.
  

• Rotate back and ride away.
  
  

A durable Creature deck can take the slide impact like a champ.

Bonus Tips for New Skaters

Fall Like a Pro
Falling is part of the game—just learn to roll, tuck, and laugh it off. Pads help. So does a good playlist.

Film Your Progress
Record your tricks (and bails). It’s hype to see how far you’ve come—and makes great content too.

Keep It Loose
Tight trucks = control. Loose trucks = flow. Play with your setup until it feels just right.

Respect the Spot
Clean up after sessions and don’t ruin ledges—skate culture is about style and respect.

Mix It Up
Street, park, ramps, flatground—try it all. Every surface teaches you something new.

Skate Your Own Way
Tricks don’t need to be perfect. Add your own flavor. Skateboarding is about expression, not perfection.

Stretch Before You Shred
Five minutes of stretching = way fewer cramps and slams. Your knees will thank you later.

Don’t Compare, Just Skate
Everyone’s on their own path. Some land flips fast, others grind harder. Your ride is yours.

Celebrate Every Win
Even a wobbly ollie is progress. Keep pushing. You're killing it.

Let’s Shred Together

Skateboarding isn’t just about tricks—it’s about progression, creativity, and the freedom to express yourself. These 10 tricks are your launchpad. When you’re ready, Alcostashop’s got your back with top gear and that skate-life vibe.

Check out Our Shop and grab the gear to match your new skills!