To stand on a longboard, step onto the board with one foot, then place the other foot behind it. Keep your knees bent and arms out for balance.
Longboarding is an exciting and thrilling activity that requires an individual to balance their body weight on a longboard while cruising down roads or hills. Standing on a longboard is the fundamental skill required to start longboarding, and it may seem easy, but it takes practice and patience to do it correctly. Before you start to ride, you’ll need to learn how to stand on a longboard. This guide will teach you the basic longboard stance and provide some tips and tricks to improve your stability. So, let’s get started!
Credit: stokedrideshop.com
Choosing The Right Longboard
Longboarding is a sport that has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. It is an exciting way to get around while enjoying the outdoors. However, before getting started, it is critical to choose the right longboard.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a longboard.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Longboard
- Riding style: there are different styles of longboarding, such as cruising, downhill, and freestyle. Each style requires a different type of longboard, so it is essential to know what you want to do with your longboard.
- Deck shape and size: longboard decks come in different shapes and sizes, and it is crucial to find one that suits your riding style. A wider deck is better for stability, and a narrower one is for carving. Different shapes provide different functionalities.
- Truck size: trucks are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the board. The size of the trucks needs to be based on the size of the board, so they do not stick out or limit the turning radius.
- Wheel size and hardness: wheel size and hardness are essential factors to consider when choosing a longboard. Smaller wheels are better for tricks and cruising, while larger wheels are better for speed and downhill riding. Harder wheels are faster, while softer wheels provide better grip.
Types Of Longboards
- Cruiser longboards: cruiser longboards are designed for easier maneuverability and are perfect for beginners. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of terrains.
- Drop-through longboards: drop-through longboards are closer to the ground, providing more stability. They are ideal for downhill riding and offer better control, making them a favorite among experienced longboarders.
- Freestyle longboards: freestyle longboards are designed for performing tricks, making sharp turns, and spinning. They have a symmetrical shape, so they can be ridden in either direction, and offer more control when landing tricks.
Different Longboard Shapes And Sizes
- Pintail longboards: pintail longboards are long and narrow, making them perfect for cruising. They usually have a pointed nose and tail, giving a classic surfboard-like look.
- Drop-through longboards: a drop-through longboard has a cutout on the deck where the truck is mounted, making it closer to the ground. They offer more stability and are ideal for downhill riding.
- Kicktail longboards: kicktail longboards have a raised tail, allowing the rider to perform tricks and pivot quickly. They are suitable for freestyle riding and basic tricks.
Choosing the right longboard is critical for enjoying your longboarding experience. Consider your riding style, the deck shape and size, truck size, wheel size and hardness when choosing a longboard. Cruiser longboards, drop-through longboards, and freestyle longboards are popular among riders, so consider the type of longboard that suits your riding style.
Finally, different longboard shapes and sizes, such as pintail, drop-through, and kicktail, offer unique functionality that can help you get the most out of your longboarding experience.
Understanding The Basics Of Stance
Longboarding has become a widely popular activity, providing riders with a thrilling experience like no other. If you are new to longboarding, learning how to stand on it may seem like a daunting task. However, fret not, in this blog post, we will discuss the basics of stance and how to stand on a longboard with ease.
Importance Of A Proper Stance
Having a proper stance on the longboard is essential for a variety of reasons. It not only improves your balance and stability but also increases your chances of steering and maneuvering the board effectively. A proper stance helps absorb any vibrations and shocks experienced while riding, reducing the risk of any injuries.
Here are some key points:
- A proper stance provides better control over the longboard, enhancing the overall riding experience.
- It reduces the risk of falling off or losing balance while riding.
- It helps distribute one’s weight evenly across the board for a more balanced ride.
Common Mistakes When Standing On A Longboard
Understanding common mistakes when standing on a longboard will help you avoid them during your ride.
- Poor foot positioning- this error involves placing your feet too close to each other, which leads to instability during rides.
- Uneven weight distribution- this error occurs when a rider favors one side over the other, leading to an imbalanced ride.
- Bending your knees too much- flexing your knees too much on the board, lowers your center of gravity and makes it hard to balance.
How To Find Your Center Of Gravity On The Longboard
Finding your center of gravity on a longboard is critical for maintaining balance.
- Stand straight with your feet together on the board and arms outstretched.
- Slowly lean forward, and your body weight should shift towards the toes.
- Slowly lean backward, and your body weight should shift towards the heels.
- Your center of gravity is the midpoint between your toes and heels.
The Proper Foot Placement For Standing On The Longboard
Proper foot placement on the longboard is crucial for maintaining balance and stability while riding.
- Place your front foot perpendicular to the board’s direction, pointing towards the center of the board.
- Place your back foot across the board with your toes pointing outwards.
- Keep a slight bend in your knees to maintain balance.
Remember, mastering how to stand on a longboard is not an overnight success. It takes practice and consistency to attain the desired skill level. By adhering to the basics of stance, you can become a proficient longboard rider in no time.
LEARN HOW TO LONGBOARD: The Basics
Step-By-Step Guide To Standing On A Longboard
Longboarding is an exciting and adventurous sport, and standing on a longboard is the very first thing you must learn to do. Once you can stand and balance, you will be able to ride and control your board with ease.
In this post, we bring you a step-by-step guide on how to stand on a longboard and maintain your balance.
Finding A Level Surface To Practice On
Before you begin practicing your stance and balance on a longboard, you must ensure that you have a level surface to practice on.
- Look for a smooth and flat surface with no obstacles, such as grass or concrete.
- Make sure the surface is not too steep or inclined, as it can be dangerous.
- Practice in a spacious and open area, so you have enough room to maneuver your board.
Start With Your Back Foot On The Tail
The tail of the longboard is the raised end of the board. When you are standing on the board, the tail should be behind you.
- Position yourself with your back to the board, with the heel of your back foot slightly hanging over the tail.
- Place your back foot on the tail and keep your toes hanging off the edge.
- Keep your weight on your front foot, so the board doesn’t move.
Placing Your Front Foot On The Longboard
Now that you’ve positioned your back foot on the tail, it’s time to put your front foot on the longboard.
- Keep your eyes forward and locate the bolts that connect the trucks to the board.
- Place your front foot perpendicular to the bolts.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your knees slightly bent.
Tips For Keeping Your Balance
The key to longboarding is maintaining your balance on the board.
- Look ahead, and focus on where you’re going, not on the board.
- Keep your knees slightly bent, and your back straight.
- Position your arms at your sides to help with balance.
- Distribute your weight evenly between both feet.
- Keep your center of gravity over the board.
Practicing Your Stance
Practice is the key to mastering a longboard. Spend as much time as possible practicing your stance and balance on the board until you feel confident.
- Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
- Practice moving your feet around on the board to find the most comfortable stance.
- Work on making smooth turns with your board.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to stand on a longboard and enjoy the sport like a pro. Remember to stay safe, practice in a spacious area, and wear all the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.
With patience and practice, you will soon be cruising down the streets on your longboard, feeling the freedom and thrill it offers.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Longboarding is an excellent sport that combines thrill, speed, and excitement. Standing on a longboard and cruising down roads might look effortless, but it requires a lot of practice and attention to detail. To ride a longboard properly, you must avoid some common mistakes that novices often make.
In this section, we’ll discuss the most frequent errors people make while standing on a longboard and how to avoid them.
Leaning Too Far Back Or Forward
One of the most common mistakes new riders make is leaning too far back or forward while standing on a longboard. This can be an unfortunate mistake because it can cause you to lose balance and fall off the board.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your back straight.
- Gradually lean forward or backward until you find the sweet spot where your weight is balanced evenly.
- Your head and shoulders should be in line with your knees and toes.
Not Keeping Your Knees Bent
Another mistake that beginners often make is not keeping their knees bent while riding. By keeping your knees straight, you risk injuring your joints and losing balance.
- Keep your knees bent while riding the longboard.
- Your knees should be at a slight angle, and your weight should be centered over your center of gravity.
- This will also allow you to react quickly to sudden changes in direction or road conditions.
Looking Down At Your Feet
Many new riders look down at their feet while riding, which is another common mistake. Although it’s natural to want to look down initially, doing so can cause problems later on.
- Focus on looking ahead, keeping your eyes up and scanning the road for potential obstacles or hazards.
- This will help you maintain your balance while keeping your weight centered and balanced.
Wobbling Or Shifting Your Weight Too Much
Finally, it’s common to see new riders wobbling or shifting their weight too much while standing on a longboard. This can destabilize the board and make it difficult to maintain balance.
- Try to keep your weight as evenly distributed as possible, maintaining a steady stance while riding.
- If you feel the board wobbling, try to keep your balance by leaning slightly in the opposite direction.
Standing on a longboard can seem challenging at first, but with practice and by focusing on avoiding common mistakes, you’re sure to master this skill in no time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, standing on a longboard is the foundation of all longboarding techniques. Conquering this skill will give you a confidence boost, making your longboarding experience more enjoyable. By mastering the proper stance, distributing your weight evenly, and focusing your vision ahead, you will be able to balance seamlessly on your longboard.
Remember, practice makes progress, so don’t get too discouraged if it takes some time to get the hang of it. Keep trying, and soon enough, standing on your longboard will feel like second nature. As you progress and become more comfortable, you can move on to more advanced techniques.
Learning how to stand on your longboard is the beginning of an exciting journey, so grab your board, gear up, and have fun cruising around!
