Skateboarding is a beautiful thing—until it isn’t. Every skater has had their fair share of slams, bails, and “why did I even try that?” moments. But here’s the secret: failing is part of the fun. The more you fall, the more you learn (and the more your friends get a good laugh at your expense).
So, let’s take a look at 10 classic skateboard fails that every skater has experienced—and why they’re actually valuable lessons in disguise.
1. The Classic Primo Land – When Your Board Betrays You
What Happens: You land a trick, but instead of rolling away, your board flips sideways, and you end up balancing on the edge of the wheels like an idiot before eating pavement.
Lesson Learned: Physics is cruel. Also, always commit to the trick, or your board will find new ways to punish you.
2. The Unexpected Rocket Board – When Your Deck Becomes a Weapon
What Happens: You try a kickflip, miss the flick, and instead of flipping, your board shoots forward at Mach 3—usually toward a pedestrian, a parked car, or straight under a moving vehicle.
Lesson Learned: Control your board. And if it escapes, just yell “BOARD!” and pretend it wasn’t yours.
3. The Shinner or Shinjury – When Your Board Hates Your Legs
What Happens: You try to pop a trick, but your board decides to uppercut your shin with the force of a thousand suns.
Lesson Learned: Wear shin guards or just accept that shinners are a rite of passage.
4. The Accidental Credit Card – When the Board Hits You There
What Happens: You go for a trick, miss your footing, and land directly on your board’s tail—legs on either side. Pain. Regret. Questioning your life choices.
Lesson Learned: Skateboarding is not always friendly to future generations.
5. The Faceplant – When Gravity Wins
What Happens: Your board stops (pebble, crack, bad vibes), but you don’t. The result? A full-body slam straight to the ground, face-first.
Lesson Learned: Always be ready to tuck and roll. Also, if you see a pebble, just accept your fate.
6. The Waterfall Slam – When You Keep Falling After the Fall
What Happens: You fall, but instead of stopping, you just keep rolling, flailing, and sliding down a ramp, stairs, or the street—like a ragdoll in a video game glitch.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes, the best thing to do is just go limp and accept your destiny.
7. The Slow, Painful Roll-Away – When You Mess Up, but in Slow Motion
What Happens: You try a trick, fail miserably, and instead of falling instantly, you awkwardly wobble for a solid five seconds, trying to save it—before finally hitting the ground.
Lesson Learned: Style points for dramatic effect. The longer the fall, the funnier it is.
8. The Board-to-the-Face – When Karma is Instant
What Happens: You pop the board, but instead of doing what you intended, it rebounds straight into your face.
Lesson Learned: Keep your guard up, because your board has zero loyalty.
9. The Overconfidence Slam – When You Celebrate Too Early
What Happens: You finally land that trick, arms in the air, feeling like a champion—only to immediately trip over your own board and fall.
Lesson Learned: Never celebrate too early. Humility is key. The skate gods are watching.
10. The Random Object Takedown – When the Environment Strikes Back
What Happens: You’re skating smoothly, minding your own business, when suddenly—a trash can, a dog, or even a low-hanging tree branch ends your whole career.
Lesson Learned: Always be aware of your surroundings. Skateboarding is an extreme sport, but so is dodging random obstacles.
Final Words: Laugh It Off and Keep Skating
Every skater has taken some (or all) of these Ls. But the best part? You learn, you get back up, and sometimes—if you’re lucky—you get a good clip out of it.
What’s your worst skate fail ever? Drop it in the comments! Let’s all suffer together.