This article is written for the “Me” from about 15 years ago when I was first thinking about getting into the sport after see my older brother and his friends screaming down the hills of Blowing Rock, North Carolina on home-made long skateboards.
The Me of 15 years ago was a timid kid that thought that Longboarding was dangerous and “too tough”.
So, for you prospective longboarding newbies out there. Is longboarding TOUGH?
Is Longboarding Tough?
Longboarding is a lot like riding a regular skateboard. Although the sole goal of steering a longboard is way different from a casual skateboard, the basics are the same. If you are comfortable enough with a standard skateboard, then you’ll easily get going with longboarding as it only focuses on smooth cruising rather than being the next Tony Hawk.
If this is your first ever boarding experience then the situation might seem a little foreign to you. We know that you are feeling a little shimmy over there but don’t worry as we have got something for our newbies ahead.
Tips To Make Longboarding Easy
As compared to other boarding equipment, a longboard isn’t that hard to ride. You just need to focus on the basics to shine brightly amongst your fellows. Follow the below tricks and tips to make your transition from a newbie to pro within days.
Identifying your stance
The way you stand on a longboard is known as your stance position. It’s the most important thing when you are just getting comfortable with your longboard.
There are two ways that you can stand on your longboard, by putting your left foot forward or trying the goofy position through placing your right foot ahead. Now you know two different type of stance, to pick the one for yourself just run on a slippery surface and slide, the foot that’s put forward naturally is your answer.
Pushing the right way
So you have decided the right stance, it’s time to start learning how to push. Just like you walk, step on the longboard with your strong foot and push backward while having a low stance. Maintaining a stealth lower position will help you to keep balance and decrease the center of gravity.
Start out slow and start shaping your own posture that matches your comfortability level. After landing, step your weak foot perpendicular to the board and do the same thing for the right foot when you are cruising.
Practice more and more to get the grip on pushing yourself just the right way.
Carving
Here comes the fun part, carving or making surfing turns separates longboarding from skateboarding. Plant your both foot perpendicular to the line of longboard and try to play with your body weight by shifting it to toe and heel side.
After practicing for days, longboarding will feel like a second nature to you. It would be hard at first for newbies but gradually one will pick up the pace and get used to the fun that longboarding packs.
