Riding a longboard is not the same as sliding the same notwithstanding the very many similarities between the two. Riding the skateboard entails putting in more emphasis and effort yet maintaining a great deal of smoothness and harmony to maintain balance and guarantee consistency. Our goals in the proceeding discussions shall examine this subject in greater details.Learn how to ride longboard with confidence.
We are first going to identify the materials you require for the job. We will then explore the step-by-step procedures you have to follow to make this dream a reality. Going to finish by looking at some hot tips and warnings you have to adhere to while undertaking this vital activity.
Materials and Tools Required
You will require the following tools and materials:
- A Perfect Longboard
- Arm and knee pads
- Helmet
You now adhere to the following procedures to make this dream become a reality:
Identify the right Route
The route you choose will determine to a great extent the experience you might achieve. A smooth and flat surface that contains plenty of open space is by all means strongly desirable. The space in question should also be devoid of any cars, pedestrians, and other potential hazards.
Position your Longboard accordingly
Proceed to position your longboard accordingly. Place it on the ground and face the direction you intend to travel. Place your most active foot at the center of the board and slightly past the halfway position.
Push the Longboard
Give your longboard a push by moving your other foot backward on the ground. As the board gains full momentum, lift the other foot and place it on the board. Bend your knees slightly to shift your balance closer to the ground level and confer added stability. Place your foot shoulder-width apart from each other.
Speed up the Longboard to Maintain Momentum
After some time, the board shall slow down. They bring this about by the loss of momentum that is occasioned by the frictional force and the drag that you exert on the board. You will, therefore, have to speed up the longboard from time to time to maintain its momentum.
Doing so is simple. All you have to do is lift one of your feet and place it on the ground. Push your foot backward to generate the forward motion. Immediately you achieve the required boost of momentum, place your foot back to the board to continue with your journey.
Negotiate turns effectively
You will definitely have to make turns from time to time. Exercise great caution as you do so to avoid tipping off and injuring yourself. To make a successful and safe turn, lean gently to the desired direction i.e. to the left if you plan to turn left and to the right if you plan to turn right.
By leaning, you will redistribute your weight and alter the direction of travel of the longboard. It is not uncommon to experience a loss of momentum. Therefore, consider adding some momentum as soon as you have turned completely.
Brake the Longboard timely
Once you are through with the trip, you will definitely have to bring the longboard to a complete halt. To stop the board, bend your knees or squat completely. The bulk of your weight shall shift to the board and exert too much drag. This has the resultant effect of slowing the longboard.
After the longboard has slowed down to manageable levels, hover your pushing foot several times on the ground. This shall reduce the momentum of travel considerably. Resist the temptation of stepping on the ground with too much force at a time. This might throw you off balance and let you fall off the longboard.
Some Hot Tips and Warnings
While riding your longboard, there are some tips and warnings you have to adhere to if you ever hope to make it a success. We have devoted the rest of the segment of these discussions to tackling these very tips in their finer details.
Tips
- Balancing your feet may not be simple and easy. You should acknowledge this to avoid unnecessary shocks.
- Regulation practice is definitely the way to go. It is only in this manner that you will master the concepts effectively.
- Keep your weight centered on the longboard at all times. This will let you maintain your balance and minimize the possibilities of tipping or falling off unnecessarily.
- Be sure to move smoothly and graciously at all times. You will avoid the likelihood of sliding or veering off course unnecessarily. This again shall guarantee your safety throughout your journey.
- While riding the longboard, maintain a consistent rhythm in your head at all times. Transfer this rhythm to your subsequent movements of the body. This again is to enhance maximum uniformity at all times.
Warnings
Even though longboard is an exciting sporting activity, it is potentially harmful. You should, therefore, take measures to play it safe to avoid injuries. Consider wearing appropriate protective attire. Your speed of travel should also be low and manageable at all times. And remember, measure up your aggressiveness to your skill level again to guarantee your safety.
Closing Remarks
There you have them! The tips and procedures we have stipulated above are great and handy for your course. By adhering to them strictly, you may be certain to achieve great results. You should also every day and for a prolonged duration of time. It is then that you will be in the position of becoming an expert in the field. You definitely want others to enjoy similar benefits. Therefore, we ask you to share this information with as many of them as possible.