How to Ride a Longboard

There are a multitude of different styles and positions you can choose when deciding how you wish to ride a longboard. Downhill racing and freestyle are the most popular forms, with dance and street-surf close on their heels. Often, the rider's style is expressed through the style they choose. The downhill racing style is suited to those who have a passion for speed and the pursuit of danger, while the street-surf style is more closely associated with a rider who wishes to display finesse and a more relaxed attitude. Longboarding has a fit for every personal style, so for most, it is just a matter of matching your personality to the proper form. Read on to learn how to ride a longboard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Longboard geared to your specific style
• Protective gear such as helmet, pads and guards

1. Choose a style that is tailored to your personality. Decide if you are the type of rider who would be better suited for downhill racing or street-surfing. Maybe your personality is more laid back and you would prefer longboard dance, which is closer to freestyle trick form.
2. Purchase a longboard that best fits the style you have chosen. Longboards are manufactured in different lengths, shapes and designs. The downhill longboarder will be more interested in a skinny, aerodynamic board that is painted with a brash design, while the street-surf longboarder will appreciate a board that is a bit wider and offers a more stylistic design.
3. Begin with simple motions and maneuvers. First, you will need to adapt a proper stance. A goofy stance begins with your right foot at the front of the board, while a regular stance requires the opposite. A goofy stance will prove more comfortable for left-handed (or footed) riders. However, right-handed (or footed) riders can switch to a goofy stance to elevate the difficulty level or more basic maneuvers. Once you have become accustomed to your foot stance, incorporate basic left-and-right turns into your longboard routine.
4. Graduate to more difficult maneuvers. Since you have already chosen a stance and mastered some of the longboard basic maneuvers, begin to push-for-speed and learn simple dance/freestyle tricks. Search for a minimum grade decline to skate. Become comfortable with speed on your longboard before you attempt any difficult tricks.
5. Incorporate tricks into your everyday riding. Carving is defined as leaning to either the left or right side of your longboard in a stylish manner. Picture a surfer leaning back on his board, dragging his hand against the ocean water as he braves a fierce wave. Now, apply that to your street-surfing routine. Remember, your longboard won't have the dexterity that a standard skateboard has, so your goal should be maximum speed or maximum style.