To ride a longboard as a beginner, start practicing on a flat surface, wear proper safety gear and stay balanced while keeping your weight over the board. Once you get used to it, move on to making turns and carving on gentle inclines.
Longboarding is an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Whether you’re cruising through the streets or bombing down hills, the feeling of freedom and exhilaration is unmatched. However, if you’re new to the sport, it can be intimidating to get started. With the right tips and techniques, though, you can quickly become a confident and skilled rider. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of how to ride a longboard for beginners. From selecting the right board to mastering fundamental skills, you’ll be ready to hit the pavement in no time. So, let’s get rolling!
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Choosing The Right Longboard
Longboarding is a fun and exciting activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re a beginner, choosing the right longboard can make all the difference in your level of enjoyment and success. There are several factors to consider when selecting a longboard, including the type of riding you plan to do and your budget.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right longboard for beginners.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A Longboard
Choosing the right longboard can seem overwhelming, but if you keep these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find a board that suits you:
- Riding style: what type of riding do you want to do? This will help you determine the shape and size of board you need.
- Deck style: there are two main deck styles – drop-through and top-mount. Drop-through boards sit lower to the ground and offer easier pushing and stability, while top-mount boards are more versatile and offer better turning ability.
- Deck material: longboard decks are made of several materials, including bamboo, maple, and fiberglass. Each material has different benefits and drawbacks.
- Truck type: the trucks of a longboard are what connect the wheels to the deck. There are several types of trucks available, and each offers different benefits.
- Wheel size and durometer: wheel size and durometer (hardness) will impact the speed, grip, and stability of your ride.
Types Of Longboards For Beginners
Longboards come in several shapes and sizes, but as a beginner, there are a few types that may be the best fit for you:
- Cruiser: a cruiser board is a versatile board that is perfect for pushing around town or commuting. It has a wide deck and soft wheels for a comfortable ride.
- Drop-through: as mentioned earlier, a drop-through board sits lower to the ground, making it easier to push and more stable. This is a great option for beginners who want to learn the basics of longboarding.
- Pintail: a pintail board is a classic longboard shape that is great for carving and cruising. Its narrow width makes it easy to maneuver and turn.
- Freeride: if you’re planning on doing more advanced riding, such as sliding or downhill longboarding, a freeride board may be a good option. These boards are designed to handle higher speeds and offer greater stability.
Budget Considerations
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a longboard is your budget. Longboards can range in price from under $100 to over $500, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that a more expensive board may be of higher quality and last longer, but may not be necessary for a beginner.
Consider buying a used board or looking for sales to save money.
Choosing the right longboard can take time and research, but by considering these factors and types, and setting a budget, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect board for your needs. Happy riding!
Safety Precautions
Longboarding is a great way to engage in a fun and exhilarating outdoor activity, but it is important to prioritize safety precautions while riding. As a beginner, it’s essential to establish good habits that will safeguard yourself and others from potential injuries.
In this article, we will discuss three crucial safety precautions you need to keep in mind before hitting the road.
Protective Gear Needed For Longboarding
Before beginning your longboarding journey, you need to have the appropriate safety gear. Wearing the right gear can help to reduce the risk of injury if you fall or crash while riding.
- Helmet: protect your head by wearing a durable skateboard helmet that fits your head snugly.
- Knee and elbow pads: pad up your knees and elbows with protection that helps to absorb any impacts that may occur.
- Gloves: gloves with wrist guards will provide cushioning to your hands, ensuring you don’t hurt them while breaking your fall.
How To Fall Safely
Even with protective gear on, falling is still likely to happen. By learning how to fall properly, you can minimize the severity of your injuries.
- Bend your knees: bending your knees can help absorb the impact when you fall, reducing the risk of fractures or breaks.
- Roll when falling: if you’re going to hit the ground, roll and try not to land on one specific body part.
- Avoid using arms to break falls: prevent wrist injuries by not using your arms to break your fall. Roll out of the fall instead.
Rules Of The Road
Lastly, understand the rules of the road. Longboarding can be a risky activity, but you can mitigate that by observing traffic laws and being mindful of your surroundings.
- Stay on the right side of the road and avoid abrupt stops or turns.
- Avoid skating in areas with crowds, like sidewalks or shared pathways where you can get into accidents with pedestrians or other skaters.
- Use hand signals to alert people about your movements to prevent unwanted crashes.
Remember, safety always comes first when it comes to longboarding. By wearing the proper protective gear, learning how to fall safely, and keeping to traffic laws, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Now that you’re equipped with some essential safety knowledge, grab your longboard, and hit the roads safely!
LEARN HOW TO LONGBOARD: The Basics
Riding Techniques
Longboarding is a fun and exciting way to get around town on a board that’s longer than a skateboard. However, as a beginner, it can be daunting to learn how to ride without falling off. That’s why in this post, we’ll focus on the key riding techniques to help you ride your longboard confidently.
Mounting And Dismounting The Board
One of the first skills you’ll need to master is mounting and dismounting the board.
- Stand next to your longboard, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place your front foot near the front truck bolts and your back foot near the tail.
- With your back foot on the board, pivot your front foot forward and place it securely on the board.
- Keep your knees bent, and lift your back foot onto the board.
- To dismount, slowly step back with your back foot, then pivot your front foot off the board.
Pushing And Rolling
Pushing and rolling may seem simple, but it takes practice to do it correctly.
- Place your front foot on the board, lift your back foot, and push off the ground with your back foot.
- Once you start rolling, bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered on the board.
- Pump your foot in a smooth, controlled motion to keep up your speed.
- Practice switching your pushing foot to build your balance and control.
Turning Techniques
Learning how to turn your longboard is essential for navigating streets and sidewalks.
- Lean into the direction you want to turn, using your upper body for support.
- Distribute your weight onto your front foot to turn sharper.
- Practicing carving by making wide, sweeping turns and switching directions.
Stopping Techniques
Finally, knowing how to stop properly is essential for staying safe on your longboard.
- Use your back foot to drag on the ground to reduce speed gradually.
- Use your foot brake to stop your board quickly.
- Learn to power slide to stop quickly while moving fast.
By mastering the four riding techniques of mounting and dismounting, pushing and rolling, turning, and stopping, you can confidently ride your longboard. Practice consistently, use protective gear, and obey local traffic laws to ride safely and enjoyably.
Advanced Riding Techniques And Tricks
Longboarding is an excellent way to stay active and experience the outdoors while also having fun. If you’re new to longboarding, mastering the basics is essential before progressing to the more advanced techniques. Once you’re feeling comfortable on your board, you can start learning advanced longboarding tricks to take your skills to the next level.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some advanced riding techniques and tricks that will have you cruising down the street with style and finesse.
Carving
Carving is a crucial skill for any rider looking to ride long distances while maintaining speed and momentum. In this technique, you move your body weight back and forth on the board while leaning through your turns.
Here are some key points to keep in mind while carving:
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart on the board.
- Bend your knees and maintain a low stance while riding.
- Look ahead to your destination, not at your feet.
- Shift your weight to your heels and toes while turning to control the board’s direction.
- Use your arms for balance and keep them loose at your sides.
Sliding
Sliding is a more advanced technique used for braking and controlling speed. Sliding involves losing traction with the wheels to create a controlled skid. Experienced riders use sliding to control their speed while descending steep hills or performing high-speed maneuvers.
Here are some key points to keep in mind while sliding:
- Shift your weight to your toes, lifting your heels off the board.
- Twist your shoulders to initiate the slide.
- Extend your back leg and bend your front leg to control the slide.
- Use your front foot to provide traction and steer the board.
Switch Riding
Switch riding is a technique used to ride in the opposite direction from your regular stance, leading with your non-dominant foot. Learning switch riding will improve your overall board control and increase your trick repertoire.
Here are some key points to keep in mind while switch riding:
- Start by practicing your balance and posture while riding switch.
- Practice pushing off with your non-dominant foot, leading in the opposite direction.
- Don’t be afraid to shift your weight and adjust your stance to feel comfortable while switch riding.
Dancing
Dancing is a technical skill that involves performing fluid movements while riding. Dancing requires balance, strength, and control of the board. Riders can perform a range of tricks, including cross steps, pirouettes, and shuv-its.
Here are some key points to keep in mind while dancing:
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and stay low on the board.
- Use your arms for balance and keep them loose at your sides.
- Practice cross steps by shifting your weight and moving your feet in a criss-cross pattern.
- Stay relaxed and fluid in your movements.
With these advanced riding techniques and tricks, you’ll be able to take your longboarding skills to the next level. Remember to practice regularly, wear safety gear, and ride with caution. With patience and determination, you’ll be carving, sliding, switch riding, and dancing your way through the streets in no time!
Conclusion
Learning how to ride a longboard is a perfect way to explore the world around you while getting a full-body workout. With the right mindset, equipment, and knowledge of proper technique, anyone can hit the pavement and experience the joys of longboarding.
Remember to take it slow, wear safety gear, and practice regularly to improve your skills. Do not hesitate to seek help from fellow longboarders or professional coaches when you are starting out. Keep in mind; it takes time and patience to develop your abilities.
Once you become comfortable on your longboard, you can explore new terrains, try out new tricks and ultimately, take your experience to the next level. Above all, have fun and enjoy the ride!
