Top 5 Mistakes Beginner Skaters Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Kid learning how to skate

Every skater starts somewhere — and every skater makes mistakes. That’s part of the journey. The falls, the wobbles, the bad habits… they’re all learning moments. But some mistakes can slow down progress, hurt confidence, or even lead to injury if left uncorrected.

Whether your child is stepping on a skateboard for the first time or picking it back up after a break, here are 5 of the most common beginner mistakes — and how to avoid them with smart coaching and simple corrections.

1. 🪖 Skipping Safety Gear

It might not be the “coolest” part of skating, but it’s the most important. Too many beginners hit the board with no helmet, no pads, and no plan. The result? Painful falls, avoidable scrapes, and shaken confidence.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Always wear a certified skate helmet (bike helmets aren’t enough)

• Use wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads

• Set the example: if you’re skating too, gear up with them

• Reinforce that falling is okay — as long as you fall safely

At Tuma Skateboarding, we treat safety gear as non-negotiable. The goal is fun, not fear.

2. 🛹 Using a Toy-Store Board

Not all skateboards are created equal. The colorful, plastic boards from toy aisles might look fun, but they’re not built for real movement, control, or safety. Wobbly trucks, slippery grip, and cheap materials make learning harder, not easier.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Invest in a quality beginner board from a skate shop or trusted brand

• Look for proper grip tape, strong trucks, and soft wheels

• Ask your coach (like Tuma!) for specific recommendations

A good board makes learning smoother, faster, and way more fun.

3. 👣 Pushing with the Front Foot

Also called “mongo pushing,” this habit is super common among new skaters. It throws off your balance, makes transitions harder, and is tough to unlearn later.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Teach proper foot placement from day one: front foot on the board, push with the back

• Practice slow, controlled pushes on flat surfaces

• Use visual cues (chalk lines or cones) to guide correct motion

A little patience here saves a lot of correction down the road.

4. 🤸 Trying Tricks Too Early

We get it — YouTube is full of 9-year-olds doing impossible flips. But trying tricks before learning how to ride, turn, and stop can lead to falls and frustration. Basics are the real trick.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Focus on riding with control, turning, and stopping before any tricks

• Celebrate balance and smooth riding as milestones

• Introduce tricks slowly and safely, with pads and supervision

At Tuma Skateboarding, we reward progress, not just performance.

5. 😤 Getting Frustrated Too Fast

Skateboarding is tough. It’s full of trial and error, and even seasoned skaters fall. Many beginners — especially kids — get discouraged if things don’t click right away.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Set small, achievable goals for each session

• Focus on fun over perfection

• Encourage effort and celebrate the little wins

• Skate with someone patient, like Coach Tuma, who knows how to keep spirits high

Confidence grows with consistency — and every fall is just a step closer to progress.

🚀 Start Strong with the Right Support

Mistakes happen — and that’s okay. But with the right coaching, environment, and gear, your child can avoid the most common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother ride into the world of skateboarding.

At Tuma Skateboarding, we build strong foundations, safe habits, and big smiles from day one.

Want to get started the right way?

Book a trial lesson or check out our Video Gallery to see real kids learning, growing, and having a blast on their boards.