Learn to Skateboard

Updated: August 08, 2008

Skateboarding has come a long way. For decades, it was seen as a juvenile activity and skateboarders were perceived as outcasts who simply vandalized public property. The general public never acknowledged the skill, precision and dedication it takes to learn this "art form."

Pushing down the sidewalk is relatively easy, but learning the numerous tricks and maneuvers takes years and years of practice. Even someone like skateboarding legend Tony Hawk can't do every trick in the book.

If modern skateboarding could be broken down and analyzed, many pros would agree that an ollie is the fundamental maneuver that any skater has to learn first. It's an essential move for everything, from hopping up curbs to doing a 20-stair handrail.

In this do-it-yourself feature, you can learn how to do an ollie. Remember, it takes lots of practice to learn, and it's been said that it takes most dedicated skaters up to a year to really perform a controlled ollie.

Please Note: Channel One recommends that anyone attempting these moves should be fully protected with a helmet, elbow and knee pads.