Bailey Te Maipi, founder and lead instructor of Waa Hine Skate, has got the basics to get you onboard. 

Step one: Getting the gear

If you have a skate school in your area, you don’t need to have anything, as they should have a board and some safety gear for you to use.

If you can, it’s nice to have your own board as you can get used to it and will feel more confident trying new things on it. As well as a board, you might want to get a skate tool to help you loosen and tighten things up, a helmet and some safety pads (wrists, elbows and knee). 

In terms of clothing, try and wear some shoes that have a gum sole (something like Vans or Converse) as they are better than grippy shoes on the grip tape.

Step two: Finding a spot

Again, if you have a skate school nearby try them out and see if you enjoy the lessons. They will be able to give you the tips you need to get onto the board and the confidence to step into the space. 

Without a skate school, it may feel intimidating but you can try out a local skatepark. If you’re shy, heading there at off peak times may give you a bit more space.

Otherwise look for a tennis court, school, footpath or driveway. Really anywhere that has smooth, flat concrete you can skate on. This is why we saw so many people start skating during lockdown because it was something you could do more easily inside your bubble.

Step three: Getting onboard

Don’t get ahead of yourself. Take everything really slowly and try to feel comfortable on the board before you start moving too quickly. 

If you can’t go to an in-person lesson, jump onto YouTube, instagram or TikTok and search for beginner skateboarding tips. There’s so much great content online to get you started. You’ll want to focus on the basics so look for videos about foot placement, pushing, turning, how to slow down and stop. 

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can find your style. There is no one right way to do it, skating is as unique as the person doing it.

Step four: Making it stick

“Like anything, finding someone to do it with can help keep you motivated. If you have found the passion for it and have decided you really want to give it a go, stay persistent. 

Skateboarding will hurt you and you will fall and get frustrated, but when you have been trying to land something for weeks, months or even years, that feeling is unbeatable. Promise.”

Step five: Finding community

There are heaps of skate schools operating around the motu. Here are a couple to get you started.

Auckland

Skate Seen – All ages

Manaaki Motu – Runs courses designed for adult women

Girls Skate NZ – Runs courses designed for girls

Wellness Riders – Girls and youth oriented

Gisborne

Surely Skate – Female and non-binary skate crew

Hawke’s Bay

Bay Skate – Open to all ages and abilities

Wellness Riders – Girls and youth oriented

Manawatū

On Board Skate – Youth oriented 

Wellington

Waa Hine Skate – Runs courses designed for wāhine and takatāpui

SkatEd – Runs courses designed for women and children

Christchurch

Cheapskates Skate Skool – Youth oriented 

Wānaka

Rad Skate School – Open to all ages and abilities