Fingerboarding Guide: Tricks, Tips & Gear For Beginners

Hey guys! Ever seen those tiny skateboards people shred on with their fingers and thought, "Whoa, that's kinda cool"? Well, you've stumbled into the right place! Fingerboarding is more than just a quirky desk toy; it's a legit miniature sport with its own culture, tricks, and even pro fingerboarders! This guide is your ultimate starting point, whether you're just curious or ready to dive fingers-first into this awesome world. We're gonna break down everything from what a fingerboard actually is, to the basic tricks you'll be landing in no time. So, grab your imaginary board (or maybe a real one if you're eager!), and let's get rolling!

What Exactly is Fingerboarding?

Okay, so let's get the basics nailed down. Fingerboarding, in its simplest form, is skateboarding… but with your fingers! Imagine a scaled-down skateboard, complete with a deck, trucks, wheels, and even grip tape. The goal? To replicate real skateboarding tricks and maneuvers using your index and middle fingers instead of your feet. It might sound a little silly at first, but trust me, the skill and dexterity involved are seriously impressive. Fingerboarding isn't just about wiggling your fingers around; it’s about precision, timing, and developing a feel for the board. Think of it like learning a musical instrument – it takes practice, patience, and a good understanding of the fundamentals. The fingerboard itself is typically made of wood or plastic, and the components are designed to mimic those of a real skateboard as closely as possible. This attention to detail is what allows fingerboarders to execute a wide range of tricks, from basic ollies and kickflips to more advanced grinds and slides. The beauty of fingerboarding lies in its accessibility. You can do it virtually anywhere – on your desk, on a tabletop, or even on a custom-built fingerboard park. This makes it a fantastic hobby for anyone, regardless of their age or physical abilities. Plus, it's a super fun way to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and express your creativity. You'll be surprised at how much satisfaction you get from finally nailing that elusive trick! So, if you’re looking for a new and engaging hobby, fingerboarding might just be the perfect fit.

Essential Fingerboard Gear for Beginners

Alright, so you're intrigued, right? Awesome! Now, let's talk gear. You can't shred without a board, and just like with real skateboards, there's a range of options to choose from. For beginners, the world of fingerboard gear can seem a little overwhelming, but don't worry, we're here to break it down. The most crucial piece of equipment is, of course, the fingerboard itself. You'll find complete fingerboards available, which are pre-assembled and ready to ride straight out of the box. These are a great starting point for beginners as they offer a convenient and affordable way to get into the hobby. When choosing your first fingerboard, pay attention to the materials used. Wooden decks are generally preferred over plastic ones, as they provide a more realistic feel and better performance. Look for a deck that's around 29-32mm wide, as this is a comfortable size for most beginners. The trucks (the metal axles that hold the wheels) are another important component. Higher-quality trucks will offer smoother turning and greater stability. The wheels should also be durable and have a good grip. Many fingerboarders prefer wheels made from urethane, as they provide a balance of grip and slide. Besides the fingerboard itself, there are a few other accessories that can enhance your fingerboarding experience. Grip tape is essential for providing traction and control. Most fingerboards come with grip tape pre-applied, but you can also purchase replacement grip tape if needed. A fingerboard tool is a handy little gadget that allows you to tighten or loosen the trucks and wheels. This is important for maintaining your board and adjusting it to your preferred riding style. Finally, you might want to consider a fingerboard ramp or obstacle. These can add a new dimension to your fingerboarding and allow you to practice more advanced tricks. There are many different types of ramps and obstacles available, from simple rails and ledges to more elaborate quarter pipes and bowls. Remember, you don't need to break the bank to get started with fingerboarding. A decent quality complete fingerboard will provide you with everything you need to learn the basics and have fun. As you progress, you can always upgrade your gear to suit your evolving needs and preferences.

Basic Fingerboard Tricks to Master

Okay, you've got your board, you're feeling stoked – now it's time to learn some tricks! Just like skateboarding, fingerboarding has its own set of fundamental maneuvers that you'll need to master before you can progress to the more complex stuff. Think of these as your fingerboarding building blocks. The ollie is the absolute foundation of almost every fingerboard trick. It's the equivalent of the ollie in skateboarding and involves popping the board into the air. To perform an ollie, place your index finger near the tail of the board and your middle finger in the center. Press down on the tail with your index finger to pop the board up, and then slide your middle finger forward along the deck to level it out. It takes practice to get the timing and finger placement right, but once you've mastered the ollie, you'll be able to clear obstacles and transition into other tricks. Next up is the kickflip, a classic skateboarding trick that translates beautifully to fingerboarding. The kickflip involves flipping the board 360 degrees along its length. To perform a kickflip, position your fingers similarly to an ollie, but angle your middle finger slightly towards the edge of the board. As you ollie, flick your middle finger outwards to initiate the flip. Catch the board with your fingers as it completes the rotation and land smoothly. Another essential trick is the heelflip, which is the opposite of the kickflip. Instead of flicking your middle finger outwards, you flick it inwards towards your body. This will cause the board to flip in the opposite direction. Heelflips can be a bit trickier than kickflips for some people, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Once you've got the ollie, kickflip, and heelflip down, you can start exploring grinds and slides. These tricks involve sliding the board along a ledge or rail. Popular grinds include the 50-50 (where both trucks are on the obstacle) and the boardslide (where the deck slides along the obstacle). To perform a grind, ollie onto the obstacle and position your trucks so that they lock onto the edge. Keep your balance and slide along the obstacle, then pop off at the end. Remember, learning fingerboard tricks takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't land them right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll be shredding in no time!

Advanced Fingerboard Techniques and Tricks

So, you've nailed the basics – ollies, kickflips, heelflips… you're officially on your way to becoming a fingerboard pro! But the journey doesn't stop there. The world of fingerboarding is vast and full of challenging and impressive tricks just waiting to be conquered. Now, let's dive into some advanced techniques that will take your fingerboarding skills to the next level. One of the key elements of advanced fingerboarding is combining tricks. Think of it like creating a combo in a video game. Instead of just doing a single trick, you string multiple tricks together in a fluid motion. This not only looks super cool but also requires a high level of coordination and control. For example, you could ollie into a grind, kickflip out, and then land into a manual (riding on two wheels). The possibilities are endless! Another advanced technique is mastering different variations of basic tricks. For instance, you could try a varial kickflip, which combines a kickflip with a pop shuvit (a 180-degree rotation of the board). Or you could attempt a tre flip (360 kickflip), which involves flipping the board 360 degrees along its length while simultaneously rotating it 360 degrees horizontally. These variations add a new level of complexity and style to your fingerboarding. Grinds and slides also offer plenty of room for advanced maneuvers. You can try different grind variations, such as the lipslide (where you approach the obstacle backside and slide on the nose of the board) or the bluntslide (where you slide on the tail of the board). You can also try combining grinds with other tricks, such as kickflipping into a grind or heelflipping out of a grind. Manuals are another essential advanced technique. A manual involves riding on two wheels, either the front or the back. Manuals require a lot of balance and control, but they open up a whole new world of trick possibilities. You can try doing manuals over obstacles, combining manuals with other tricks, or even learning to manual switch (riding with your opposite foot forward). Remember, advanced fingerboarding is all about pushing your limits and challenging yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and most importantly, have fun!

Building Your Own Fingerboard Park

Okay, you're ripping, you're tricking, you're basically a fingerboard wizard! But where are you shredding? A flat desk can only take you so far. To truly unleash your fingerboarding potential, you need a proper fingerboard park! And the awesome thing is, you don't need a massive space or a huge budget to create your own mini skate paradise. Building your own fingerboard park is a fantastic way to get creative, customize your riding experience, and challenge yourself with new obstacles. The first step in building your park is to gather some materials. You can use a variety of items that you probably already have around the house, such as cardboard boxes, pieces of wood, plastic containers, and even old books. These will form the base of your ramps, ledges, and rails. Next, you'll need some tools to cut and shape your materials. A utility knife or a pair of scissors is essential for working with cardboard and plastic. A saw might be necessary for cutting wood. You'll also need some glue or tape to hold everything together. Once you've got your materials and tools, it's time to start designing your park. Think about the types of obstacles you want to include. Ramps are a classic fingerboard park staple, allowing you to ollie and grind. You can create simple ramps by cutting cardboard into angled shapes and gluing them together. Ledges are another popular obstacle, perfect for practicing grinds and slides. You can make ledges out of pieces of wood or plastic, or even use the edges of tables or shelves. Rails are great for practicing slides and grinds. You can use metal rods, wooden dowels, or even PVC pipes to create rails. Get creative with your designs! Don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes. You can also add details to your obstacles, such as coping (the metal edge on a skateboard ramp) or textured surfaces for better grip. Once you've built your obstacles, it's time to arrange them in your park. Think about the flow of your park and how you want to link the obstacles together. You can create a linear park with obstacles in a row, or a more open park with obstacles scattered around a central area. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Building your own fingerboard park is a rewarding experience that will enhance your fingerboarding skills and provide you with hours of entertainment.

Fingerboarding Community and Culture

Fingerboarding isn't just a solo hobby; it's a vibrant community with its own culture, events, and even pro fingerboarders! Connecting with other fingerboarders is a fantastic way to learn new tricks, share your passion, and make new friends. The fingerboarding community is spread across the globe, with enthusiasts from all walks of life. Online forums and social media groups are great places to connect with other fingerboarders. You can share videos of your tricks, ask for advice, and discuss the latest fingerboarding gear and trends. Many local communities also have their own fingerboarding meetups and events. These gatherings provide an opportunity to meet other fingerboarders in person, shred together, and compete in friendly competitions. Fingerboarding competitions are a big part of the culture. These events range from small local gatherings to large international competitions. Competitions typically involve performing a series of tricks on a designated course, with judges evaluating the difficulty, style, and execution of the tricks. There are even professional fingerboarders who make a living from the sport. These pros are incredibly skilled and innovative, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a fingerboard. They often have sponsors and travel the world competing in events and showcasing their skills. Fingerboarding culture also extends to the gear and accessories. Many fingerboarders take pride in customizing their boards and creating unique setups. There's a thriving market for custom fingerboard decks, trucks, wheels, and other components. You can find fingerboards with intricate designs, made from exotic materials, and even signed by pro fingerboarders. The fingerboarding community is known for being welcoming and supportive. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fingerboarder, you'll find plenty of people willing to share their knowledge and help you improve. So, don't be afraid to reach out, connect with other fingerboarders, and become part of this awesome community!

So, there you have it! Your complete guide to the awesome world of fingerboarding. We've covered everything from the basics to advanced tricks, gear, park building, and even the fingerboarding community. Now it's time to grab your board, get those fingers working, and start shredding! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if you don't land a trick right away. Just keep at it, have fun, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve. Happy fingerboarding, guys!