How To Choose Best Longboards For Beginners?

Many people have somehow brought this wrong impression that learning to ride longboards takes time, and it isn’t easy.  So, Is it hard to learn to ride a longboard?  Well, it may seem quite complicated when you see people doing all the tricks and dance, but it is not. As it comes with larger wheels and a longer board, it’s quite easier to balance once you get comfortable on it. So are you looking for getting started with longboard cruising? Here is our guide on How to longboard for beginners.

How to find the balance on the longboard?

Whether you have got any of the best longboards for beginners or not, following these steps will help you get started with finding your balance on the board.

Finding the right stance

The very first necessary step is to find the appropriate stance for yourself.  One quick but surefire way you can find this out is to let yourself fall forward. You will notice that either your left foot or the right foot will be going forward. If it’s the left foot, that means your left foot will be your front foot, and this stance is called the goofy stance. If your right foot goes forward, that means your right foot will be on the front.

Placing the feet

Depending on your stance, you want to place your front foot on the board, the best spot for a better balance. Your front foot should be right before the truck screws, and place your back foot somewhere in the middle of the deck. But don’t leave too much distance between your feet. Otherwise, you will be exposing yourself to the risk of losing balance and tipping over.

Getting comfortable with your board

Besides the obvious technical steps, you also need to get used to and comfortable using the board. This one is more psychological, but it is quite important to establish a relationship of comfort and trust to be more confident.

How to learn to push to move forward ?

As you have found the right stance and appropriate feet placement, you need to learn how to push the board to move forward.

Step 1

Start with putting your front foot on the board. Get your back foot on the ground while pointing towards the same direction as your front foot. Now, as your weight is perfectly balanced between both legs,  put your weight on your back foot and push to move forward. Once you have pushed the back foot, now place the back foot on the board. Your front foot should not be parallel to the ground, neither pointing straight. It is recommended to put it diagonally once you’ve placed your back foot on the board.

Step 2

In the beginning, you will not feel confident or comfortable on the board. But you get used to the board much faster than you can think. As you start cruising, don’t forget to breathe and relax.

Step 3

Don’t ever stand straight on the board in that position. It will make you lose balance very quickly. Keep the head a little down and keep your body in a C position. This allows your head to play the counterweight to keep your whole body balanced while riding.

How to brake on the longboard?

It may seem quite hard to brake on the longboard. But it’s all about weight transfer and using friction to stop your momentum. Here are a few ways you can brake on the longboard that is easier for beginners.

The footbrake

The best way to stop on your longboard at slower speeds is going to be the foot brake. The idea is to have one stable foot in the front of your board while lifting your back foot. Now drag it alongside your board to slow yourself to a stop. One thing you want to be very careful of is not to brake with your front foot. Otherwise braking with the front foot can make you very unstable and shaky.

Stomping

One of the easiest ways to break the longboard is by using the stomping method. Here you will be stomping your foot on the ground. So while cruising, take the back foot off the board and gently start to stomp on the ground to stop the momentum.

How to turn on a longboard?

Even though you will not take sharp turns or do the carving, you can start turning with your longboard right away! Longboards are quite easier to maneuver, and all you need to do to run with a longboard is to lean in whichever direction you want to turn.

FAQ

How long does it take to learn to ride a longboard?

If you intend to spend a few hours per day with your longboard, it might not take you more than a week to learn to longboard. It will come much faster if you spend more time on practicing it.

Skateboard or longboard: Which one is easier?

When it comes to beginners, the longboard is certainly way easier to pick up. Longboards are very easy to balance due to its design. This is why, often, beginners find it easier to control and learn.

Is longboarding good cardio?

You might not believe it, but the longboard is actually an excellent cardio exercise. As you will be using all of your body to balance and maneuver the board, you will be working on your core quite extensively. But other than the core, your entire body gets an extensive workout. Other than that, longboarding will improve your flexibility and coordination as well.

Final Words

This guide on How to longboard for beginners was aimed to help people of any age get started with this amazing sport. While cruising on the longboard can be quite thrilling and give you a nice boost of adrenaline, it can, at the same time, be quite a therapeutic experience. You can take a leisurely cruise around and let your mind off all the stress.  Or you can go for a long-distance cruise with your friends. Either way, picking up the longboard can be quite beneficial.


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