How to Ride a Longboard for Beginners [2024]

To ride a longboard as a beginner, start by shifting your weight onto one foot to gain momentum, then switch your weight to the other foot to turn. Keep your eyes forward and use gentle movements to maintain balance.

Longboarding is an exhilarating sport that can quickly become a hobby. To get started, you’ll need to learn the basics, such as how to balance, turn and stop your longboard. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right approach, you can become a confident rider in no time. Remember to always wear protective gear and practice in a safe, flat area until you feel comfortable. As you progress, you can start experimenting with different riding styles and tricks to take your longboarding to the next level. So, let’s dive into the basics of how to ride a longboard as a beginner.

Credit: www.ridingboards.com

Understanding Your Longboard

Longboarding is a fun activity; however, if you’re a beginner, there are a few things that you must understand before you hit the road. Understanding your longboard is the first step to becoming proficient in longboarding. In this section, we explain the key points about the types of longboards, parts of a longboard, and choosing the right size for you.

Types Of Longboards

There are different types of longboards available in the market. Each type has its unique features, meant for different styles of riding.

cruiser longboards: cruisers usually have wider decks, making them suitable for easy cruising around town. They are ideal for beginners who want an easy-to-ride longboard.
carving longboards: carvers are designed for longboarders who want to carve around town or dance on their boards. Their decks are ideal for smooth turns and are often wider than those of cruisers.
downhill longboards: these longboards are perfect for experienced riders looking for speed. Downhill boards have a more rigid construction, and their decks are usually thinner, making them suitable for steep hills.
freeride longboards: freeride longboards are great for riders who enjoy sliding or doing tricks. They are usually shorter than other types of longboards, and their wheels have a harder durometer to enable riders to slide better.

Parts Of A Longboard

A longboard has several parts that are important to understand, no matter the type of board you’re using.

deck: the deck is the long part of the board that you stand on.
trucks: these are the metal parts mounted on the underside of the deck that hold the wheels.
wheels: wheels are attached to the trucks and come in different sizes. The size of the wheels will affect the speed, stability, and turning radius of the longboard.
bearings: these circular metal parts fit inside the wheels and allow them to spin freely.
hardware: hardware includes bolts and nuts used to attach the trucks to the deck.

Choosing The Right Longboard Size

Size is an essential factor to consider when choosing a longboard. The size of the board determines stability, speed, and maneuverability.

rider’s height: consider your height before purchasing a longboard. Your board should be at least close to your shoulder height.
type of riding: the type of riding you plan to do will determine the size of your board. A shorter board is ideal for freestyle longboarding, while downhill boards are longer and narrower for speed and stability.
deck width: the width of the deck is also crucial when choosing the right size. Wider decks provide better balance and stability for beginners, while narrow decks offer more maneuverability.

Understanding your longboard is critical for beginners who want to get started with longboarding. It’s essential to choose the right type of board, understand the different parts of a longboard, and select the proper size to avoid injuries and make the most of your longboarding experience.

Preparing To Ride

Longboarding is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. However, for beginners, it can seem daunting to learn how to ride a longboard. Fear not! This guide will take you through the steps of preparing to ride a longboard.

What To Wear

Before you even step on a longboard, it is important to wear the right clothes.

Comfortable clothing: wear clothes that you can move freely in. Avoid tight clothing or anything that restricts your movement.
Proper shoes: make sure to wear athletic shoes with good grip. Avoid sandals or shoes with slippery soles.
Helmet: wearing a helmet is vital for your safety. Make sure to choose one that fits properly and is certified for skateboarding.
Other protective gear: consider wearing knee and elbow pads, especially if you’re a beginner.

Safety Tips

Safety should always come first when you’re longboarding.

Start slow: take your time and start with slow speeds. Gradually increase your speed as you feel more comfortable on the longboard.
Practice with a friend: have a friend who is experienced in longboarding help you out. Make sure to practice in a safe and open area.
Be aware of your surroundings: keep an eye out for any obstacles that may be in your way. Always be mindful of pedestrians and vehicles.
Stay in control: maintain control of your board at all times. Avoid taking risks or attempting tricks until you have gained enough experience.
Consider taking a lesson: if you’re a complete beginner, consider taking a lesson from a professional to learn the basics.

Finding A Safe Riding Location

Now that you know what to wear and some safety tips, it’s time to find a safe place to ride your longboard.

Avoid crowded areas: riding in crowded areas can increase your risk of accidents. Look for quiet and wide open areas where you can easily ride around.
Check for smooth surfaces: look for surfaces that are smooth and free from debris or cracks. Avoid riding on uneven surfaces as they increase the likelihood of falls.
Avoid hills: hills can be dangerous for beginners. If you’re not confident enough to ride on a hill, avoid it until you are more experienced.
Look for dedicated longboarding areas: some cities have dedicated longboarding areas like skate parks. Look for these areas in your city if you’re interested in trying out some tricks.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of longboarding. Remember to stay safe, take it slow, and have fun!

LEARN HOW TO LONGBOARD: The Basics

Basic Riding Techniques

Longboarding is an excellent activity for both new and seasoned riders. It is a great way to commute, explore, and have fun while staying active. However, for beginners, riding a longboard might seem intimidating at first. But, with a little practice and patience, anyone can become proficient at riding a longboard.

In this post, we will cover the basic riding techniques for beginners, including foot positioning, how to push off, balancing on the board, and controlling your speed.

Foot Positioning

Proper foot positioning is critical for achieving balance and stability when riding a longboard.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart on the board, with the ball of your front foot over the front truck bolts.
Keep your back foot slightly angled towards the tail of the board.
Point both toes diagonally towards the nose and tail of the board, respectively.
Keep your knees slightly bent, distributing your weight evenly over the board.

By keeping your feet in the right position, you’ll be able to maintain better control as you ride.

How To Push Off

Learning how to push off properly is essential for getting started with longboarding.

Place your back foot on the ground, pushing your board forward with your front foot.
Push the board a few times to gain momentum while keeping your balance.
Once you’ve gained enough momentum, place your back foot on the board, keeping your front foot over the front truck bolts.
Transition your weight to your front foot, lifting your back foot off the ground.

Practicing this technique repeatedly will help you become more comfortable with pushing off and riding your longboard.

Balancing On The Board

Maintaining balance on a longboard is crucial for a smooth ride.

Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain your center of gravity.
Use your arms for balance, keeping them out to your sides.
Shift your weight to one side of the board or the other when turning.
Keep your weight over the board’s trucks, rather than the deck.

By focusing on your balance and using these tips, you will find it easier to stay upright on the board.

Controlling Your Speed

Learning how to control your speed is essential for being a confident and safe longboarder.

Foot braking: drag your back foot on the ground while extending your front foot forward to decrease speed.
Carving: move your body from side to side in a gentle zigzag motion while riding to slow down.
Sliding: shift your weight to one side and apply pressure to the edges of the board to slow down.

Practicing these techniques repeatedly will help you become more comfortable, allowing you to adjust your speed with ease.

Practicing these basic riding techniques will enable you to glide with confidence on your longboard. With time and practice, you will become a skilled and confident rider, making every ride a thrilling experience.

Turning Techniques

Longboarding is a great form of transportation and a fun way to spend time outdoors. If you’re a beginner, learning to ride a longboard can seem intimidating, but with practice and patience, you can develop the necessary skills to ride confidently and safely.

One essential skill to acquire is turning techniques. In this post, we’ll explore the different ways you can turn on a longboard and offer some tips to get you started.

Carving

Carving is a fundamental turning technique that involves shifting your weight to one side and making a sweeping motion with your longboard.

Start by bending your knees slightly and keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
Look in the direction you want to turn and shift your weight to the side of your back foot.
Lean forward slightly and use a sweeping motion with your front foot to turn in the desired direction.
As you turn, adjust your weight distribution to maintain balance and stability.

Kick Turns

Kick turns involve lifting the front wheels of your longboard off the ground and twisting your body to change direction.

Start by riding at a slow speed and find a comfortable place to practice.
Place your back foot on the tail of your board and your front foot near the middle.
Turn your body in the direction you want to go and lift the front wheels by applying pressure to the tail with your back foot.
As the wheels lift off the ground, swing your front foot around and land with both feet securely on the board.
Practice this technique several times until you feel comfortable and can execute it smoothly.

Sliding

Sliding is a more advanced turning technique that involves changing direction by sliding your wheels sideways.

Start by riding at a moderate speed and find a flat and smooth surface to practice.
Position your feet on the board’s bolts, with your toes hanging over the edge.
Push down on your back foot and shift your weight to the front.
As you approach the turn, initiate the slide by turning your shoulders and leaning your weight towards the direction you want to go.

Mastering turning techniques is an integral part of learning to ride a longboard. Start with carving and kick turns, and once you feel comfortable with these techniques, you can move on to more advanced techniques like sliding. Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves, and practice in a safe environment to avoid injury.

With practice and persistence, you’ll be carving up the streets on your longboard in no time!

Advanced Techniques

Riding a longboard can be a thrilling experience, and as a beginner, you may feel excited or nervous about trying out some advanced techniques. Whether you want to pump, dance or freeride, you need to understand some important tips before you hit the road.

This section aims at guiding you through some of the valuable techniques you need to learn to improve your longboarding skills. Let’s dive into them, one by one.

Pumping

Pumping is a technique that allows you to gain speed on your board without pushing, which can be useful for long distance riding or cruising.

Start by placing your front foot at the front of your board and the back foot over the rear wheels.
Begin by shifting your weight onto your front foot, and then move it back quickly while pushing down on your heels.
As you move your back foot forward, lift your heels and use your toes to push the board forward.
Practice this motion in a fluid, rhythmic motion, back and forth, to increase your speed.

Dancing

Dancing is a style of longboarding that involves performing tricks and maneuvers on your board while moving.

Begin by finding the right dance board that suits your style and comfort.
Practice your footwork and balance by practicing stationary dancing.
Once you master the basics, start by moving slowly and gradually progressing to more complex routines.
Remember to keep your movements fluid and graceful, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new tricks and techniques.

Freeriding

Freeriding, also known as sliding or drifting, is a skill that involves controlling your board while sliding and turning at high speeds.

Start by choosing the right board with suitable trucks and wheels for freeriding.
Practice braking and controlling your speed while sliding.
Use your body weight to maintain balance during slides, and keep a low center of gravity.
When sliding, try to keep your shoulders and hips in line with your board to maintain control.

Mastering advanced techniques in longboarding requires practice, patience, and dedication. Remember to always wear protective gear and ride within your abilities, and don’t be afraid to push yourself to try new things. With time, you will be able to ride your board with confidence and style!

Conclusion

Finally, you can now ride a longboard like a pro! With our comprehensive guide, even beginners can conquer the art of longboarding. Always remember to practice safety measures and follow the traffic rules. Get comfortable with your board and start slowly before attempting any advanced techniques.

You can start with basic turning and carving techniques before moving on to more challenging tricks. As you gain more experience, improve your skills and explore new challenges. Longboarding is a fun and exciting way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Before you know it, you’ll be cruising down the hills and experiencing the thrill of the ride. So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start your longboarding journey today!