People see longboarders coasting down the street, automatically thinking “easy”. But anyone who has tried to push on a longboard knows that it’s not as easy as it looks. This article will teach you how to push on a longboard like a pro. After reading this post, you will be able to cruise effortlessly down the street without using your hands! Let’s get started.
A longboard is an efficient and easy way to commute, especially in the city. The longboard is an effective means of transportation because it moves quickly and smoothly on various surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and brick roads. If you have never ridden a longboard before, the process of pushing may seem confusing or complicated. However, with a bit of practice, you will be able to push like a pro!
Kind of Longboard
There are different types of longboards, and each one is meant for another purpose. If you’re looking to buy your first longboard or want to know more about the different varieties, read on!
Cruiser boards: These are the most popular type of longboard. They’re designed for cruising around town and have a relatively minor deck and low profile.
Carving boards: Carving boards are designed for speed and agility. They often have a drop-through mount which lowers the center of gravity, making them easier to control.
Downhill boards: Downhill boards are built for racing down hills at high speeds. They have a stiffer construction than other types of longboards and often come with metal bearings to reduce friction.
Electric boards: Electric boards are a new type of longboard growing in popularity. They have a motor and battery pack that powers the wheels, allowing you to ride without pushing.
A Detailed Guide on How to Push on a Longboard
Step 1: Pick Your Longboard
The first step is to pick the right longboard for you. Different boards have different shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to find the one that fits your needs. If you’re a beginner, I would recommend choosing a simple and easy board to ride. There are many great options out there, so take your time and do some research before making your purchase.
Step 2: Get in Position
Once you have your longboard, it’s time to learn how to push. The basic position is to stand with your feet parallel and about shoulder-width apart. Your toes should be pointed slightly outward, and your weight should be distributed evenly on both feet.
Step 3: Balancing
Balance is vital when learning how to push on a longboard. To find your balance, stand with one foot slightly in front of the other. This will help you stay steady while you’re pushing off. Keep your core engaged and your back straight as you ride.
Once you’ve found your balance, it’s time to start pushing! Place one hand on the ground in front of you and use that as leverage to push yourself forward. Keep your arm straight and use your whole body to generate momentum.
Practice pushing in different directions to get comfortable riding in all-terrain. Be careful not to overextend yourself – only push as hard as you feel comfortable doing. With time and practice, you’ll be able to push on a longboard like a pro!
Step 4: Right Stance and Positioning
Pushing on a longboard is all about finding the right stance and positioning. Of course, you’ll want to be comfortable before you start pushing, so take some time to find the right spot. For beginners, it’s best to start by kneeling on the board. This will help you keep your balance as you learn how to push.
Once you’ve found a comfortable kneeling position, try shifting your weight forward until you’re standing up straight. Be sure to keep your knees slightly bent, giving you more stability while pushing. You’ll also want to make sure that your arms are bent at the elbows and that your hands are in the middle of the deck. This will allow you to maintain better control over the board while pushing.
Now that you’re in the correct position, it’s time to start pushing. To do this, use your legs to propel yourself forward. Be sure to use your entire leg, from your hips down to your toes. It would be best if you also pushed off with the balls of your feet rather than your heels. This will help you maintain balance and control while pushing.
Step 5: Push the Board
It’s essential to know how to push the board if you want to move around on it. You’ll need to use your feet and legs to provide power and movement to do this. First, stand with one foot in front of the other, slightly staggered. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed between your feet.
Next, bend your knees and lean forward slightly. Reach down with one foot and grab the board’s edge near the trucks. Then, use that foot to push off the ground and propel yourself forward. Once you’re moving, transfer your weight to the front foot and continue pushing.
Keep your back straight and your head up as you ride. And don’t forget to coast when you reach your destination – otherwise, you’ll end up stopping abruptly and potentially falling off the board!
Step 6: Stop on a Longboard
There will come a time when you need to stop on your longboard. This can be done in two ways: by using your foot or your hand.
To use your foot, apply pressure to the back of the board with your heel. This will cause the board to slow down and eventually stop. You can also use this method to make gradual stops while riding.
If you need to stop quickly, use your hand instead. Reach down and grab the board’s edge near the trucks. Then, pull up on the board until it comes to a complete stop. Keep your arm straight and use all of your body weight for leverage.
Practice both of these methods until you’re able to stop quickly and easily. It’s essential to stop safely, especially when you’re riding in busy areas or around other people.
Step 7: Turn on a Longboard
To turn on a longboard, you’ll need to use your feet and legs to shift your weight in the desired direction. So first, stand with one foot in front of the other, slightly staggered. Then, make sure your weight is evenly distributed between your feet.
Next, bend your knees and lean forward slightly. Reach down with one foot and grab the board’s edge near the trucks. Then, use that foot to push off the ground and propel yourself forward. Once you’re moving, transfer your weight to the front foot and continue pushing.
Keep your back straight and your head up as you ride. And don’t forget to coast when you reach your destination – otherwise, you’ll end up stopping abruptly and potentially falling off the board!
Now that you know how to push on a longboard, it’s time to hit the streets! Practice these skills until you’re comfortable and confident before attempting any advanced maneuvers.
Once you’ve mastered the basic motion, you can start experimenting with different techniques. For example, you can add a little spin to your pushes or even incorporate some jumps into your routine. Just stay safe and practice in a controlled environment until you feel comfortable enough to take on more challenging terrain. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to push like a pro!
Tips:
Pushing on a longboard can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some additional tips to help you get started:
1. Grip the deck of your longboard tightly with your dominant hand. This will help you keep your balance as you push.
2. Use your body weight to help propel yourself forward. Lean into your push to get more speed.
3. Start slowly at first and increase your speed gradually. Pushing too fast can be dangerous and can cause you to lose control.
4. Make sure to keep your knees slightly bent when pushing. This will help you maintain your balance and stay in control.
5. Use your arms to help steer the longboard. Keep them bent and close to your body as you push.
6. Look ahead as you push to ensure that you’re going in the right direction.
7. Be patient and practice often. It may take a while before you feel comfortable pushing on a longboard. But with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to cruise down the street like a pro!
What Leg Do You Push With on a Longboard?
When you’re riding a longboard, which leg do you push off with to make the board move? Is it the same leg as your dominant hand?
It doesn’t matter which leg you use to push – as long as you’re consistent with which leg you use each time. Pushing off with your dominant foot will make turning the board somewhat more manageable, but if you’re not comfortable with doing that, then push off with your other foot.
Just be sure to use the same foot every time to don’t throw yourself off balance. And practice pushing on different parts of the board to see which feels most comfortable and helps you move fastest.
Conclusion
So there you have it – our top tips for how to push on a longboard. Practice these techniques and experiment with different speeds and angles to find what works best for you. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be cruising down the street in no time!
