Take a skateboard lesson in Central Park

Thank you to Tatsuma Kasama, from NY Japion for coming out with reader Ryo, 27, who says "I was skateboading for a couple of years when I was a little kid, and I started snowboarding about 8 years ago," to a skateboarding lesson.

Here is the Translation:

Let’s take a lesson!

Asked about his stance, Ryo quickly replies "I’m regular." Yes, he enjoys snowboarding, so should know it. Is he going to apply his snowboarding skills to skateboarding?

First, he practiced to get on the board released from his right hand following "one, two, three," like throwing a bowling ball. The movement of the instructor Jennifer looks very smooth, but Ryo seems to be thinking "Should I step right foot first? Or left foot first?" Though his movement still looks a bit awkward, the next lesson "Push" follows. In both "Push" and "Stop", he needs to lower his body as he pushes the ground and brake with his one foot. His body might be a little too high. Then Jennifer advises "Like sit on an invisible chair!" Following her advice and 15-minute practice, Ryo seems to feel more comfortable than earlier.

Then he practices "Kickturn," which the skater floats the nose for a moment to move right and left, and "Tail stop", which the skater brakes by using the rear part of the board. So far, so good. Then other instructor David suggests, "Let’s try ‘Manual!’" "Manual" is like wheelie. "It usually takes years to master this. Don’t worry," says Jennifer to Ryo, who shouts "Balancing on this is so difficult!"

"I wanna learn other flashy trick," Ryo says, and tries "Ollie."
This technique can be applied to so many different tricks. Indeed, it’s no surprise that Ryo can’t make it in one-hour lesson, but he became better as the instructors say, "Almost!," "Yes, like that!"

After the lesson…

"Oh, I fell down couple of times," says Ryo. "Everyone, even pros, falls down when practicing, then they become better skaters," Jennifer says. By the way, did he successfully apply his snowboarding skills to skateboarding? "I was kind of surprised to know they are totally different. I couldn’t apply snowboarding skills, but I got great instructions today. I’m gonna skateboard-debut on streets!" He headed for a skateshop to debut on the street after the lesson.
Uptown Skate School (info)

Four instructors started last year. $65 for one hour private lesson (add $35 for an additional student). $120 for two lessons, $225 for four lessons. Lessons are usually in Central Park, but other places are also OK.
TEL: 646-852-6367
www.uptownskateschool.com