How to ride a longboard?

Many people confuse longboarding with skateboarding, and indeed, these classes are quite similar to each other. However, there are significant differences - primarily the board itself. In longboarding, it is of an elongated type, in comparison with a skateboard, the wheels are more overall, often the suspension is also larger. To ride a longboard means to master slalom, freeride. The ability to accelerate, ride at speed, do tricks, slide, pump, jump on the board - all this gives an unprecedented feeling.

Longboarding for beginners is more affordable than skateboarding. You can learn how to ride from scratch yourself. To do this, you need a longboard, equipment and desire. The main thing is not to force events: before you learn to ride, you need to learn how to put your feet and stand, rotate, brake. therefore the initial stage of learning to ride a longboard may not seem too dynamic. But having mastered it, you will get access to a lot of amazing impressions from longboarding.

First of all, you should decide what goals you set for yourself:

• movement in urban areas - cruising;
• conquering a skatepark;
• mastering of big descents.

Longboard has several varieties depending on the length. Each has its pros and cons:

• shorter ones are more maneuverable, turns are faster, more comfortable, but they are not too safe in terms of stability;
• elongated options reduce the risk of falls, but they are not so mobile.

Do not neglect the protective equipment, even if you do not plan to drive extreme, learn tricks. At the initial stage, the risk of falls is quite high. You will need:

• a strong helmet that sits well on the head;
• special skate shoes with flat soles;
• protection on the elbows and knees is optional but desirable.

After everything you need is acquired, you can begin to learn to ride. The first step in mastering a longboard is the ability to stand on the board correctly. The alignment of the legs is mastered even before being placed on sports equipment. Everything is simple here - that foot that you step onto the board is a guide. It will be located first, the second leg will become a jerk. There are no rules here - it all depends on the comfort of the beginner. Most often, the guide leg is right.

The first steps on a longboard are done on asphalt, preferably as flat as possible. Before you start skiing, check for holes, slides, cracks, stones in front of you. Remember that even a small stone under the wheel can lay a longboarder on the ground. A common mistake is to get up on a standing board with both feet. Start correctly like this:

• the guide leg is placed on the long;
• the jog is slightly repelled.

All that needs to be mastered at this stage is to learn to feel the board, feel the movement and establish balance. The knees bend in the process - this helps to balance. Optimal foot position - with shoulder width orientation.

Correct repulsion:

• toe forward;
• the number of shocks should not be large;
• no need to grind;
• the push must be strong;
• the jogging foot is placed on the foot, and not on the toe, a sharp movement is made.

How to take a basic position:

• the feet are placed between the suspension bolts, wider than the shoulders;
• the leg of the guide type is brought forward, at an angle;
• the jog is placed perpendicular to the selected vector, long.

To start the development of this position is enough. When you become more confident, you can learn other starting points. It is best to practice balance on small gentle slopes. Spread your arms and do not straighten your knees.

You should go to it when you feel quite confident on the board, you know how to control your balance, and are well repelled. You can begin to master overclocking:

• push off once powerfully or several in calm mode;
• try not to strain the body, otherwise the balance will be disturbed;
• gradually increase the pace, push off more powerfully;
• proper pushing away is enough to drive and balance for a long time.

To ride well, you need to learn how to make turns, and a lot and surely:

• just rest your foot on the board that you need to roll towards;
• the feet are tilted back, the board is slightly directed inward or outward: to the right or left.

It is also important to learn how to slow down and stop. The easiest way to slow down is with the help of a foot that is exposed to the ground, friction is created, as a result, the speed slows down. You can slow down in other ways:

• twisty turn: the body leans in different directions;
• straighten and spread your arms to the sides to reduce speed.

This stage is mastered when practice is already enough. First of all, you need to purchase special gloves with hard palms. Basic slip rules:

• weight is transferred forward - on the foot of the guide type, the knees are slightly bent;
• the other leg moves from the long to contact with the asphalt;
• Strengthen this contact slowly;
• do not use a sock or heel for this purpose - you need the middle of the foot;
• start at slow speeds, gradually increasing pace.

It is important not to be afraid and enjoy the ride, enjoy the sensations. It should be remembered that skating is associated with injury. Failure to comply with safety rules, too active riding can lead to quite serious consequences. Very often, beginners are too confident and forget about vigilance.

In order to not only get a lot of driving experience, but also to maintain my health, There are several important points to consider:

• without fail, buy shoes with a sole of a flat type, otherwise you will never achieve the perfect traction with a long;
• smooth riding is possible when using dimensional wheels of a soft type;
• do not be lazy to check for obstacles, pits, potholes, stones in your way, for this walk along the future route, carefully examining everything;
• never ride on roads where there are a lot of people or transport;
• When choosing a descent for mastering, stop at those that go on a long smooth road, otherwise it will be difficult for you to stop;
• test the types of longs before buying - being on the board should be comfortable;
• at first you have to fall a lot - you need to be prepared for this and not be upset;
• It is very important to develop a good natural glide;
• Do not do what is awkward, uncomfortable;
• Be sure to buy special gloves with plastic hands.

Important to remember:

• Before accelerating, make sure that you are able and able to brake;
• the risk of injury is always great in this sport - be aware of this;
• use extreme caution when riding where people go;
• Do not neglect equipment.

On how to ride a longboard, see the next video.