The first time you roll up to a curb and realise you cannot just ride over it, you learn a big lesson about skateboarding: small obstacles demand real technique. Getting up a curb is one of the most practical skills in street skating, and it makes everyday riding faster and safer, because you can stay on your board instead of stepping off at every kerb. The ollie is the tool that makes it possible. This guide shows you how to ollie up a curb step by step, why most beginners get stuck, and how to build the timing that turns a flat-ground ollie into a real-world skill.
Before You Try Ollie Up a Curb
You should already be comfortable with an ollie on flat ground. If you are still working on getting the board to leave the ground with both feet, spend time on our beginner’s guide to the ollie first. You do not need a huge ollie for a low curb, but you do need to be able to pop, slide and land with some consistency. If your ollies are low and inconsistent, our tips on how to ollie higher will help build the height you need.
It also helps to know that an ollie over a small obstacle is different from an ollie on flat ground. With flat ground you can pop whenever you like. With a curb, timing is everything, because the position of your popping foot relative to the edge decides whether you glide over it or crash into it.
Choosing the Right Curb
- Start small: A curb cut or a low kerb of around two to three inches is ideal. Bigger curbs come later.
- Smooth surface both sides: Cracks or gravel near the edge can throw your wheels off. Look for clean, even ground.
- Quiet location: Practise in a car park, empty street or quiet path, not near active traffic.
- Consistent height: Avoid curbs with broken or chipped edges that could grab a wheel.
How to Ollie Up a Curb
- Line up straight. Approach the curb head on. Angling in makes it harder to judge where your wheels will meet the edge.
- Roll at walking speed. Too slow and you lose balance; too fast and small mistakes become painful. A relaxed, steady roll works best.
- Bend your knees and get low. Crouch as you approach, just as you would for a flat-ground ollie.
- Pop at the right distance. Snap the tail down when your front wheels are roughly a board length from the curb. Popping too late is the number one reason skaters hit the kerb.
- Slide your front foot up the board. Drag it toward the nose with the side of your shoe, levelling the board in the air.
- Pull your back knee up. Lifting the back leg brings the tail up so the rear wheels clear the edge too.
- Land over the bolts. Bring your feet back over the trucks, bend your knees to absorb the drop and roll away.
Keep your eyes on the edge of the curb and the landing spot, not on your feet. Your body will follow where you look.
Why Timing Matters More Than Height
A beginner instinct is to ollie as high as possible, but for a curb, height alone does not solve anything. What matters is the moment you pop and how quickly you level the board. If the front wheels are already past the edge when the back wheels leave the ground, the tail will clip the kerb and the board will stop dead. Popping slightly earlier than feels natural gives the board enough space to level out and travel forward over the obstacle.
It helps to practise by rolling slowly toward a painted line or a crack in the ground, popping and landing beyond it. Do this until you can clear the line consistently, then move to a real curb.
Common Mistakes When Learning
- Popping too late: Front wheels hit the curb and the board stops. Pop earlier.
- Leaning back: Putting your weight on the tail causes the board to tilt nose-up and drop the back wheels into the edge. Stay centred.
- Not sliding the front foot: Without levelling out, the board rises but never travels forward. Drag the front foot up the board.
- Not lifting the back leg: The tail hits the curb. Pull the back knee up toward your chest.
- Going too fast: Excess speed makes the landing chaotic. Slow down and be deliberate.
- Bailing early: Committing halfway leads to more falls than fully committing. If you decide to try, go all the way.
Staying Safe While Learning
Curbs are hard, and falls can be sudden. Wear a helmet, and consider wrist guards while you learn, since many beginners try to catch themselves with their hands. Our guide on how to choose a skateboard helmet covers what to look for. Also learn how to fall by rolling or stepping off the back of the board rather than stiffening your arms.
Progressing to Bigger Curbs
Once you can consistently ollie up a low curb, increase height gradually. Try a slightly bigger edge, then move to sidewalks and low ledges. You can also practise ollying down a curb, then up, to build confidence with different heights. The same skills scale up to stairs and gaps as your pop and timing improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should I be able to ollie before trying a curb?
You do not need a big ollie for a low curb. If you can pop the board off the ground and land it with your feet over the bolts, you can start with a curb cut of two to three inches and build from there.
Why do my back wheels keep hitting the curb?
Your back leg is not lifting enough. After you pop and slide your front foot, pull your back knee up toward your chest so the tail clears the edge.
Should I approach the curb fast or slow?
Slow to moderate. Walking pace gives you time to react while still carrying enough momentum to clear the edge. Fast approaches make timing much harder.
Can I ollie up a curb with a longboard or cruiser?
It is much harder on a longboard or cruiser because of the shape and weight of the deck. A standard street skateboard with a kicktail is the best tool for this trick.
Is it better to ollie up a curb or manual up it?
For beginners, the ollie is the standard method. Manualling onto curbs is possible with practice, but it needs a more advanced sense of balance and timing.
