Can You Do Tricks On A Longboard

Longboarding is not just a means of transportation, but also a thrilling and exhilarating sport that has gained popularity in recent years. If you’ve ever watched skilled longboarders effortlessly glide down hills or perform impressive tricks, you may find yourself wondering if you can do the same. The answer is yes, you can definitely do tricks on a longboard!

In this article, we will explore the world of longboarding tricks and break down some of the most popular and achievable tricks for beginners. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience on a longboard, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips to help you master these tricks and take your longboarding skills to the next level.

Are Longboards Meant for Tricks?

Longboards are primarily designed for cruising and carving, but they can also be used for doing tricks. While it may be a bit challenging for beginners who are new to longboarding, with practice and experience, executing tricks on a longboard becomes easier.

However, it is important to note that there are certain skateboard tricks that cannot be performed on a longboard due to their different design. Longboards typically have a longer and wider deck with softer wheels, which makes them more stable and suitable for cruising at higher speeds. This design allows for fluid motion and comfortable riding on longer distances.

To execute tricks on a longboard, it is essential to start with the basics. Beginners should focus on learning and perfecting basic tricks such as pivots, slides, and manuals. These tricks require proper foot placement, balance, and control of body weight.

Is It Hard to Turn on a Longboard?

Turning on a longboard can be a bit challenging compared to a skateboard due to its longer and less nimble design. However, with practice and the right techniques, you can become proficient in turning with a longboard.

Longboards are known for their stability and ability to cruise at high speeds. They are typically longer and wider than skateboards, making them more suitable for longer distances. For beginners, it is recommended to start with longboards that are around 39 to 50 inches, as these provide a good balance between maneuverability and stability.

To learn how to turn on a longboard, it is crucial to find a flat pavement or an off-road track for practice. Avoid attempting turns on downhill roads as this can be dangerous and increase the risk of injury.

When turning on a longboard, it is important to shift your body weight toward the direction you want to turn and apply pressure on the board’s edges. By doing this, you can initiate the turn and maintain control throughout the maneuver. Start with gentle turns and gradually progress to sharper and more complex turns as you become more comfortable and confident.

What Makes a Longboard Turn Easier?

To make a longboard turn easier, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is the truck bushings. Bushings are the rubbery components that sit inside each truck and provide the board’s turning capabilities. By modifying the bushings, you can increase the maneuverability of your longboard.

Using softer bushings will make your longboard turn easier. Soft bushings allow for more flexibility, making it easier to initiate and maintain turns. On the other hand, harder bushings provide more stability, which is beneficial when cruising at higher speeds.

Another way to make your longboard turn easier is by using wedges. Wedges are inserted on the inside of the deck, altering the angle at which the trucks are attached. By using wedges, you can adjust the turning angle of your longboard, allowing for sharper turns.

What Tricks Can You Do on a Longboard?

Here are some basic tricks that you can try on your longboard as a beginner:

Footbrake:

Being able to stop your board is essential in longboarding. Unlike other vehicles, longboards don’t have gears or an emergency brake, so you need to rely on your own skills to stop. To stop, simply apply pressure with your feet on the ground while the board is moving. This will slow you down and create temporary breaks. Before moving on to other tricks, it’s crucial to master the skill of controlling your board.

Walking the Plank:

This trick requires you to balance yourself on bended knees with your arms and feet as you step on the platform and slowly push against the ground to move down the street. You can also practice alternating pushing your board with your left and right foot. Another footwork variation to try is called cross-stepping, where you change the orientation of your feet from one side to the other.

Dancing:

Dancing is a popular discipline in longboarding and helps regulate your speed. With this trick, you move like you’re dancing with your board as you roll along the road. Swaying the board helps regulate speed and prevent overspeeding. Mastering this trick requires practice and complete control over your board.

Slalom:

To perform this trick well, you need good balance. This means making sharp, curved turns to avoid obstacles and control your speed while going downhill. Keep your knees bent and position your feet in the middle of your board at an angle. Move your hands along with your feet as you navigate the road.

Pivot:

Pivot involves rotating your board in a half-circle and continuing to roll. Start by stepping your front foot on the nose of the board while your hind foot remains firmly planted in the middle. This allows for a 180-degree movement, reversing the positions of the board’s front and back tails.

Shove it:

Once you have mastered Pivot, you can try the Shove it trick. Similar to Pivot, this trick involves turning your board, but with the addition of jumping. As you turn your board, jump slightly to make the board Pivot in the air. You don’t need to jump too high, just enough to allow the board to perform a Pivot motion.

Drop-In:

Once you have mastered speed regulation, balance, and turns, you can attempt the Drop-In trick. Position one foot on the front of the board and confidently descend while bending your knee forward. Although falling may seem daunting initially, with practice and focus, this trick is achievable even for beginners.

Can You Do an Ollie on a Longboard?

Yes, you can definitely do an ollie on your longboard. However, before attempting this trick, it’s crucial to be comfortable and familiar with your board. Here are the steps to help you perform an ollie on your longboard:

Step 1: Do the jump:

– Stand next to your board and practice jumping using your back foot first.

– Once you’re comfortable, jump with both legs up in the air while pressing down on your back foot.

Step 2: Pop the board:

– Place your back foot on the tail and your front foot in the middle or closer to the nose.

– Jump off your back foot while popping the longboard, adding some force to lift the board.

Step 3: Level out and get air:

– Stand on the tail of your board with your front foot near the nose.

– As you pop the board, it will lift up in the air, creating an ollie motion.

Step 4: Practice getting maximum height:

– Keep practicing your ollies to increase the height of your jumps.

– Pull your knees up to your chest to elevate the board higher.

Step 5: Mid-air:

– Maintain a parallel position between the board and the ground while in the air.

– Ensure that the nose of your board is level with the ground as you descend.

Step 6: Stick landing:

– Before landing, center your weight in the middle of the board.

– Aim to land over the bolts to prevent damaging your board.

Step 7: Back on the ground:

– Stay prepared for the landing by keeping your knees bent to absorb the impact.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to master the ollie on your longboard. Remember to always wear protective gear and perform tricks within your skill level.

Can You Kickflip on a Longboard?

Kickflips are a trick commonly performed on a longboard and are often the first flip trick that beginners learn. This trick involves jumping in the air and performing a kick or flip on the board, resulting in the board spinning before the wheels make contact with the ground.

Can You Do Flips on a Longboard?

Yes, you can do flips on a longboard, even if you are a beginner. There are several fun and easy flip tricks that you can learn and perform on your longboard. Here are some of them:

1. Boneless Finger Flip:

– Start by learning how to do a boneless trick.

– To perform the boneless trick, use one hand to grip the board and rotate it in order to execute a flip before landing.

2. No Comply Finger Flip:

– This trick is similar to the Boneless Finger Flip, but instead of grabbing the board with your hand, you need to pop the board on its own.

– Once you pop the board, you can smack the middle to make it flip.

3. Ghost Ride Kickflip:

– Considered to be the easiest flip trick to do on a longboard.

– Simply step off your board as it rolls, use your back foot to flip it, and then jump back on.

4. Old-School Kickflip:

– This trick is considered to be one of the more challenging beginner flip tricks on a longboard.

– Place your back foot underneath the board and then jump.

– Your back foot will cause the board to flip, so footwork is crucial for this trick.

These flip tricks are a great way to add some flair and excitement to your longboarding skills. Remember to always practice in a safe and controlled environment, and wear protective gear to ensure your safety. With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to master these flip tricks on your longboard. Have fun and happy flipping!

Can You Do a Strawberry Milkshake on a Longboard?

Yes, performing a strawberry milkshake on a longboard is a difficult trick, but with practice and determination, it is definitely possible to master. The strawberry milkshake is a flip trick where you spin the board on its side while jumping off and back on.

Foot Placement:

To execute the strawberry milkshake, proper foot placement is crucial. Start by positioning your front foot near the front bolts of the board, with your toes facing forward. Your back foot should be placed closer to the tail, with the ball of your foot on the edge of the board.

Performing the Trick:

To dismount the board, step off with your front foot and push the longboard down on its side with your back foot. Use your back foot to scoop the board in a motion similar to an ollie impossible. Once the board stops spinning, step back onto it with your front foot and continue moving forward.

Throughout the trick, keep both feet on the edge of the board, applying pressure to the ball of your feet and keeping your heels perched up. This will make it easier to lift your foot off the board to perform the trick.

Practice and Persistence:

Mastering the strawberry milkshake on a longboard requires practice and persistence. It may take numerous attempts to get the timing and footwork right. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t nail it on your first try. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you will be able to execute this challenging trick with fluid motion and style.

Safety Precautions:

When attempting advanced tricks like the strawberry milkshake, always wear appropriate protective gear, such as slide gloves and a helmet. These will help minimize the risk of injuries in case of falls or accidents. It is also advisable to perform such tricks in a controlled environment, away from traffic and road obstacles.

Are Longboards Good For Tricks

Yes, longboards are good for tricks. They offer a stable and smooth ride, making it easier to perform various tricks such as slides, manuals, and flips. Longboards typically have a longer and wider deck, which provides more space to land and maneuver tricks. Additionally, the larger wheels on longboards provide better grip and stability for executing tricks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, longboards are a great choice for those looking to challenge themselves and enhance their trick repertoire.

Can You Slide on Any Longboard?

Yes, you can slide on any longboard, but there are certain factors that can make sliding easier and more enjoyable. The key is to have the right setup, including the best deck, trucks, and wheels.

To make sliding easier, it is recommended to wear out your wheels a bit. New wheels can be harder to slide on, so it’s beneficial to break them in first. A flexy deck can also be helpful for beginners learning how to slide. If you want to slide at higher speeds, it may be necessary to upgrade to a stiffer deck.

In terms of trucks, turny trucks are ideal for sliding newbies. These trucks allow for greater maneuverability and make it easier to initiate slides.

Can You Jump on a Longboard?

Jumping on a longboard is possible. Jumping is a fundamental movement that every longboarder should learn and master. It not only allows you to get on and off your board easily but also serves as a launching point for many tricks.

Learning how to jump on a longboard is important for improving your control and overall riding experience. It helps you navigate road obstacles, overcome uneven surfaces, and perform various tricks.

When jumping on a longboard, it’s essential to maintain proper balance and control. Start by placing your front foot on the board’s grip tape, slightly behind the front truck bolts. Then, use your back foot to push off the ground and onto the board.

Remember to bend your knees and use your leg muscles to generate upward force. As you jump, keep your body weight centered, and aim to land with both feet on the board. This will ensure stability and prevent any loss of control.

What Is a Double Kick Longboard?

A double-kick longboard is a type of longboard that offers versatility for riders who enjoy freestyle tricks and maneuvers. It is characterized by having cocktails on both the nose and tail ends of the board, allowing riders to perform a wide range of tricks and flips.

There are different shapes and designs of double kick longboards to suit various skill levels and riding styles. The double kick popsicle shape provides a larger platform and is popular among riders who enjoy doing ollies and more advanced tricks.

The double kick cutaway design is favored by experienced riders as it features an upturned nose and tail, enabling them to perform freestyle tricks with ease. Additionally, the cutaway design helps prevent wheel bite, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

For beginners, the drop-through double kick cutaway is a great option. This design offers a low-riding platform that is easy to push and provides stability when rolling at moderate speeds. The kick tails on this type of longboard also allow for tricks and kick turns.

More Easy Longboard Tricks For Beginners

For those just starting out, there are some easy longboard tricks for beginners to master. Most of these tricks involve basic maneuvering techniques that can be done safely and within the limits of a beginner’s skill level.

1. Pivot (Fakie/Nollie)

To perform the trick, shift your weight to the foot on the nose of the board. This can be done with your dominant front foot (nollie) or your non-dominant front foot (fakie). Use your shoulders and upper body to start the pivot. The amount of weight on the nose will dictate how much the wheels drag on the ground. Increase weight for a “whipping” motion or decrease weight for a “sliding” motion. Learning different types of pivots will build the skills needed for more advanced tricks.

2. Shove-it (Fakie/Nollie)

Similar to the pivot, the nollie/fakie shove-it requires a sliding pivot motion. The only difference is the jumping motion. Hop right when the board turns 45 degrees. Jump with both feet and catch with a single foot upon landing. This trick may be intimidating as it may be your first aerial trick, but with practice and mastery of the pivot, you will be able to learn it quickly.

3. No-comply 180

The no-comply 180 is an enjoyable and versatile trick. It can generate speed and momentum and provides options to switch stance or engage variations. Start by practicing kicking your board 180 degrees from your tail, aiming for your opposing hip. Once you can consistently kick the board to the desired side, focus on jumping simultaneously with your back foot. Practice this trick standstill before attempting it while moving.

4. Ghostride Flip

The ghost ride flip is a fun and simple trick. Kick the board while you are “ghost riding” or walking next to it. Step behind your heel-side edge of the board and flip it from there. Practice flipping the board diagonally in front of your intended jumping direction to maintain forward momentum.

These are just a few more easy longboard tricks for beginners. Remember to always wear protective gear and practice in a safe environment. With patience and practice, you can progress your longboarding skills and unlock a world of tricks and stunts.

Conclusion:

The answer is a resounding yes! Longboarding is not just about cruising and transportation; it’s a whole world of possibilities and tricks waiting to be explored. From basic maneuvers like carving and sliding to more advanced tricks like manuals and flips, the only limit is your imagination and dedication.

So grab your longboard, practice, and soon you’ll be impressing everyone with your incredible skills. Get ready to take your longboarding game to a whole new level!