Did you know that longboarding is just like skateboarding? Now you know. The only difference is with Longboards you can always have neck-breaking speeds. Thanks to the longboard’s longer boards and bigger wheels.

In other words, you can always choose any of the two if you want to ride on a board. Except that if you want more fun, high speed, and the ultimate thrill then I would suggest trying out the longboard instead of the rest.

In this post, I will give you a simple guide on how to longboard. My guide will help you to get a grip on this awesome sport. And once you learn the considerations and it’s time to hit the road you will be certain of fun.

How To Longboard Tips: What You Should Know Before Starting

If you are going to learn how to longboard, you must do it the right way. That means making every right decision too. Here are a few tips that will help you to start off on the very best way possible.

Pick the Right Board

The board you pick should be in line with your demands. Here are the things you need to understand about longboard boards.

Purpose

For longboards, the boards are usually designed for different purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to the following.

  • Downhill riding
  • Cruising
  • Chopping

It is therefore very important that you understand what you want to use your longboard board for before you buy.

Sizes

Longboards will also come in different sizes. Every size has its merits and also demerits. A good example is this.

Shorter boards will always offer great turning ability. However, they lack stability and without proper caution could easily lead to a fall.

Longer boards, on the other hand, are much more stable but reduce on the turning ability. So if you are after longboard for beginners, a longer board is cool.

Get the Safety Gears

There is no doubt that longboarding is actually very adventurous. However, it can also be very dangerous too. In case a rider loses concentration, misses the proper landing, or misjudges an obstacle, it could lead to an accident.

Safety gears are there to help you in case of any eventuality. Some of the best gears for longboarding include the following.

Using the safety gears is often advisable as it helps you to minimize significant injuries in case of a fall.

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Longboarding Basics that You Need to Know

With the basic considerations shelved above, it is time to look at the longboarding basics that every rider needs to have in mind. Read on.

Understand the Type of Rider You Are

In longboarding, we always have two types of riders when we aren’t considering the type of riding discipline. These riders are the regular and the goofy rider. The basic difference between these two riders is how they place their foot when they are skating.

A rider who skates with their right foot forward is a goofy rider. And if you skate with your left foot forward then you are the regular rider. If you want to understand the type of rider you are before stepping onto the board then here are a few tips to help you.

1. Ask someone to push you without a warning from behind. The foot you will stretch out to hold yourself if the same foot you will use to ride on the longboard.

2. You can also slide on any plain surface barefoot then keep an eye on the foot that you will use to stand up. This will be the exact one that you will use to ride.

NOTE: Determining the type of rider you are will help you to determine how to get the best stance on your board. It will guarantee you the stability and control that you need when riding your longboard.

Start on a Low Stance if Beginning

I want you to understand that using the right stance when longboarding is very important. It helps to gain the best control/ understanding and also allows you to improve your skills in the right way.

In addition to that, it gives you time to get comfortable on your board. In case you intend to start on the low stance, here are a few pointers that you will find to be really helpful along the way to the top.

Taking the Low Stance

  • Place your feet in between the longboard’s trucks
  • Angle your foot forward (make sure your foot stops at about 45 degrees)
  • Set the back foot to the direction to which the board is traveling
  • Place the back foot at a 90 degrees angle

Remember Practice Makes Perfect

If you are pretty much green, the very first step that you should practice is how to move in the forward direction. It is simple really and here is how to do it.

  • First, step up to the longboard
  • Now use your back to push yourself forward by pushing against the surface
  • Keep your body loose so you can easily maintain your balance
  • After a few days, you can always adjust the intensity of the push

NOTE: Pushing with the back foot is what’s pretty common and easy. That doesn’t mean you can’t try with the front foot. If you find using the back foot hard, using the front foot (mongo) would be cool.

Learn a Few Basic Tricks to Enjoy

Like skateboarding, having fun on your longboard means you should practice a few more tricks to amp the game. Simple tricks like turning on the board might seem lame but can give you top gaming thrills.

Tips for the Best Longboard Tricks

  • Practice first and if possible get real help
  • Remain patient as tricks take time to master
  • Always keep wearing your protective gear
  • Find enough space to practice to avoid accidents

The most basic trick is the turn. To turn on your longboard you need to apply pressure on one side of the board and at the same time lean on the exact direction that you have applied the pressure.

Learn How to Slow Down the Speed

Moments will come when you need to control your speed. This means you might need to either slow down or stop. It is important that you understand how to do that well.

The simplest way that you can use to apply brakes on your longboard is by dragging your foot on the ground (the back foot) so that it pulls you and brings the board onto a halt or slows down the board completely.

For the pro riders, air braking and carving will be super ideal. The most important thing is to choose a method that you are absolutely comfortable with.

Learn How to Get a Good Slide

Sliding is another cool trick on longboarding. It best to do after you have mastered every concept that we have given you here; in fact, sliding is the key to performing some of the best longboarding tricks.

How to Slide

  • First, shift the weight of your body to the front
  • Bend your knees just a little bit
  • Point your front foot in the direction you are moving.
  • Now slide back foot off the longboard
  • Bend your front knee so it makes contact with the ground.

You should have slid by now. Remember to wear protective gear and to start at slow speeds and increase the speeds virtually.

Never Stop Practicing

Even if you are a pro, you should never stop practicing. To sharpen your skills, you need to ensure that you practice always. This is important in helping to minimize risk and in allowing you to enjoy your ride always.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Longboard

Since you have taken your time to learn the basics, it will be very much in order that you also understand how to get the most out of your longboard. Here are a few tips that I have laid out to help you.

Always Buy the Best Board

Make sure that you have put every aspect of the board into consideration before you pay up the money. Some of the factors that you should consider are these.

  • Board size (width and breadth)
  • Wheels hardness
  • Trucks and their material of make

NOTE: Harder wheels have less friction with the surface. Due to this, they will slide smoothly. These are some of the most vital elements for a smooth performance.

Keep to Your Skill Level

In order to stay away from trouble, make sure that you play within your limits. Don’t overstretch to what you haven’t perfected.

Practice, Practice, and Practice

From online tutorial videos to personal practice sessions, you must practice with caution until you make your skills sharp. This will prevent you from facing hazards and possible help you to remain safe always.

Longboarding vs Skateboarding: Knowing the Differences

For those who don’t understand the main differences between longboarding vs. skateboarding here are a few longboarding tips for beginners that will be of help.

1: Size and Shape

Unlike skateboards that are smaller and lighter in size, longboards are larger and heavier. They are more durable and will withstand stand high speeds easily.

2: Type of Wheels

Skateboards have lighter wheels. Due to this, they are good for surfers who desire to do tricks over curbs and benches. Longboards on the other side use soft wheels which means they are good for creating the best grips on the surface and even on the highest speeds.

3: Cruising

Skateboards are used on the streets. However, because of their light wheels and less friction that’s the furthest they can go. Longboard, on the other hand, are good for high speeds, fast downhill ride, and doing tricks. Thanks to their soft wheels that provide good grip.

4: Balancing

Skateboards are good for balancing. However, they are ideal for pro-balancing alone. Longboards, on the other hand, are super ideal for balancing at all levels. They provide you with freedom of positioning.

Watch Video: How to Longboard Step-by-Step

Watch Video: How To Make a Longboard

FAQs: The Best Longboarding Tips

Here are a few longboard tips in the FAQ format that will help anyone to get a grasp on the game.

  • Which longboards are best for beginners?

Wider and longer longboards are super ideal for beginners. They give beginners enough balancing space and more weight that will guarantee stability when learning how to longboard faster.

  • How do you maintain a longboard?

Proper use of the longboard is very important. Always follow the instructions of use. More importantly, service the trucks of your longboard, ride in the best terrains and don’t exceed the weight limit.

That depends on the rider’s preference, riding style, and readiness to learn the sport. I always say that once you put your mind to something you can accomplish anything.

  • How do I stop speed wobble?

Balancing your body weight and ensuring that your trucks are well fixed will help you to stop speed wobble on a longboard. If you learn and master how to longboard dance you will also have an easy time taming a wobble.

  • Can I ride my longboard in the rain?

Water will easily damage the bearings of a longboard. It is therefore very important that if you must ride in the rain, you protect them. But the best thing is to keep of wet surfaces all together if riding.

  • How do you slow down a longboard?

The easiest way is to apply much force on the longboard. Nonetheless, many other riders will drag their rear foot on the surface before they actually get a grip on how to generate enough force.

Conclusion

There you have it, the best how to longboard guide for beginners. All you need to do now is to get the very best board for your needs and get practicing. I suggest getting down to practice with the pros and also never riding alone in case you are just starting out on longboards too. Good luck out there!

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