To gain speed on a longboard, adjust your stance and shift your weight towards the front foot while keeping a low center of gravity. Practice carving and developing your pushing technique.
Longboarding is a popular action sport that involves skating on a longboard. Though it is mainly a mode of transportation, many people use longboarding as a competitive sport. Gaining speed on a longboard requires learning proper techniques such as adjusting your stance, shifting your weight towards the front foot, and maintaining a low center of gravity. Additionally, mastering carving techniques, developing your pushing technique, and increasing your confidence in turning at high speeds will incredibly enhance your speed on a longboard. In this article, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you gain speed on a longboard and improve your overall longboarding experience.
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Understanding The Basics Of Longboarding Speed
Longboarding is a thrilling sport enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s an adventurous and fun way to get around town, but when you’re cruising on your longboard, speed is of the essence. It’s exciting to feel the wind rushing past you and the thrill that comes with the speed.
But how do you go faster? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here is all you need to know to gain speed on a longboard.
Factors That Affect Longboarding Speed
There are various factors that affect your longboarding speed; understanding these factors will help you increase your speed safely. Here are some of the significant factors.
- board length: longer boards naturally pick up speed more quickly than shorter boards.
- truck tightness: looser trucks lead to a smoother ride, but tighter trucks help you maintain control and speed.
- wheel size: larger wheels roll over cracks and debris more smoothly and keep their momentum, leading to greater speed.
- hill gradient: steeper hills will naturally provide more speed than gentler inclines.
Understanding Gravity And Friction
Gravity and friction are key concepts to understand when it comes to longboarding speed. Gravity is what pulls you down as you ride down hills, and friction is what slows you down and helps you come to a stop. You need to manage these two forces to maintain your speed and stay safe while longboarding.
- gravity: when you are travelling downhill on your longboard, gravity will accelerate you. To maintain your speed or go faster, you only need to lean forward slightly or crouch down and bend your knees to reduce wind resistance. Take caution while travelling downhill, and always know the terrain you will be riding on before you start your journey.
- friction: whenever you ride your longboard on any surface, friction is always present. To maintain a constant speed, you will need to maintain a consistent amount of friction with your wheels. If you start feeling that you are slowing down, ensure you adjust your board’s trucks, loosen them, or remove any debris that is slowing you down.
Safety Tips For High-Speed Longboarding
Speed thrills, but it can also kill: safety should be a top priority when longboarding at high speeds. Here are a few safety tips you should always keep in mind.
- wear protective gear: always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as elbow and knee pads. Accidents may happen, and protective gear can help reduce the chances of injuries.
- stay alert: keep your eyes and ears open and stay aware of the environment around you. Watch out for unexpected obstacles, and always anticipate danger while you are longboarding.
- be mindful of others: be cautious of pedestrians and other riders on the sidewalk or road. Stick to designated lanes and ride defensively, considering other road users.
- know your limits: it’s easy to get carried away while riding, improve gradually rather than rush to learn and try new things that might be beyond your limits
- ride with a friend: in case of any emergency, it’s better to ride with a friend, not to mention more fun. Take turns leading and following.
Longboarding is a fun and adventurous sport that can be enjoyed by practically anyone. With a little practice, understanding the basics and with a bit of caution, you can increase your longboarding speed safely. Take care and ride to your heart’s content!
Building The Right Setup For Speed
Longboarding is a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled activity, but it can be dangerous if you don’t understand how to control your speed. Building a suitable setup for speed can help you achieve safe and efficient high-speed longboarding.
Choosing The Right Longboard For Speed
Choosing the right longboard is essential to achieving speed. Ensure that you select a longboard with a design that complements your style of riding and a build that can handle high speeds.
- The length of the board should be between 36 to 40 inches to provide stability and ample space for your feet when you’re racing downhill.
- A symmetrical shape with a slight concave helps with balance and stability. Symmetrical shape makes it easy for riders to ride switch and do tricks forward or backward.
- Material: look for decks made of bamboo, carbon fiber, or maple. These materials are excellent for speed, as they are both strong and lightweight.
The Importance Of Wheels And Bearings
The wheels and bearings on a longboard play a significant role in speed. The right set of wheels can help you achieve increased momentum, while the right bearings will keep the wheels from slowing down.
- Wheel size: opt for a large wheel size (70mm and above), as it ensures a smoother ride and can handle rough terrain. High rebound wheels are also great because they offer more speed.
- Wheel durometer: choose a wheel with a durometer rating between 78a and 85a, as they are the softest and provide a better grip for faster and smoother rides.
- Bearings: seek higher-end bearings, such as bones swiss or oust moc 9, to reduce friction and maintain speeds for more extended periods.
How To Select Trucks For High-Speed Longboarding
Trucks play a significant role in longboard stability, especially when you’re going at high speeds. Choose trucks that offer dynamic stability, durability and provide a suitable level of flexibility.
- Look for trucks with a reverse kingpin. Reverse kingpin trucks have longer hanger, making it easier for the rider to control the board, especially when traveling at high speeds.
- Width: truck width affects the stability of your longboard. Choose trucks that are as wide as your board size.
- Baseplate angle: seeking a lower-degree baseplate angle lowers the center of gravity, which helps provide better stability while maintaining speed.
With these tips, you should be able to build a longboard setup that is perfect for achieving high speeds. It’s essential to choose a high-quality setup to avoid longboarding accidents, ensuring that you have an exhilarating experience.
THE LONGBOARD SECRETS I wish I knew when I started!
Perfecting Your Technique For Gaining Speed
Gaining speed on a longboard is a thrilling experience that requires the right techniques and practice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, perfecting your technique can help you reach higher speeds and enjoy your longboarding adventures to the fullest.
In this blog post, we will share tips on mastering your longboarding stance, understanding weight distribution, and leaning effectively to gain maximum speed.
Mastering Your Longboarding Stance
Your stance is the foundation of your longboarding skills, and it’s essential to get it right to gain speed.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the longboard.
- Keep your knees bent slightly and your back straight.
- Place your front foot facing forward, and your back foot perpendicular to the longboard, with your toes hanging slightly off the edge.
Understanding Weight Distribution
Proper weight distribution is crucial for gaining speed on a longboard.
- Shift your weight to your front foot to accelerate.
- Keep your weight centered on the longboard to maintain stability.
- Lean back slightly to slow down or stop.
How To Lean Effectively
Leaning effectively can help you turn corners, maintain balance, and gain speed.
- Begin by practicing on flat terrain before attempting to lean while longboarding downhill.
- Lean slightly to the left or right to turn corners.
- Maintain balance by shifting your weight in the opposite direction when turning.
- Lean forward slightly while going downhill to gain speed.
Following these tips can make a significant difference in gaining speed on a longboard. Practice regularly and be patient with yourself as it takes time to perfect the techniques. Keep experimenting and challenging yourself to reach new heights with your longboarding skills.
Happy riding!
Getting Into Some Advanced Speed Tricks
If you’re an experienced longboarder looking to take your riding to the next level, mastering advanced speed tricks is essential. With a bit of practice and some helpful tips, you can gain more speed and fluidity on your longboard than ever before.
In this article, we’ll go over some essential carving techniques, tips for mastering pumping, and tricks to help you maintain your speed down steep hills. So, let’s get started!
Carving Techniques For High-Speed Turns
Carving is a critical skill for longboarders who want to reach high speeds. By shifting your body weight and using proper turning techniques, you can gain speed quickly and make tight turns with ease.
- Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board to maintain balance.
- Shift your weight onto your toes or heels to initiate turns.
- Use your shoulders to lead into turns, allowing your hips and feet to follow naturally.
- Practice carving on a gentle slope before attempting tighter turns.
Mastering The Art Of Pumping
Pumping is a critical skill for longboarders who want to gain speed on flat ground or mellow slopes. Rather than relying on gravity alone, pumping involves using your body weight to generate speed by pushing down and pulling up on the board.
- Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board to maintain balance.
- Use your front foot to push down on the board, while simultaneously pulling up with your back foot.
- Shift your weight forward and backward as you pump, following the natural rhythm of the board.
- Practice pumping on a flat, smooth surface before trying it on a slope.
How To Maintain Your Speed Down A Steep Hill
Maintaining your speed down a steep hill requires a combination of skill and technique. By mastering the basics of carving and pumping, you’ll be well on your way to tackling even the steepest slopes.
- Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board to maintain balance.
- Use carving techniques to make controlled turns and regulate your speed.
- Pump as you go down the hill, using your body weight to generate speed and maintain momentum.
- Use your foot to brake if necessary, pressing down gently on the tail of the board to slow down gradually.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your longboarding skills and gain more speed than ever before. So, get out there and have fun!
Developing Your Speed-Training Plan
Longboarding is a thrilling activity that is rapidly gaining popularity among people of all ages. One of the most important skills you should have as a longboarder is speed. There is no better feeling than cruising around at a high speed and feeling the wind rushing past you.
However, achieving and maintaining high speed requires time, effort, and practice. Below are essential tips for developing your speed-training plan.
Essential Exercises For Longboarding Speed Training
Training is essential to improving your speed when longboarding.
- Hill repeats: find a hill that is long, steep, and relatively straight. Coast down the hill at full speed, and then walk back up. Repeat the exercise at least 10 times to build your speed and endurance.
- Interval training: longboard for a specified amount of time at maximum speed, then recover for the same amount of time. Repeat for 10-15 intervals to increase your speed and stamina.
- Technique practice: fine-tune your technique by practicing different stances, tucking position, foot placement and changing directions, this will help control your speed efficiently.
How To Create A Personalized Speed-Training Plan
Creating a speed-training plan should be tailored to your fitness level and schedule.
- Set a goal: determine your speed objectives, the distance you want to cover within your desired time frame, and track your progress for self-motivation.
- Create a schedule: identify times during the week when you can commit to your training plan and write it down on a calendar to keep track of the progress.
- Mix it up: incorporate different types of exercises such as sprints, intervals or hill training to keep the challenge and have a well-rounded training plan.
- Rest and recover: allow time for convalescence after training sessions to prevent burnout and injury.
Tips For Staying Safe While Practicing Speed-Training
Speed training requires caution, ensuring your safety is very important.
- Protective gear: always wear a helmet, gloves, and knee pads as a precaution against possible falls.
- Choose ideal location: find a safe location with a smooth, even surface, no obstacles or pedestrians, but most importantly it’s okay to practice in areas designated for longboarding.
- Be aware of surroundings: keep an eye for potential hazards and knowing how to handle emergency situations.
- Longboard with a partner: longboarding with a friend helps stay motivated and safe in case of an emergency.
Enhancing your longboarding speed is a continuous process that requires dedication, proper technique, training, and safety guidelines. With the above tips, you will be cruising at high speeds in no time. Feel the thrill and embrace the journey of becoming a better longboarder.
Conclusion
After reading this guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to gain speed on your longboard like a pro. With practice and dedication, implementing these tips and tricks will help you reach faster speeds safely and effectively.
Remember to always wear proper safety gear, stay alert, and be cautious of your surroundings. In addition, taking care of your equipment and keeping your board in good condition can also contribute to a smoother and faster ride. Don’t be discouraged if progress is slow at first, as mastering these techniques takes time.
Keep pushing yourself and strive towards your goals, and soon enough you’ll be flying down hills with ease. So get out there and start shredding!
