subject: An Overall Look At Longboarding [print this page] Longboarding is a mode of transportation chosen by many people because of its freedom, cost-effectiveness and physical fitness appeal. Recently, longboarding had been seen as a lifestyle, with some skateboarders relying heavily for transportation but also as a recreational activity.
The style has the flavor of California, generally looks like a blonde shag, and is greatly connected to surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.
Originally, longboards were made from the idea of placing a surfboard on skateboard wheels. The trend really started in California and has since spread and become widely popular.
Longboarding is often considered to be much easier than skateboarding. Although it is easier than skateboarding in many ways, it requires a certain amount of balance as well as a few other techniques. Here are some tips to help you adjust to riding a longboard.
First, always wear a skateboarding helmet. You never know when you will need the protection of your helmet, so don't take chances.
When you're moving quickly, it can be difficult to stop. You are also at risk of being hit by cars. Since accidents have and could lead to head injury or death, it's best to be protected.
Second, choose your board based on what you want to use it for. You can do this by going and talking to a sales associate at the store or to friends who have experience.
For example, if you are going to be cruising, you will want to select a longer board. These are the best for getting around, though they don't turn as easily as other models. If you plan on doing a lot of quick turns or need to maneuver your board quickly, you should opt for a shorter board.
Third, wear flat-bottomed shoes. Skateboarding shoes are ideal because of the traction and protection they provide, but any flat-bottomed shoe will do. Avoid sandals or other strappy shoes because you need to protect your foot.
You will need to be able to stop quickly on a longboard. Breaking involves you dragging your back foot on the ground.
You want to make sure you're wearing skateboarding sneakers before you attempt this, as you could hurt your foot in many other types of shoes.
Fourth, learn how to carve, pump, and slide. These are some of the more advanced maneuvers that you can do on your longboard. It will get easier to do them as you practice.
Carving can help you control your speed if you're moving too quickly down a hill. To carve, all you have to do is lean your body in the direction you want your board to go and then lean the other way.
This will cause you to go in a zigzag pattern. Carving is important on hills because it keeps you at a manageable speed.
Pumping will help you to increase momentum without having to push off the ground. To pump, shift your weight from your front foot to your back foot, swiveling your hips and turning your board as though you're carving.
Sliding can help you stop quickly if you're out of control on a hill or an obstacle suddenly appears. To execute a slide, crouch down and act as though you're going to grab the front side of your board.
Then, lean back and place your hands on the pavement behind you. The direction in which you place your hands will determine which way you slide. Make sure you're wearing longboarding gloves before you slide.
Longboarding is a great way to get around, get exercise, and have fun. Always take safety into consideration when you are boarding.
