How to Cross-Step on a Longboard

Cross-stepping is a much cooler way to walk up to the nose of your board.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Swimsuits
• Longboards
• Wet Suits
• Swimsuits

1. Turn on your board so that you're lined up to ride straight for a distance - you won't be able to turn when you're at the front of the board.

2. Transfer your weight to your front foot.

3. Lift your back foot and step over your front foot so that you are standing with your legs crossed on the board. Let your weight down on your new forward foot.

4. Pick up your back foot and swing it around behind the front foot; set it down so that you are standing normally again.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you are at the nose of your board.

6. Ride the nose.

7. Reverse cross-step to walk back to the tail.

8. Practice until you can do this quickly and with the grace of a large feline.

Tips & Warnings

• The trick to good cross-stepping is quick, smooth steps.
• Avoid lifting your feet up too high when stepping. Set them down lightly.
• If your feet get tangled up, fall away from your board.
• Surfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 If you decide to go leashless, just remember that your board can fly down the line and clean somebody up. Be sure you can control that board before you decide to start decapitating people with your 10'0". Most people are not sponsored by anybody and have to buy their own boards. The last thing anybody wants is somebody's loose board landing its fins in the deck of an unsuspecting surfer. Be careful!

on 11/22/2005 You need to have style, which basically means keeping your balance and having grace. Keep your back straight, head up and knees slightly bent. Practice walking up and back. Don't just stand on the nose till you pearl.

on 11/22/2005 Cross-stepping is easier when you are not wearing a leash around your ankle. If you must wear a leash, especially in bigger waves, wear it around your calf.