Longboarding is a sport that is easy and fun to learn even for beginners. A skateboard and a longboard are somehow used the same way. The only difference is that a longboard has a longer board and the wheels of a longboard are bigger in size compared to those of a skateboard.
Before you start longboarding you need to learn the basic steps to do the sport the right way. With knowledge on how to longboard, tips, and tricks such as how to balance, among others, you can become a pro at longboarding. Below are effective tips to learning how to use a longboard that will help you out.
Know your stance
Anyone who does longboarding will tell you that there is a specific stance that they are most comfortable in. There are those who prefer to stand with their left foot at the front and right foot at the back called the regulars and those who are more comfortable with the vice versa called the goofy ones. Make several attempts when starting out to know your natural riding stance and determine which foot you are most comfortable placing at the front without stumbling.
Balancing when in static mode
If you are just starting out and haven’t gotten familiar with the sport, you need to know how to balance yourself. In order to learn how to balance, especially when in static mode, practice the sport in the right place. The best place would either be on a heavy carpet or on the grass. Contact with the grass or carpet will prevent the board from rolling and throwing you off balance which might hurt you.
Next, you need to step on your longboard and then find the stance you are most comfortable with. Place your feet apart and slightly closer to where the bolts of the trucks are located. Depending on which foot you prefer to put at the back, whether it’s your left or right foot, position it perpendicular to the deck. The other foot should be positioned at an angle of around 45º. Then slightly bend your knees and lean forward to get some stability. For regulars, turn to your right by shifting your body weight and pressing on your toes and to your left by pressing your heels.
The rolling phase
Having known which is your natural stance, how to turn and brake, you need to learn how to move. Practice either in a parking area or a driveway and start by letting the force of gravity help you roll downwards. Don’t push too much to avoid moving too fast and lose your balance, especially if the ground is not smooth. Simply rotate your front foot with your shoulders forward and push yourself a bit to start off. Once you can push, kick the ground to increase momentum.
Learn how to brake
As a beginner, knowing how to brake is very important. Master foot braking and the steps required to come to a standstill. Unlike pushing, after placing your back foot to the ground, brush it along the ground instead of kicking so as to slow down. Then put your foot flat on the ground so as to brake.
With low speed, you can easily brake, braking when moving faster is harder so keep practicing. Find the best longboard that you will practice with at thrill appeal.
