How to Longboard Skateboard

Longboards are longer, heavier and more stable than regular skateboards so they have more of a roll or push. Several Longboarders have actually gone on organized treks across the county on their longboards. They are also the preferred boards used to carve down steep hills at astonishing speeds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn the basic stance. Place your feet between the trucks at about shoulder distance. Point your forward foot on a diagonal and your rear foot pointed slightly out. Grow accustomed to the spring of a longboard. Crouch and stand while bending your knees several times. Practice shuffling and walking around on the longboard without taking a step off.

2. Spread your feet wider when going down hills. Get more speed by pointing your feet more downhill. Shift your weight to your front foot for control. Push the longboard with your back foot to get rolling. You can also use your front foot for pushing if that is more comfortable. That is called a Mongo push. The lower you can get your center of gravity on a longboard the more comfortable the ride.

3. Practice stopping a longboard. The easiest way to stop is called footbreaking. Use the foot you push with and drag it flat on the cement. Another way to stop a longboard is to Slide where you pull the board up in a heelside carve and use your hands, wearing Slide Gloves. As a last resort you can always jump off of the board as well. Aim at a lawn that will stop the board first.

4. Lean to one side to turn. This is called Carving. The harder you lean, the faster your board will turn. Carving slows you down as does standing up straight. If you crouch during a carve you can make it go faster. Keep your eyes on the horizon instead of on your feet and you are ready to longboard and try tricks like the shanker, walk the plank, cross stepping and chop the wood.

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