Getting Started in Fingerboarding
Are you someone who loves skateboarding, but don’t have the opportunity to do it as often as you would like? Maybe fitting a full-sized skateboard into your home or office isn't possible. If that's the case, fingerboarding might just be what you need! Fingerboarding is an awesome way to practice and hone your skills whether you're into street skating, pool riding or even mini-ramps. It offers a unique challenge and practice tool for skaters of all levels from beginners looking to get started to experienced athletes wanting a new twist on an old pastime. In this blog post we'll take look at everything there is to know about becoming a fingerboarder―from choosing the right product for your skill level, learning basic tricks and progressing up to more advanced moves. So if you’re here because you want to learn how to fingerboard or just want to know more about it, strap in because this guide has everything you need!
Fingerboarding 101: The Basics
First things first, let's start with the basics. Fingerboarding is performed using a miniature skateboard complete with trucks, wheels and grip tape. These are mounted on a wooden fingerboard which simulates the experience of riding a full size skateboard. The rider then uses their fingers to manipulate the board and perform various tricks.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's move on to choosing the right fingerboard for you. When it comes to fingerboards, there are three main categories: plastic toy brands, starter wood decks and complete wood pro setups. Plastic toys are the cheapest option and are typically intended for younger children or beginners who are just starting out. Starter wooden boards offer a more realistic skating experience and are therefore better suited for intermediate boarders. Complete pro setups are higher quality made by fingerboarder owned brands and for intermediate and experienced riders.
If you're just starting out, we recommend opting for a starter wooden board. They provide a great balance between price and performance and will help you progress through the ranks quickly. At 6Skates we have many options for starter decks some are handmade and others produced overseas on mass. Once you've got your board, it's time to learn some tricks!
Tricks for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Riders
One of the great things about fingerboarding is that anyone can do it regardless of age or ability level. However, like with anything else, some tricks are more difficult than others. We've compiled lists of beginner, intermediate and advanced tricks below so that you can choose ones that match your skill level. Remember to practice each one and then move onto more difficult moves!
Beginner Tricks:
- Ollie
- Kickflip
- Pop shove-it
- 50-50 grind
- 5-0 grind
- Frontside 180 ollie
- Backside 180 ollie
Advanced Tricks:
- Heelflip
- 360 flip
- Hard flip
- Varial heelflip
- Varial kickflip
- Bigspin
- 540 shove-it
Whether you're looking for a new hobby or trying to improve your skating skills, fingerboarding is definitely worth checking out! It offers hours of fun while providing riders of all levels with a unique challenge. Come visit 6Skates at 1936 Danforth Ave in Toronto. We have a huge selection of fingerboards, obstacles and accessories. Plus we have Canada's only publicly skate-able full size Blackriver park! So come on by and put your fingerboarding skills to the test!