How to Go Fast on a Longboard [2024]

To go fast on a longboard, lean forward, carve pump, and stay aerodynamic. Longboards are a fun way to stay active and explore the outdoors.

Whether you’re commuting to work, cruising around your neighborhood, or bombing hills, the thrill of riding fast on a longboard is unmatched. To get the most speed out of your longboard, you’ll need to master several techniques. This guide will cover the basics of going fast on a longboard, including body positioning, carving, and pumping. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to hit the pavement and feel the wind in your hair!

Credit: blog.magnetoboards.com

Understanding The Basics Of Longboarding

Longboarding is an exciting and thrilling sport that people of all ages enjoy. If you want to go fast on a longboard, it’s essential to understand the basics of longboarding. This includes choosing the right board for speed, proper stance and balance, and understanding the different types of terrain.

Let’s dive into each of these topics in more detail.

Choosing The Right Board For Speed

Choosing the right board is crucial if you want to go fast on a longboard.

Longboards with a longer wheelbase provide more stability at high speeds.
Stiffer boards provide more control and stability when going fast.
Drop-through decks lower the center of gravity, which makes them more stable at higher speeds.
Wheels with a durometer of 80a to 90a are ideal for high-speed longboarding since they provide more grip.

Proper Stance And Balance

Maintaining the correct stance and balance while longboarding is essential for speed and safety.

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your front foot positioned over the front truck bolts.
Keep a slight bend in your knees and your weight distributed evenly between both feet.
Keep your arms out to your sides for balance, but not too far out as to cause wind resistance.
Lean forward slightly to gain speed and lean back to slow down. Remember to shift your weight gradually.

Understanding The Different Types Of Terrain

Different types of terrain offer varying speeds and challenges while longboarding.

Hills: long, steep hills provide the perfect opportunity to gain speed, but you should always be prepared to slow down or stop safely.
Flat ground: while not as exhilarating as hills, flat ground allows for technical riding and practice, which can help improve your skills.
Rough terrain: rough terrain, such as gravel, can be hazardous at higher speeds, causing instability and making it difficult to control your longboard.

Understanding the basics of longboarding is crucial for anyone looking to go fast. By following these tips for choosing the right board for speed, maintaining proper stance and balance, and understanding the different types of terrain, you can increase your speed and improve your longboarding skills safely.

So, grab your board, gear up and hit the road with the confidence to go fast!

Mastering The Technique For Going Fast

Going fast on a longboard is one of the most exhilarating experiences one can ever have. However, it requires some level of skill and expertise to master. This guide will focus on how to master the technique for going fast on a longboard.

Proper Foot Positioning For Speed

The proper foot positioning is essential when it comes to going fast on a longboard.

Stand on the board with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Place your front foot perpendicular to the board’s axis and your back foot parallel to it.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered between your feet.
Position your feet towards the end of the board to maximize stability.

Effective Body Movements And Weight Distribution

Your body movements and weight distribution play an integral role in your ability to go fast on a longboard.

Keep your upper body relaxed and your arms close to your sides.
Lean forward slightly with your upper body while keeping your weight centered.
Use your hips to steer the board in the direction you want to go.
Shift your weight to your front foot to initiate acceleration or braking.

Efficient Pushing Techniques

Pushing off correctly is another key factor that affects your speed on a longboard.

Place your pushing foot on the board’s tail while keeping your other foot on the ground.
Push off the ground with your other foot while simultaneously lifting your pushing foot off the tail.
Use a smooth, consistent pushing motion to generate speed.
Keep your weight centered over the board while pushing off to maintain balance.

By mastering these techniques, you will be able to go fast on a longboard like a pro. Remember to practice and be patient as you work towards improving your skill. Happy shredding!

HOW TO GO FAST ON YOUR LONGBOARD SAFELY! | LoadedTV S3E10

Tips And Tricks For Going Faster

Longboarding is a thrilling sports adventure that takes you on a ride full of adrenaline, twists and turns. However, for those who are serious about longboarding, speed is often the game’s goal. With that in mind, we’ll be discussing tips and tricks for going faster on a longboard, with a particular focus on adjusting the board, mastering the art of carving, and choosing the right gear.

Adjusting The Board For Speed

Board adjustments play a fundamental role in achieving speed.

Tightening the trucks- when trucks are tightened, the turning radius decreases, making it easier to gain speed.
Larger and harder wheels- this will help you achieve higher speeds as you’ll be able to roll a more extended period without needing to push.
Lowering your center of gravity- changing the board height can significantly lower your center of gravity. Look for boards specifically designed for speed, with a drop-through platform.

Mastering The Art Of Carving

Carving is an essential technique to master when looking to achieve high speeds. It’s a technique used to change direction smoothly without coming to a halt. Carving requires some skill to pull off, but with enough practice, it’s achievable.

Practice carving in a large open space with perfect hand positioning.
Practice sharp turns at slow speeds. This will come in handy in tight situations where quick turns are necessary.
Adequately transfer your weight- shift your weight strategically when carving to achieve smoother turns.

Choosing The Right Longboarding Gear

Selecting the right equipment for longboarding is crucial when looking to increase your speed.

Consider getting a full-face helmet as it provides more protection, especially when you’re going fast.
Aerodynamic clothing- choose form-fitting clothes that won’t create unwanted wind drag
Gloves with slide pucks- sliding gloves can help you make quick turns and achieve higher speeds.

Achieving high speeds on a longboard requires proper adjustment of the board, mastering the art of carving, and selecting the correct gear. Making sure you have the right equipment tailored for your riding style will help you reach your goal of going faster safely.

Keep in mind, practice, patience, and the willingness to take risks will ultimately pay off.

Safety Precautions And Practices

Longboarding, a thrilling and exhilarating experience, is becoming increasingly popular as a lifestyle sport. While it is extremely fun, it is also important to acknowledge the potential hazards that come with the sport. Here we will look at some safety precautions and practices that will help you go fast on a longboard while staying safe.

Importance Of Wearing Protective Gear

Protective gear is perhaps the most crucial aspect of longboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, it’s always a good idea to wear protective gear to minimize the risk of injury.

Always wear a helmet to protect your head from trauma in case of falls.
Wear elbow and knee pads to absorb the impact in the event of a fall and to prevent injuries and bruises.
Use gloves to protect your hands from scratches and minimize the damage if you fall.

Knowing Your Limits

Longboarding can involve high speeds, steep slopes, and sharp turns. Knowing your limits and staying within them is crucial for your safety.

Practice on various terrains before attempting high speeds or steep hills.
Gradually increase your speed and difficulty level to give yourself time to get used to it.
Avoid reckless behavior, such as attempting dangerous stunts or riding without experience.

Proper Etiquette On The Road And With Other Riders

Being courteous and mindful of others is not only good manners, but it also helps keep everyone safe on the road.

Follow traffic laws and regulations. Always give way to pedestrians and vehicles when necessary.
When riding with other people, communicate with them clearly and avoid sudden maneuvers that could cause accidents.
Respect other riders and their equipment. Avoid damaging public property and remain mindful of the impact of your riding on the environment.

These safety measures are crucial for a fun and enjoyable longboarding experience. Remember to always wear protective gear, remain cautious about your limits, and respect the road and other riders around you. Longboarding can be a thrilling experience, but safety is always the top priority.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your reading, it’s worth noting that learning how to go fast on a longboard isn’t a quick or easy process. But it’s worth it! With patience and practice, you’ll be smoothly carving hills and ramps in no time.

Remember to regularly inspect your board setup and gear before each session. Keep yourself safe by wearing protective gear and maintaining the correct stance. Most importantly, longboarding is all about having fun and enjoying the ride. Try out the tips and techniques we’ve outlined in this article, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own style and tricks.

With perseverance and dedication, you’re sure to find yourself gliding down the pavement with ease. Happy riding!