If you're about to start your longboarding adventure and need a beginner's guide with top tips and advice to help you begin confidently, you've arrived at the perfect spot. Below, you'll find 13 essential longboarding tips that will have you cruising in style in no time at all!
1) Choosing the Board
As a novice, you'll likely prefer a longer longboard. A board with greater length and width provides better balance and a more stable footing as you get accustomed to longboarding.
2) Thinking about your longboard's wheelbase
Alongside considering the right deck size for your skill level, you'll also want to think about the wheelbase of your longboard. Beginners might opt for a board with a longer wheelbase for added stability and a smoother ride.
3) Perfecting your stance
Before riding, it's important to get your stance and footing right. If you're right-footed, you'll likely stand with your left foot in front and your right foot at the back, known as the ‘regular’ stance. Conversely, if you're left-footed, you'll probably stand with your right foot in front and your left at the back, referred to as the ‘goofy’ stance.
For those with a ‘regular’ stance, place your left foot at the center and slightly forward on the board. Push off with your left foot to gain smooth forward momentum, then lift your back foot to place it about shoulder-width apart from your left foot on the board. The opposite applies for a goofy stance.
If you're right-footed and ride with your left foot forward, pressing on your toes while riding should turn you left. The same goes in reverse for those riding with their right foot at the front.
3) Finding your balance while stationary
Achieving balance on your longboard is crucial to mastering the sport. You can enhance your balance with a few simple exercises at home. One easy exercise is to place the board on a thick carpet or grass, where the friction will keep it from rolling forward, allowing you to practice balance in a stable position.
Step onto the stationary board in a natural stance. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, depending on the board's length. Position your feet over or near the trucks’ bolts.
The rear foot, left for goofy and right otherwise, should naturally be nearly perpendicular to the deck. Your front foot should be angled about 45 degrees with the deck. To improve stability, bend your knees and lean forward a little.
4) Pushing your longboard
To start, bend your front leg. Position your pushing (rear) foot flat on the ground next to the longboard. It's okay to initially put weight on your pushing leg, but shift your weight above the board on your front foot until you use the pushing leg as if rowing a boat. As a beginner, your pushes may be brief as you adjust to balancing with one foot on the board while moving, but with time, you'll push with longer strokes and gain speed!
5) Practicing turning
Practicing turns will greatly aid your longboarding journey and is actually easier than you might think! Simply lean your body toward the side and direction you wish to turn. The board will slightly dip and turn in that direction. Longboards are generally flexible, making turning relatively simple and straightforward.
6) Braking
Braking can seem intimidating, but once you learn it correctly, it's quite easy. Stand as if you were about to push forward, balance on the standing foot, and lift the other foot off, pointing both feet toes forward. While doing this, bend your front knee to lower your center of gravity, and gradually lower your back foot toward the ground. Lightly brush your foot on the floor for a smoother stop. Finally, lift your foot back onto the board in the original position.
6) Getting comfortable with rolling
Try rolling on a flat surface, moving slowly and cautiously. Keeping a low center of gravity will help you feel more stable and balanced. Familiarize yourself with the longboard's mechanics, adapt to its rolling, maintain your balance, and master your stance before going all out.
7) Selecting the right surface
Besides not rushing your tricks, make sure to choose your surface wisely, especially as a beginner. Practice on a flat, spacious area to avoid bumping into people or obstacles. A flat surface prevents reaching high speeds that could cause you to lose control.
8) Slowing down by carving
Slowing down by carving involves curving your riding pattern in an 'S' shape. This technique reduces your momentum while maintaining a straight direction of travel, eventually bringing you to a stop. Bend your knees to lower your center of gravity, lean forward, and shift your weight onto your toes to carve toeside, then move your weight to your heels while staying low with bent knees to carve heelside.
9) Practice Falling
Learning to fall is a crucial aspect of longboarding. While it may sound daunting, falling is inevitable and part of learning. Mastering safe falling techniques will help you overcome the fear of falling while riding. Avoid falling on a stiff arm or hands to prevent injuries. Instead, tuck your arms into your body and roll onto your shoulder. Practicing this on a soft surface can help you learn to fall gracefully.
10) Safety
It goes without saying, but always prioritize safety. Increase your riding speed as your skills improve. Be mindful of other riders and pedestrians, managing your speed and keeping a safe distance. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, to enjoy longboarding safely. We offer a selection of protective gear from top brands, which you can explore here!
11) Practicing on a gentle slope
Once you're comfortable with balancing, riding on flat surfaces, and braking, progress to riding on a gentle slope. Choose a hill that's not too steep to gradually develop your technique. Initially, select a hill that ends on a flat or slightly uphill surface, which will help you stop safely.
12) Knees bending
When descending hills or applying brakes on your longboard, it's essential to bend your knees. Doing so will help you lower your center of gravity, allowing you to remain solid and balanced on your longboard, thereby reducing the risk of falling. Additionally, bending your knees will enable your legs to function like suspension, absorbing any bumps or uneven terrain you might encounter.
13) Avoid rushing into tricks
As a beginner, it's important not to take on too much too quickly. No matter how enthusiastic you are, it's crucial to first master the basic movements and become comfortable with your balance, as well as braking and turning. Take your time, and before you realize it, longboarding will feel completely natural to you.