Get Inspired: How to get into skateboarding

How do I start?

If you want to get into skateboarding, visiting a skate park is a great way to get started. The Skatepark Project website has a park finder for England, Scotland and Wales. There is also a list of parks in Northern Ireland.

What is it?

Skateboarding is a fast, thrilling action sport where you move around on a board, fitted with wheels. You can push off of the ground with one foot to start moving, or use ramps at a skate park to let gravity help you.

Is it for me?

Skateboarding is fun and social, you can do it on an indoor or outdoor skate park where you'll get to meet lots of people. Learning exciting tricks and flips may take some time, but when you've mastered them you'll get a great sense of personal achievement.

What to expect when I start?

• Improving coordination, balance and flexibility are just a few of the health benefits of skateboarding.

• You'll start off slowly, learning the basics such as how to set off, make slight turns on your board and stop.

• With a bit of practice you'll soon be making sharper turns, before moving onto small ramps.

• There is a strong social element to skateboarding - it is something you can do with your friends or make new mates at your local skate park.

• If you're looking for a safe environment for children of all ages and disabilities, visit Sk8 Safe.

To get you in the mood

Are you inspired to try skateboarding? Or maybe you are a keen enthusiast already? Get in touch and tell us your experience of the activity by tweeting us on @bbcgetinspired, visiting us on Facebook or email us on [e-mail].

See our full list of activity guides for more inspiration, or you can also go to our activity finder to find sport and activities near you.