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How to Push on a Longboard? – Instructions for Beginners

Fact checked by Michael Derosier

how to push on a longboard

Many novices and even enthusiasts are unsure how to steer and push longboards correctly. It is essential to choose the finest longboard for your taste and convenience before attempting to learn how to push on a longboard. After that, it’s a matter of practicing how to balance & position yourself, which we’ll discuss below.

The Kind of Longboard You Need

According to experts, the location of your longboard will influence the board’s selection — for example, parks, hills, and a variety of others.

Longboards with smaller dimensions have less stability and are more prone to tipping over. While longer boards are less nimble, they offer greater stability. As a result, it is recommended for novices to begin with a longer longboard.

Verify that your board is set up and calibrated appropriately. Check the tightness of the bolts and nuts. Place the deck on the ground and step on it, shifting your body from your heels to your toes and vice versa. The board should glide from side to side smoothly, yet with some friction.

Adjust the kingpin nut to your preference. Tightening the nut reduces the board’s turning radius, but increases its stability.

Ways to Push on a Longboard

1. Balancing on the Board

push-longboard

The most critical skill you can acquire is how to balance on one foot on a moving platform that can change direction and angle.

Fortunately, it’s a skill that can be acquired simply by skating frequently. Your body will naturally improve its ability to balance. That may sound unbelievable, yet it is real. Your body is remarkably adept at adjusting to new circumstances.

However, there are techniques to improve your one-foot balance. The best and safest method may be performed in the comfort of your own home without the need for any equipment.

Bend one leg and extend the other midair. It should be in front of, alongside, and behind you. You might even wish to try the yoga posture known as the “Tree Pose.” This position requires you to stand on one leg and lay your other foot flat against your balancing leg. This will assist in strengthening the ankle muscles. ( Read more about the easiest way to stand on a long table here)

2. Finding the Right Stance and Positioning

There are two distinct sorts of longboard riders. The first is a regular user, whereas the second is a goofy one. This is critical to learn and know prior to practicing pushing on a longboard. You are a regular if you ride a longboard with your left foot pointing in front. If you ride with your right foot in the front, you use the goofy method.

To further distinguish between the two, attempt an activity in which someone shoves you from behind without warning. The foot you use to catch yourself is the same foot that will propel you forward while longboarding.

Another way to determine this is to just slide on a smooth road while wearing socks. Run and jump before landing on your leg. The foot you place in the front is the foot that will guide you in longboarding.

In the pushing posture, your hips and shoulders are aligned to the longboard and point straight ahead in the path of your movement. Longboard pushing is a technique that requires you to face ahead while shifting momentum from one foot to the other.

As your hind foot pushes off the ground and returns parallel to the board, you should tilt your body forward and bend for balance and speed. When you’re pushing hard on longboards, your torso may automatically rise in between movements, leaning forward to assist you in delivering a more solid kick.

3. Pushing on the Board

longboard-pushing

To begin, bend your front leg. Maintain this position long enough for your rear leg, your pushing leg, to reach the ground without changing your weight. Your foot should be able to stay flat next to your board on the ground.

Push forward from here. It is OK to place your weight on your pushing leg during the initial push to ensure a powerful start, but after that, you will use your pushing leg as if you are rowing a boat. The objective is to keep your weight above the board and use your pushing foot to move.

Initially, your pushes will be brief, as you will not be able to maintain balance on one foot for an extended period of time. Eventually, you’ll be able to do huge strokes, pushing through your board while holding your propelling leg out in front of it.

You’ll be capable of lengthening the duration your foot is on the ground by bending your knee. You’ll develop a rhythm as your driving leg rows along the ground.

The critical point to remember is that you should push the longboard back and forth with both feet. Simply combine the regular and mongo styles to prevent tiring out only one leg. Once you’ve mastered pushing, you may attempt to level up by executing powerful pushes and generating more speed.

Conclusion

Learning how to push on a longboard is a pretty simple and straightforward process. However, if you are still training, this is risky. As a result, one must use protective equipment such as headgear and gloves. As much as possible, avoid skating and practicing in areas with heavy traffic.

Always keep in mind that when training, you will fall numerous times before you get the hang of it. This is a necessary component of learning, and only persistence will enable you to accomplish your goal. Do not become disheartened if you suffer a few little mishaps. It is an integral component of progress.

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