Ultimate Longboarding Tips: Mastering the Art of Riding

Longboarding is the art of riding with passion, where freedom is the last word. It’s a sport that has seen a lot of following in recent years. It offers a lot of benefits, including transportation and health benefits.

But years of experience have shown me that understanding how to longboard safely is a top priority to avoid injury. It’s crucial you understand the right longboard skateboarding techniques and how to use the proper protective gear.

It will help you grow the confidence to enjoy this sport and lower the risk of crashing or falling. In this guide, I will share longboarding tips and techniques from spending substantial time longboarding safely over the years.

By completing this guide, you will be prepared to improve your skills, whether navigating turns progressively, braving hills, or simply cruising. I hope these tips help longboarders stay safe while enjoying this activity for years.

1. Choosing the Right Longboard

Before anything else, you need a longboard to practice on. Since you did a basic search of the longboards available, we can agree the market is overflowing.

So, you need to know what type of longboard to buy and what factors to consider during purchase. You must also consider your personal preferences and body type considerations.

A. Different Types of Longboards and Their Purposes

The first thing you need to know before buying your longboard is the type of board you need. Below are the most common ones that you will come across.

➔   Cruiser Longboards

Cruiser longboards are ideal for transportation and pushing around town. They typically have a directional shape like a pintail or roundtail, providing stability at slower speeds.

The decks are often top-mounted or drop-through for a lower riding platform, making pushing long distances more comfortable. Because of their softer and bigger wheels, I find these types well-suited for rolling over cracks, pebbles, and pavement imperfections.

Their mid to standard length and wheelbase provide good maneuverability while maintaining stability at cruising speeds. Many riders choose cruiser longboards to commute to work/school or visit local shops and parks without hassle.

➔   Carving Longboards

Carving longboards are specialized for dynamic Surf-style street carving. They are usually mounted in a top-mount configuration to maximize wheel leverage and turning response.

I love their enhanced responsiveness, which allows riders to pump rhythmical S-shape turns and lean into expansive carves. Their decks tend to have increased wheel flares and concave features to prevent wheel bite during tight turns.

Riders can pump flowing S-curves, snaking back and forth to gain speed without needing foot pushing. Many carving longboards have asymmetrical tails catered for natural turning radii in switch or regular stance. Such boards are well-liked for foot steering street surf simulations. 

➔   Kicktail Longboards

Kicktail decks are characterized by their kicked-up tails, which are concave ramps usually at one or both ends of the board. This allows for popping the board up or utilizing the tail for quick pivoting maneuvers.

Kicktails facilitate tricks like kick turns, board slides, and kickflips. While many freeride and freestyle-oriented longboards incorporate kicktails, some are designed specifically for technical street tricks.

They feature a more flexible construction, kicks, and directional curve tailors at each end. This facilitates switching between regular stance tre flips and other advanced manipulations.

Kicktail decks demand greater board control skills. However, I have a good experience with them. They will reward nimble riders with a versatile quiver capable of urban tricks and downhill runs.

➔   Drop Through Longboards

Drop-through longboards feature a dropped platform achieved by mounting the trucks through a cutout in the deck. This introduces axle spacers that sit the deck lower between the trucks.

The drop-through mounting lowers the center of gravity. I recommend these for those seeking enhanced stability at speed. It also brings the riding platform closer to the wheels for improved pushing leverage and foot braking control.

Many drop-through boards are suitable for fast cruising, carving, and gentle freeriding. Their flexible decks provide shock absorption over rough roads. The dropped structure couples stability with enhanced roll speed from an effortless pushing stance.

➔   Drop Down Longboards

Drop-down decks have a formed downward curve joining the deck tail to provide a lowered standing zone near the axles. With their rigidity, these boards maintain stability even during steep downhill runs.

I love the Drop-Down Longboards’ greater grip and control they provide over turbulent terrains for dedicated freeriding. The weight concentration directly over the trucks during sliding maneuvers facilitates deliberate hookups.

Many advanced free riders like me prefer drop downs for technical gravitational exploits owing to their strength, stability, and capacity. It delivers high Lean angles without the risk of wheel bite.

➔   Fishtail Longboards

Boards with fishtail shapes have extended extremities that curve outward on both sides, similar to a fishʼs tail fins. This layout enhances stability during turns through an increased effective wheelbase.

I can recommend this longboard for the smooth transitions between downhill angles. While most adept for cruising, some fishtail variants are helpful for mild freeriding runs with their stability and spacious platform.

➔   Pintail Longboards

Pintail decks have a pointy nose and tapering tail that call to mind a shipʼs prow and stern. Their sleek profile affords stability and precision prized by commuters.

Pintails similarly carve longboard radii to surf an ocean wave. Due to a lower center of gravity from the extended tip and tail, they remain sure-footed over variable pavement conditions during transportation tasks.

While less versatile than top mounts, pintail boards satisfy casual pushing and surf-inspired riding applications. That is thanks to their steadiness at slower speeds. Amateur surf skaters, in particular, favor pintails to practice flow transitions between cross-stepped gazelles.

B. Factors to Consider When Selecting a Longboard

With the type of longboard available out of the way, let me take you through the many factors that will also influence the longboard you buy. You need to consider them if you want to buy the best for you.

➔   Longboard Sizing

I always suggest paying close attention to the width when picking out your first longboard. The width will determine how comfortable it feels riding. Most beginners do well with boards between 8 to 9 inches wide. This provides enough room to plant your feet without feeling too wobbly.

Make sure to physically stand on boards at a skate shop before deciding. The table below gives you some recommended widths with matching use.

➔   Deck Shapes

When it comes to deck shapes, it depends on the type of riding you want to do. Kicktails are handy for kicking the board around and doing tricks. They make the board less suited for fast downhill runs.

Boards with smooth concaves lock your feet in and feel very responsive. Wider decks over 9 inches work great for cruising around town.

➔   Wheelbase Lengths

The wheelbase, or distance between your truck axles, significantly impacts how the board steers and feels at speed. In general, longer wheelbases provide more stability, while shorter ones allow sharp turns. The table shows some recommended wheelbase lengths based on weight and skill level.

As a beginner, I found a wheelbase between 24-26 inches very forgiving to learn. The table below contains my recommendations.

➔   Deck Flexibility

The flex of your deck makes a big difference in how the board feels under your feet. I like bending boards in the store to get a feel for this.

Stiffer decks are more responsive when pushing hard into turns but can feel harsh over rough pavement. Flexy decks are comfy for cruising on cracked sidewalks since they absorb vibration.

➔   Truck Widths

The width of the truck base should match your deck width for balanced steering. Wider trucks provide more stability at higher speeds but can feel sluggish to turn. Narrower trucks allow snappy maneuvers but may need to be clearer when pushing your limits.

I like a 1/4-inch gap between my deck and trucks for just the right control. The table below summarizes your choices if you want to consider something different.

➔   Wheel Size

Bigger wheels smoothly glide over rough pavement but can hamper quick turning. Smaller wheels are nimble but feel bumpier. I prefer 70mm wheels to get smoothness while maintaining good maneuvering.

Larger 75-80mm serve you well for speed runs. Here is a summary of my recommended wheel size for various uses.

➔   Wheel Durometer

The hardness of your wheels affects grip and control. Soft wheels stick to the road for stability but wear quickly. Hard wheels last longer but can slip out. I usually go medium 78a-80a duro for an all-around grippy ride with some room to slide. Check out the table below for more.

C. Personal preferences and body type considerations

Your personal preferences and body type are also important to consider. Different setups will feel more or less comfortable depending on your riding style and physical stature.

➔   Preferences

As far as preferences, you need to consider what types of riding appeal most to you. If you want to get speedy downhill, you’ll likely favor a drop deck with a stable wheelbase and big wheels. Dancing and flat-ground tricks steer you to a top mount with kicktails and maneuverability.

➔   Body Type And Weight

Your body type also influences board choices. If you’re taller, a wider and more spacious deck allows you to stand comfortably without feeling cramped. At the same time, petite riders do well with boards around 8 inches wide for balanced control.

Weight is another factor that pros consider when dialing a perfect setup. Heavier riders over 200 pounds need decks rated for high loads, extra wide trucks, and larger wheels to support the weight at speed. Meanwhile, lighter-weight folks under 150 may prefer narrower trucks on the smaller side of standard sizing.

➔   Leaning And Balancing Abilities

You should consider your individual learning and balancing abilities. For a smoother learning process, beginners usually benefit from more stability features like drop-through mounting, flexy flex, and longer wheelbases for a smoother learning process. But once you feel ready, transitioning to top mounts with snappier trucks allows for improved maneuvering skills.

2. Safety Consideration for Longboarding

Besides getting on the longboard and taking off, you want to take the correct safety measures to protect yourself. Longboarders suffer more intracranial injuries that can be quite fatal at times. Also, there are laws requiring you to protect yourself before getting on the longboard.

On that note, you must understand the importance of safety gear and how to check and maintain safety equipment. I also recommend you learn how to fall safely.

A. Importance Of Safety Gear

The gear is crucial – a helmet protects your brain, and pads save your skin from road crashes. I always wear a full-face helmet and pads on my knees, elbows, and wrists. Why take risks with your body?

Studies show gear cuts injury rates dramatically. Helmets reduce head injuries by up to 85%, and pads prevent over 60% of injuries in knees, elbows, and wrists. This gear is designed for longboarding spills. It’s an investment but saves on medical costs if you fall.

B. Checking And Maintaining Safety Equipment

Inspect your gear regularly for damage. Cracks or deformities mean replaced padding won’t cushion falls. Check for loose screws or strap cracks in helmets. If the elbow pads get worn down, it is time for new ones. You should also wash the pads soaked in sweat to prevent bacteria.

Store equipment properly so it lasts. Hang pads to dry completely between uses. Helmets in moderate heat/sun can warp protective foam. Check expiration dates, too – old equipment may need to meet standards. Proper maintenance keeps riders safe.

C. Learning How To Fall Safely

Falling is inevitable, so learn proper falling techniques. In slides, I recommend falling toward the ground in slides, not trying to avoid fighting momentum. Roll, don’t slam down rigidly. Slide on pads, not joints.

Practice minor falls at low speeds on grass first. Learn to control the tumble without sticking an arm out. This saved me when high-siding at speed – I just rolled off instead of getting hurt. Even when going slow, falling wrong can mean injury. The more you fall correctly, the more natural your instinct gets.

Stay loose and remember – fall like a rag doll. Protect the head, tuck the shoulder, roll hips, then feet past. Any fall can be safer with the proper techniques. It’s worth learning before slamming down hard on concrete. Your body and gear will thank you.

Here is a video demonstrating how to fall while longboarding:

3. Proper Stance and Foot Placement

Before stepping on the longboard, getting into the proper stance is fundamental for stability and control. Your stance sets the foundation for all other riding techniques.

So, how do you make your first stance? How do you place your foot on the longboard? Let’s see.

A. The Basic Riding Stance

Your stance refers to whether you lead with your left or right foot. Most riders naturally favor one side over the other. To find your stance, follow the tips below.

1. Stand on the longboard with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Give yourself a gentle push with your back foot.
3. Whichever foot feels more comfortable at the front is the one you should lead with.

That is your natural stance – regular if your left foot is forward, or goofy if your right foot leads. Sticking to this stance will feel most balanced.

B. Foot Placement On The Deck For Stability And Control

Your feet should be placed close to the front bolts for cruising for stability. When going faster, slide your feet back slightly for more control as you weigh the back foot more for stopping and carving.

Keeping your feet parallel allows you to shift weight smoothly. Place one foot near the front and one at the center/back on tight or steep hills for quick weight transfers.

C. Weight Distribution For Various Maneuvers

Different weight distributions are needed for pushing, stopping, low-speed turns, and high-speed carving. The general rule is 60/40 weight split front/back when cruising.

Apply more weight to the front foot to turn the back foot to brake or carve tighter. Experiment to find what feels most balanced for you.

4. Pushing Techniques

Now that you understand the importance of proper stance and foot placement, let’s discuss some fundamental techniques for pushing yourself forward on the board.

A. Different Pushing Styles

There are a few main styles for pushing yourself forward on a longboard. The standard “push” involves standing with one foot near the front bolts and the other at the back of the board.

You then lower your pushing foot and, using the ball of your foot, push the ground backward to propel the board forward. Another helpful technique is called a “footbrake.” With this method, you ride with both feet near the front bolts.

Then, to push, you swing one foot back behind you and kick off with that foot while applying downward pressure with your front foot to slow your momentum. This allows you to push and brake at the same time.

An advanced pushing style is known as a “carve push.” With your weight centered, you turn the front foot sideways and carve back and forth in an S-shape, using the edge of your foot to grip the pavement. By varying the depth and speed of the carves, you can build up momentum efficiently.

B. Maintaining Balance While Pushing

Proper weight distribution is vital to maintaining your balance when pushing. It is best to keep your weight lowered with your knees bent. Pushing from the back foot generates momentum.

Bring that foot back under your center of gravity quickly. Keep your arms out slightly for added stability, especially at faster speeds. Staying relaxed is also essential – don’t be tense, as this will cause wobbles.

C. Techniques For Efficient Pushing

There are minor adjustments you can make to maximize efficiency when pushing. Having a wide stance allows you to get lower for more power. Using the full surface of your shoe sole also provides greater traction.

Try pivoting on the ball of your foot rather than flat footing. Applying pressure steadily and pushing your whole leg increases muscles for an increased duration before fatigue sets in.

Following through by pointing your toes behind you recycles that energy into the next push. Consistency in technique will build stronger leg muscles for longer, smoother rides.

Here is a video demonstrating how to do the push technique:

5. Basic Riding Skills for Longboarding

Once you know how to stand on the longboard and push, basic riding skills are the next thing you need to learn under longboarding tips. You need to know how to start/stop smoothly, maintain balance, and ride downhill safely.

A. How To Start And Stop Smoothly

When starting, I recommend you position your front foot near the front bolts of the trucks and your back foot near the back end of the board.

• When ready, simply push off with your back foot to get rolling.
• Go slowly at first until you get comfortable balancing.

Many beginners find the footbrake method easiest when stopping. Lean forward slightly and drag the outer edge of your back foot along the pavement.

I love using the friction to slow you down in a controlled manner. An alternate method is to throw your weight back over your rear truck for an emergency stop.

Keep your knees bent and center of gravity low for stability at starting and stopping. Also, pay attention to your weight distribution – shifting it smoothly will help maintain a flow of motion.

Here is a video elaborating on the stopping technique:

B. Maintaining Balance At Different Speeds

Being able to balance gets trickier as your speed increases. I recommend keeping your stance wide for a low center of gravity, your knees bent, and looking ahead, not down. This will make you feel secure at faster cruising speeds.

Slightly shifting your weight from side to side can also help with balancing. If you feel wobbly, don’t panic. Bend lower by dropping into your stance. You can also shift more weight to your front foot for stability.

Slowing your speed with foot braking gives you more time to regain control. With experience, balancing different board speeds will feel second nature.

C. Carving And Pumping For Speed And Control

Two critical techniques for gaining and maintaining speed while staying in control are carving and pumping.

• Carving: Carving involves simply leaning your board from edge to edge forcefully during turns. This transfers more of your weight and the board’s momentum sideways across the pavement.
• Pumping: Pumping uses an up-and-down motion, almost like surfing, to pump momentum from the road into your board. As you go over curves or cracks in the pavement, lower your levels and push down as you pass over them.

Recover by straightening up – this pumps speed from the compression and release of your trucks. With carving and pumping, you’ll find yourself going faster with less effort while being more natively balanced through rhythmical body motions.

D. Riding Downhill Safely

Riding downhill requires both aggressive and passive skills. Work on perfecting foot braking and steering with your body weight for speed control. Knowing how to slide stops is also helpful if going fast.

Scout the hill for potential bumps or holes before bombing. Understand how speed affects your ability to turn. Conservative riding is best for unfamiliar terrain. Modulate your braking – an abrupt stop can cause washing out.

Respect other riders’ space, especially at turns and bottlenecks. Calling out when passing helps avoid collisions. Hills require focus and skill; always ride within your limits and the conditions. Uphill, take breaks as needed to avoid exhaustion.

6. Mastering Turns and Carves in Longboarding

Now comes the technical part, mastering turns and carves that elevate how you ride the longboard. Here are some areas to work on.

A. The fundamentals Of Turning (Kick-Turns And Carving)

There are two main types of turns – kick-turns and carving.

1. Kick-Turns: Kick-turns involve lifting the back truck off the ground by kicking it out. This allows you to pivot your board and change direction quickly. Kick-turns are essential for navigating tight corners and making sharp turns.
2. Carving: Carving involves leaning your body weight into a turn while keeping both trucks on the ground. This allows you to change direction along a wider arc smoothly.

To carve, I shifted my weight onto my front foot while slightly bending my knees. This causes my back truck to veer out and turn. As I emerge from the carve, I shift my weight back and straighten my knees to complete the turn.

B. Carving Techniques For Tight And Wide Turns

For tight turns, I recommend you use small, quick carves with a narrow arc. Transfer your weight rapidly from the front to the back foot. Keeping the knees bent and back straight allows me to carve tightly while maintaining control.

For wide turns, employ large, sweeping carves with a broad arc. Shift your weight more gradually from front to back. Leaning into the turn further and keeping my core engaged allows me to curve around obstacles or take wide corners smoothly.

Here is a video demonstrating this technique:

C. Tips For Navigating Corners And Intersections

Approach corners and intersections cautiously, going at lower speeds. Look well ahead for oncoming traffic before turning. Always look behind first to ensure no one is following too closely when stopping.

For right turns, carve out wide if there is traffic behind. This allows vehicles to pass safely. For left turns, take the whole lane after checking for cars or kick-turn closer to the curb if traffic is present. Always use hand signals to indicate your intentions to other road users.

Maintaining consistent speed control through corners keeps you safe and in control. Slow down for tighter corners and speed up gradually after navigating them. Practice your turning and carving skills to feel comfortable making turns in traffic.

Here is a video demonstrating these techniques:

7. Advanced Riding Techniques in Longboarding

When you want to take the longboarding a step further, you need to understand what it takes. I have a couple of tricks here that will make the process easier.

A. Sliding And Drifting For Advanced Riders

Sliding and drifting are techniques that allow longboarders to turn their board sideways to slow down or change directions in a controlled manner. I learned how to slide by practicing slide gloves and softer wheels that break traction easily.

When sliding, I place my foot below the trucks at an angle and use my back foot to kick the tail out while leading with my front foot. Keeping low and carving into the slide is important for control and stability. Building up the body tension needed to hold long slides takes time.

Starting with stand-up toe-side slides and moving to kick-outs and glovedown slides is a good progression. Being able to drift your longboard is an impressive way to carve turns with style.

This video demonstrates the sliding technique quite well:

B. Tricks And Freestyle Moves (Ollies, Manuals, Shuvits, Etc.)

Freestyle tricks add fun challenges once basic riding is mastered.

• Ollies: Ollies allow you to pop the nose of the board up and bounce it along while keeping both feet on. I found that bending my knees deeply and using ankle strength is vital.
• Manuals: Manuals help with balance as you lift the front or back truck off the ground.
• Shuv-Its: Shuv-its lets you flip the board around under you. I practiced these moves in open spaces first to learn balance points.

Some other advanced tricks include kickflips, heelflips, and body varials, but it’s best to gain fundamentals before advancing to those levels. Wearing wrist guards is highly recommended for any freestyle tricks.

C. Riding Switch (Reverse) For Versatility

Learning to ride in a switch stance (with your non-dominant foot forward) builds ambidexterity and challenges your balance differently. Switch riding feels very awkward at first since it’s unfamiliar. I started by cruising around in the switch to get used to the different foot placement.

Later, I practiced kick turns, carving, and sliding in a switch. Riding equally well, regular or goofy, opens up new terrain options and tricks. It’s important to spend time each session practicing switching to improve. Consistent practice is key to progressing riding skills.

8. Hills and Downhill Riding

Hills and downhill riding prove to be some formidable feats even for the veterans. You need to find the proper techniques, and here are some of my takes.

A. Preparing For Downhill Rides

Before riding downhill, I always inspect my longboard, wheels, and safety gear to ensure everything is in good condition. Proper gear, like a helmet, is non-negotiable for controlling speed.

I also make sure to know the route and potential hazards beforehand. Warming up with some flatland carving first helps get a feel for the conditions. 

B. Speed Control And Braking Techniques

Speed control is vital when riding downhill. Methods I use include carving wide turns across the fall line, pumping rollers to maintain or increase speed, and deliberately sliding to bleed-off speed.

Having larger, grippy longboard wheels suited for downhill helps with stability at speed. Tucking low in an aerodynamic position further increases control.

I found knowing how to footbrake smoothly can save you in an emergency. Always be aware of what’s happening downhill and be ready to adjust speed accordingly.

C. Riding Downhill Safely And Confidently

Riding downhill safely means focusing on your form, being predictable, and avoiding distractions. Give way or pull over politely for faster riders hoping to pass. Scouting a route first allows you to gauge its difficulty level.

Having a spotter for tricky parts adds an extra margin of safety. Save the riskiest sections for when you have more experience. Most of all, go comfortably within your current skill level and have fun exploring the thrill of speed!

9. Maintenance and Upkeep

After all the fun, one thing you don’t want to forget is to maintain and upkeep your longboard. It will ensure you protect your investment and keep yourself safe the next time you get on it.

A. Regular Cleaning And Maintenance Of Your Longboard

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your longboard is vital to keep it running smoothly.

• Clean the Board: I recommend regularly wiping down the deck and underside with a damp cloth to remove dirt. This helps maintain good performance and prevents grit from wearing down your wheels and bearings over time. 
• Bearing: For the bearings, I suggest cleaning them every few rides or whenever they start feeling sluggish. All you need is bearing cleaner spray/liquid and some lubricating grease.

Spray the cleaner into the bearing, spin it around to remove built-up dirt, then add a drop of grease back into each bearing. Properly maintained bearings will keep your longboard rolling efficiently.

• Cleaning the Grip: Grip tape should also be cleaned periodically. Any dirt or debris trapped in the grip can affect traction. Simply use a soft brush to sweep it clean. Over time, as the grip wears down, you may need to replace it entirely.

The new grip provides optimal control and prevents slipping. Other components like trucks and bushings may also need occasional lubrication or tightening of nuts and bolts. Regular upkeep prevents needless wear and tear.

B. How To Change Wheels, Bearings, And Grip Tape

Changing wheels, bearings, and grip tape is straightforward. Here are the steps you can follow:

• For wheels, remove the nut from the axle using the appropriate tool. Pull off the old wheel and slide a new one into place.
• Reinstall the nut securely but not overly tight. Bearings push or pull out of the wheel hub with a suitable tool.
• Grip tape peels off in sheets, which you replace with new sheets, cutting to size as needed.

These common board maintenance tasks are simple to complete with a bit of practice. Always have spare parts on hand so breakdowns don’t end a session prematurely.

C. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Some issues can occur, including wheel wear/damage, loose bolts, cracked decks, worn bushings, and dirty/failing bearings. Loose bolts can cause shaking, so check these regularly are appropriately tightened.

For worn bushings causing sloppy turns, replacement bushings are inexpensive to buy. Cracked decks are unfortunately not safely repairable, so a new deck may be needed. I liked to carry basic tools to do quick fixes like bearing cleaning to get you home if problems happen on rides.

10. Riding Etiquette and Rules

Just like any other sport or transport means, you need to know how to conduct yourself while in the company of other longboarders. There are rules on how you use the public roads. Here is an overview of what to keep in mind.

A. Understanding Local Laws And Regulations

Understanding local longboarding laws and regulations is important for safety and avoiding fines. Here are some of them:

• In many areas, helmets are required for those under 18.
• Wheels and bearings must also meet certain noise restrictions.
• Speed limits may apply in pedestrian areas.
• Always remain respectful of regulated zones.
• When traveling on streets, the rules of the road need to be followed.
• Ride in an upright position visible to traffic and go with the traffic flow, not against it.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.

Research your city or state’s bicycle laws, which usually also apply to longboard use on roads. Taking a cycle safety course provides valuable knowledge for navigating traffic respectfully.

B. Sharing The Road With Pedestrians And Cyclists

Sharing pathways with others requires common courtesy and consideration from riders. Going at a controlled pace so as not to startle pedestrians is key.

Pass on the left and say “passing on your left” to alert people as you overtake. I urge you to avoid riding too close behind slower movers. Using headphones is generally discouraged since situational awareness is important when near others.

Be extremely cautious on multi-use greenways and trails heavily trafficked by various users, especially families. Riders must yield to those on foot in public spaces.

C. Respectful Behavior Towards Other Riders And The Environment

As a community sport, respecting fellow longboarders fosters its growth and positive reputation. Avoid aggressive hooning or speeding in crowded areas where falls could injure bystanders.

Pack out all trash from session spots, and don’t damage natural environments. Be polite when learning maneuvers, yielding space on trails when asked.

Offer encouragement to newcomers and share equipment graciously if needed. Stay safe and legal, and think of others around you to promote harmonious and sustainable riding experiences for all.

11. Practice and Progression

Practicing is also a part of longboarding tips. Doing it consistently is extremely important when learning longboarding.

I recommend starting small by just practicing your stance and balance for 15-30 minutes at a time, several times a week. As you get more comfortable, you can extend your practice sessions.

Setting goals is a great way to track your progress over time. Some initial goals could be learning how to kick-turn comfortably, pushing 50 feet without losing your balance, or cruising down a slight decline.

As you achieve these, set new goals such as carving back and forth across the road, Coleman sliding, or taking on steeper hills. Keeping a practice journal can really help you see how far you’ve come.

Feel free to seek feedback on your form from other experienced longboarders. When I was starting out, having a friend watch me and offer advice made a huge difference. They may notice things for improvement that you cannot see yourself.

Be sure to return the favor and help other new riders, too. Many great longboarders I know spent time teaching me tricks, stances, and safety tips that really took my skills to the next level. Consistent practice, along with goal setting and feedback from others, is key to mastering longboarding.

12. Longboarding Communities and Resources

Online forums have been invaluable for me as a longboarder. Sites like Reddit’s /r/longboarding allow riders from all over the world and at all skill levels to ask questions, share tips, and talk gear.

I picked up so many useful techniques, learned about new setups to try, and got recommendations on local hills just by browsing forum threads regularly. Many brand websites also have active communities with members always posting videos and advice.

Social media is another great way to connect with other longboarders locally. Facebook groups such as Central Florida Longboarding, in particular, are very location-specific, so searching your city name with terms like “longboard” will often pull up clubs with hundreds of riders.

The groups are ideal for finding out about weekly group rides, new skate spots to check out, and upcoming races or hill challenges. I met most of my longboarding buddies through a local Facebook community.

YouTube is unparalleled when it comes to learning new longboarding skills through instructional videos. Channels like Braille Skateboarding break down the slide and freestyle tricks step-by-step so you can visualize the proper form and technique.

I picked up several advanced moves I may only have attempted with their videos guiding me. Multi-part tutorial series are ideal for systematically progressing your abilities.

Whether you’re looking to improve your fundamentals or pick up a new trick, dedicated longboarding video creators on YouTube have you covered?

Being plugged into online forums, social groups, and YouTube channels has been enormously helpful for my progression as a longboarder. The wealth of knowledge and opportunities to connect with others and learn from video tutorials have taken my riding to new levels.

Conclusion

Over the guide, we covered longboarding tips for any longboarder. I have chosen the proper setup based on your needs and abilities, critical safety gear that should always be worn, and other fundamentals. I hope the tips shared here prove useful in your longboarding journey.

Most of all, keep listening to your passion for longboarding and always remember why you were drawn to the sport. With a consistent commitment to safety and progressive practice over time, you will keep reaching new heights in your riding. Now get out there, keep shredding, and most of all – have fun.