How To Longboard: Tips, Tricks, and Equipment for Getting Started

A longboard is a perfect alternative to a regular skateboard. Not only do longboards offer more stability and speed, but they’re also a fun way to get around town. Knowing how to longboard is essential whether you’re a novice or looking to take your skills to the next level.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know before you start. We’ll talk about the different types of longboards, the best accessories and safety equipment you should have, and the tricks and techniques you can learn to glide effortlessly down the sidewalk. You’ll be well-prepared to hit the pavement with confidence and style.

Gear

You’ll want to find the right equipment if you’re just starting with longboarding. Longboarders use detailed and specialized pieces to help them get the most out of their ride. Here’s a quick overview of the essential gear needed to longboard.

The most essential piece of equipment for longboarding is the longboard itself. When looking for a longboard, pick one designed for beginners. Look for a wide model with lots of grips and plenty of stability. Many types of longboards are available, so take some time to compare different styles and decide which one is right for you.

Though it may not be the most exciting part of longboarding, safety gear is also essential. Pick up a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads before you begin riding. This equipment allows you to protect yourself from bumps and falls while learning to ride your board.

A pair of special shoes for grip on your board can help keep your feet in place while riding and provide extra stability. Gloves may keep your hands comfortable while riding over different terrain.

Learning and Practicing the Basics

It’s time to learn how to use your new gear. It’s crucial to understand how to mount the board properly. Stand behind the board with both feet centered over the grip tape. Bend your knees slightly and push down on the board until it starts rolling forward.

There are several ways you can stop when riding a longboard. One of the most common ways is “drifting,” or riding at an angle so that your board naturally slows down over time. You can also tap both feet on either side of your board in rapid succession until it stops. This method takes some practice but is very effective.

Turning on a longboard follows principles similar to any other type of riding. Lean into whichever direction you wish to turn to make the turn happen smoothly and efficiently. Understanding how much pressure needs to be applied will come with practice, so don’t hesitate to practice turning until you feel comfortable doing so.

Navigating Different Terrain

Longboarding isn’t just about going straight. Understanding how different surfaces affect your ride will help give you more confidence while navigating terrain on your board. Concrete surfaces are often very smooth and offer lots of traction for riders, but they can also become slippery when wet or worn out due to heavy use or age. Learning how much pressure needs to be applied when making concrete turns can help ensure your rides remain smooth even in variable conditions.

Grass surfaces tend to have less traction than concrete, so it’s important to remember this when turning or performing tricks on grassy areas. These areas can often collect pine needles or debris, which can cause boards to slip unexpectedly.

Hills provide some unique challenges due to increasing speed. Learning proper braking techniques and leaning back instead of forward while coming downhill can help ensure safe rides every time.

Doing Tricks

For more experienced riders, doing tricks with their boards is often part of the fun out on the town. Whether you are performing manuals or ollies off ramps or just trying out some stylish carving techniques around town, there’s always something new when perfecting your tricks on a board. Here are three basic tricks that can help get you started.

Ollies involve popping off the ground using momentum from your legs and arms while pushing down on either side of your board at the same time. After mastering this trick, it is an excellent way for experienced riders to add style points to their rides.

Another trick that may come in handy is manuals. This trick involves lifting both feet off your board and balancing them over your trucks while shifting your weight backward and forward to keep your balance. With enough practice, this trick will allow you to easily navigate tight spaces without your feet touching the ground.

Carving involves carving turns into tight curves with momentum from either side. This technique is ideal for experienced riders who prefer smoother rides without braking. Knowing how much pressure needs to be applied when taking tight turns when carving will help make sure each turn feels natural every time.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always come first whenever riding any type of vehicle. Riding without protection isn’t worth it, so always wear helmets and pads that fit snugly when starting a ride, no matter where you’re going or what you plan on doing with your board.

Picking safe locations free from obstacles such as parked cars or pedestrians can go a long way towards avoiding accidents and keeping everyone safe during rides. Look for wide roads away from traffic, or stick mainly towards skate parks.

You may be able to find professional riders offering private lessons to help newbies learn safely. These professionals have invaluable advice about techniques for specific terrain types and tricks that help add flare to each ride.