How to Ride a Unicycle for Beginners
There it stands. Or rather, leans. Waiting for you. Mocking you. Buying it seemed like a good idea at the time, but ... there it leans. Oh, please. Take a breath. Riding a unicycle is a challenge, but anyone with the guts and zest for life to actually buy a unicycle has what it takes to ride a unicycle. There are many different ways to learn, from simply getting on and falling off until you don't fall anymore, to taking unicycle riding lessons. But---as with so many things---the best way to learn is with a little help from your friends.
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Instructions
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Clear off your riding surface by removing any large rocks and debris and sweeping away smaller pebbles with a push broom. Flat asphalt or concrete is the best surface.
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Have your friends stand with the unicycle between them.
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3
Sit on the unicycle with one arm around each friend's shoulders, and your feet on the pedals. Rest your weight on the seat, not on your feet. Sit up straight, and look ahead of you, not down at the ground or at the pedals.
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4
Shift around a little until you feel balanced. Try to use your friends' shoulders as guides, not as crutches. Don't hang or lean on them.
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5
Work the pedals back and forth a little to see how this affects your balance. Keep your shoulders level and your core tight, but not clenched.
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Start with the pedals level with each other and move forward one half rotation, so that the pedals are level again. Keep doing this until you can move smoothly. Don't forget to let your friends rest occasionally.
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Hold onto your friends' wrists---or, if you are close friends, their hands---and pedal forward. Try not to yank or lean on your friends' hands, they are just there to keep you from falling, not to tow you around.
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Let one friend sit out a turn while you hold onto the other friend's wrist, or hand, to help you keep your balance.
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9
Let go of both friends, but have them walk beside you for a few minutes, until you are sure you can continue alone.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gear if you are going to use the "fall off until you don't anymore" method.
Use walls or railings for support if you don't have any friends, or any who are willing to help you.
Avoid hills on your unicycle until you have become fairly expert at stopping.
