How to Ride a Half Pipe on a Skateboard

Dropping in on a half pipe

For any skateboarder, successfully dropping in on a half pipe is an exciting experience. Although performing this maneuver is challenging, approaching a half pipe the right way will make it much easier and enjoyable. If you drop correctly, you can prevent getting hurt on your way down. And if you learn how to keep speed and balance when coming up on the other side of the pipe, you will be able to tell your friends that half pipes aren't so hard.

Things You'll Need

• Skateboard
• Helmet
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads

Instructions

1. Hang the back wheels of your skateboard over the metal edge on the top of the half pipe (called the coping), and stand on the back tail of your board. Let your other foot rest behind you on the top of the half pipe.

2. 

   Put your back foot slowly onto the front of your board as if you were riding straight to the other side. Lightly push off of your back foot and lean forward at the same time. Because it's easy not to lean forward enough and fall backward, think to yourself that you can't lean forward enough.

3. Keep leaning forward, and make sure you are perpendicular to the board at all times. This means when you first drop in, you will have to rotate your body into the half pipe.

4. Keep your body low as you reach the bottom. When you come to the other side of the half pipe, you will be going fast, and you need the speed to get to the top of the other side.

5. Push off of the top of your board so your front wheels are off the ground, while swinging your arms and hips to whichever side you want to turn. When your board makes a 180-degree turn, stomp your front foot and lean forward.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to push off at the bottom of each end, because this is where you get your speed.

• You have the option to make a turn to your left or right. Don't worry about making the turn until you have gotten more comfortable with dropping in.

• Always wear your pads and helmet for safety.

• When you fall, slide on your knee pads. Watch videos of professionals taking spills online. Being good at falling will save you a few bruises and will increase your confidence.

References

• How to Skateboard: How to Ride a Skateboard