Whenever we want to learn something or try to experience a new adventure, we always doubt and fear. Whether it’s choosing a career, applying for a job, or experimenting with something new, we always ask first: will it be hard? Will I be able to learn it? Well, this fear is what kills our passion.
Is it the same with you too? Do you have a passion for longboarding, and you want to swing around the town on your longboard but don’t know how to use it? Do you often ask people that it is hard to learn, or will I be able to do it without trying it out? Well, then you are on the right track. In this article, we will bring all your confidence back and answer everything related to longboarding.
Is Longboarding Hard?
Cutting to the chase longboarding is not at all that hard that you think it is. You need the right confidence, a lot of practice, and some tricks to apply, and after some time, you will find yourself cruising around the town like a pro. Your learning depends on how much you put in to learn it. You might face some challenges while learning it but don’t worry; we are here to give you some tips and tricks that will make it easy.
Longboard Or Skateboard
Before starting, we must know the difference between a longboard and a skateboard as people often confuse it. Both are quite similar but not the same; a skateboard is short while a longboard is longer. Skateboard is more for your stunts and tricks, while longboard is used for fun cruising, and people do it to enjoy high speed. So both are different to ride. If you know how to ride a skateboard, it will be easy for you to adapt to the longboard. They have differences, but the basics of riding both are the same.
Basic skills
To learn longboarding, there are some basic skills which you need to acquire & you should also get a longboard made for beginners. Without the basic skills set, it will be impossible to learn longboarding. Once you know the essential skills, then it depends on how often you practice these tips. Your input will decide for you if it’s easy or hard. So here are the basic skills you need to know.
Finding your foot
The first and most crucial thing about longboarding is to find your stance. You either use your right foot or left foot. First, you have to figure out which foot goes at the front while longboarding. If you find this tricky, there is a tip for you to find your stance. Sit down on the floor and get up and notice which foot you use to help you stand up. That foot is the one you have to get on the board.
Balancing
Longboarding is all about maintaining your right balance. Once you find your stance, practice balancing yourself on the board; you can try out different positions and notice which position helps balance the board. Try to lower down and bent your body forward a little bit. This will help you to lower your center of gravity.
Keep your front foot at 45 degrees and the other one at 90 degrees. At the start, you might not be able to experiment more. It is okay; give yourself a little time, keep practicing in your comfortable position, but after you get used to it, you will be able to keep your feet and surf in an accessible position.
Pushing
The next step is to learn to push. When you start learning longboarding, do it on an open and flat surface. When pushing, keep your front foot on the board, bend it a bit, push the ground with the other foot. At the start, you might not put much strength in pushing, and it will be a bit difficult, but with practice, you will gain strength in your muscles and will be able to push with force and cruise at high speed easily.
Turning
Once you learn the steps mentioned above, turning is relatively easy; you need to lean toward the side you want to take the turn. Your center of gravity will shift towards that part, and you will be able to go on that side. Turning includes more of the board than your body, so you don’t have to move your body much, just put pressure on the board, and there you go. The turning action requires good balancing, keep your body balance good, and you will be perfect.
Learn to brake
To learn to stop is as essential as all other steps. If you are moving quickly and try to stop with your foot without practice, it can be dangerous. You need to be careful trying foot braking. You have to slide your foot against the ground for foot braking, but you need to practice this first while being slow. The practice will help you to gain strength, and you will be able to add more friction. When you drag your foot against the ground, you create a lot of friction with the board slows down and stops.
Practice
The last and the foremost important step in this process is to practice. You can never master longboarding if you don’t practice. Keep it slow at the start. Put the tip and tricks together one by one. Keep practicing them. And after a lot of practice, you can proudly be seen surfing, cruising, and carving around. You will be surprised to see the progress. So remember, practice is the key.
Wrapping It Up
Longboarding, besides being a fun hobby, has many benefits as well. It will help you maintain your health as it is an excellent exercise. You will learn to balance and strengthen your muscles. It enhances your flexibility and also helps you to relieve your stress.
So if you are thinking of starting longboarding, do it right away. Don’t think too much about it being hard or not. Get yourself a good longboard, figure out your stance, learn the basic steps and practice them till you master all the steps. And then ask yourself, was it easy or hard?
