Think you don’t have the balance to ride a longboard? Think again! This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to place your feet on a longboard so you can start cruising down the street in style. Read on for tips and tricks on finding your sweet spot and making every ride feel like an adventure.
What Is a Longboard?
A longboard is a type of skateboard that is typically much longer than a traditional skateboard. This makes them more stable and easier to ride, which is why they are often used for cruising and downhill racing. Longboards come in various shapes and sizes, so there is sure to be perfect for your riding style.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a longboard can provide you with the perfect experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring the world on a longboard!
How to Place Your Feet on A Longboard Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Types of Longboards
Before you start riding, it is important to understand the different types of longboards available. Each type has a different deck shape and size that will dictate how you stand on the board. The three main types of longboards are:
Cruisers:
Cruisers are the most popular type of longboard. They are great for commuting and cruising around town. Most cruisers have a symmetrical deck that is the same width and length. This makes them very stable and easy to ride.
Downhill:
Downhill longboards are designed for high-speed downhill racing. They have a directional shape with a longer nose than the tail. In addition, the deck is usually asymmetrical with a wider stance on the tail to help with turning at high speeds.
Freestyle:
Freestyle longboards are the most versatile type of longboard. They can be used for cruising, commuting, carving, and even downhill racing. Freestyle boards have a symmetrical deck that is often shorter and narrower than other types of longboards.
Step 2: Find the Right Spot
Once you have selected the perfect longboard, it is time to find the right spot to ride. When cruising around town, you will want to look for smooth, flat surfaces such as sidewalks or streets with little traffic. For carving and downhill racing, you will want to find a hill with a smooth, paved surface. Avoid hills with cracks, potholes, or gravel.
Step 3: Place Your Front Foot
Now that you have found the perfect spot to ride, it is time to place your feet on the board. For most people, the best way to place your feet on a longboard is to put your front foot in the center of the deck and your back foot slightly behind the front truck.
Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. For downhill racing, you will want to move your back foot closer to the board’s tail for more stability.
Step 4: Start Pushing
Once your feet are in the correct position, you are ready to start pushing. First, place your hand on the ground and push off with your back foot. Then, as you gain speed, you can begin to stand up on the board.
To turn, lean your body in the direction you want to turn. The front of the board will turn first, followed by the back. Practice turning both left and right to feel how the board responds.
Step 5: Stop Your Longboard
When you are ready to stop your longboard, you need to do two things. First, use your back foot to push the board’s tail down. This will make the nose of the board go up in the air and slow you down. Secondly, use your front foot to drag your toe along the ground. Again, this will help to slow you down and eventually stop your longboard.
Step 6: Simple Carving and Cruising(Optional)
Once you have the basic stance down, you can try some simple carving. This is how you turn the longboard. To do this, lean your weight to the toe side of your front foot. Your back foot should be almost completely off the board. As you lean and shift your weight, the nose of the board will begin to turn.
Put your back foot back on the deck and lean into the turn when it does. You can practice this by riding in a big circle. Try not to let the longboard go too fast, or you may fall.
When you feel comfortable carving, you can try cruising. This is simply going in a straight line for a longer period of time. Start slow and then gradually go faster. Remember to stay relaxed and keep your body loose. If you get tense, you are more likely to fall.
Step 7: Hill Carving On a Longboard(Optional)
Now that you have the basic carving technique down, it’s time to move on to hills. This is where things can get tricky, but with some practice, you’ll be carving like a pro in no time.
When going down a hill, you want to keep your weight centered over the middle of the board. This will help keep your speed under control and prevent you from wiping out.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of carving, it’s a good idea to invest in some gloves. This will help keep your hands from getting too calloused and make carving a more comfortable experience.
Now that you know how to place your feet on a longboard start practicing! With some time and patience, you’ll be carving hills and cruising around town like a pro in no time.
Other Longboard Stances You Can Learn
1. Foot Breaking Stance
Both feet are on the longboard deck with your back foot placed slightly behind your front foot and angled outwards. This stance is used to make quick, sharp turns.
2. Sideways Stance
This stance is how most people stand on a regular skateboard. You stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and perpendicular to the longboard. A sideways stance is great for beginners because it provides more stability and control. It’s also the basis for many other more advanced longboarding techniques.
3. Frontside Stance
Frontside is the most common longboard stance. You stand facing the direction of travel with your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the deck. This stance gives you good control over your longboard, making it ideal for beginners or those just starting.
4. Backside Stance
The backside is the opposite of the front side. Your right foot is at the front of the board, and your left foot is at the back. This stance is best for going left down the hill.
5. Drop-Through Stance
The drop-through stance is when both of your feet are placed between the trucks. The holes on top of the deck where the trucks are mounted will be visible.
This stance is good for beginners and experienced longboarders alike because it provides more stability and makes it easier to push the board. It also helps keep your center of gravity low, making it less likely that you’ll fall off balance.
What Is the Correct Way to Stand on A Longboard?
Most people know how to stand on a skateboard, but standing on a longboard is different. Here are some tips on how to do it correctly:
First, make sure that your longboard is the right size for you. It will be difficult to balance if it’s too big or too small.
Second, place your feet about shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other. This will help you keep your balance.
Third, bend your knees slightly and lean forward from your ankles. This will help you keep your center of gravity low, making it easier to stay balanced.
Fourth, keep your arms out to the sides for balance. You can also use your arms to help steer the longboard by shifting your weight from side to side.
Finally, practice makes perfect! The more you practice standing on your longboard, the better you’ll get at it. Remember to take it slow at first and always wear a helmet for safety. Keep reading for more information about how to place your feet on a longboard.
Which Foot Goes First on A Longboard?
There’s no right answer to which foot goes first on a longboard. Some people prefer to start with their left foot forward, while others find it more comfortable to start with their right foot forward. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
If you’re not sure which way to go, try out both options and see which feels better for you. Whichever foot you put forward, make sure you’re in a low stance with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. This will help you stay balanced and prevent falls. Once you’ve found your footing, you’re ready to start cruising down the sidewalk.
Frequently Asked Question
Which Foot to Push with On Longboard?
There is no definitive answer as everyone’s riding style is different. However, many riders find it helpful to push off their back foot when cruising and their front foot when doing tricks. Experiment and see what works best for you!
Why Do Feet Hurt After Longboarding?
Your feet may hurt after longboarding because you are not used to the position. When you first start longboarding, your feet will hurt because they are not used to being in that position for an extended period of time. As you continue to longboard, your feet will get used to the position and no longer hurt.
Conclusion
If you’re starting, it can be helpful to know how to place your feet on a longboard. This guide will show you the basics of foot placement and tips for finding your balance. Once you have the hang of it, you’ll be able to cruise around with ease!
You Can Check it Out Duck Dive a Longboard
