How To Do Sharp Turns On A Longboard

Are you tired of struggling to make sharp turns on your longboard? Do you envy those riders who effortlessly carve through corners with precision? Well, I have good news for you – mastering sharp turns on a longboard is not as difficult as it may seem. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking to improve your skills, this article will provide you with the tips and techniques you need to confidently navigate tight turns on your longboard.

One of the most important things to remember when attempting sharp turns on a longboard is to shift your weight properly. By leaning your body towards the direction you want to turn, you can effectively shift your center of gravity and initiate the turn. Additionally, bending your knees and maintaining a low stance will give you better control and stability throughout the maneuver.

In this article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of executing sharp turns on a longboard. From body positioning to foot placement, I will break down each element of the technique and provide you with practical tips to help you improve your turning skills. So get ready to take your longboarding to the next level as we dive into the world of sharp turns!

How to make sharp corner turns on your Longboard

Making sharp turns on a longboard requires a combination of proper technique, equipment adjustment, and body positioning. To successfully navigate sharp corners without falling, follow these steps:

1. Adjust your trucks: Loosen your trucks to increase maneuverability and allow for tighter turns. The trucks are the metal parts that hold the wheels to the deck. You can either adjust the kingpin nut or use tighter trucks designed for sharper turns.
2. Position your feet: Place your left foot near the front of the deck, pointing forward, and your rear foot on or near the rear bolts, angled slightly towards the tail of the board. This stance helps maintain stability and control during sharp turns.
3. Shift your center of gravity: Lower your body, bending slightly at the knees, and shift your weight towards your rear foot. This lower center of gravity provides better balance and control while turning.
4. Lean into the turn: As you approach the sharp corner, lean your upper body towards the direction you want to turn. This helps initiate the turn and maintains your balance.
5. Wideout before the turn: Slow down slightly by widening your stance and carving (making gentle turns) side to side before entering the sharp corner. This helps maintain control and balance while reducing the risk of wheel bite, where the wheels rub against the board.
6. Execute the turn: Once you’ve widened out, shift your weight towards your toes and gently pivot your hips to initiate the turn. Keep your body relaxed and let the board do the work.

Remember to wear appropriate protective gear such as knee pads, slide gloves, and elbow pads. Practice these techniques on a flat surface before attempting sharp turns at higher speeds. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in carving through sharp corners on your longboard.

Why Learn To Turn Sharply On A Longboard?

Turning corners, controlling speed, and avoiding obstacles are three key reasons why it is important to learn how to perform sharp turns on a longboard. By mastering this skill, you can enhance your longboarding experience and ensure a safe ride.

1. Turning corners: When longboarding around town or downhill, you will inevitably encounter corners along the way. Regardless of your speed, knowing how to turn sharply will allow you to navigate these corners smoothly without any mishaps. It provides you with the ability to maintain control and continue your journey without any trouble.
2. Controlling speed: Depending on the speed you are traveling and the width of the road, you may need to make sharp turns while carving down a hill. By performing precise and sharp turns, you can effectively control your speed and prevent yourself from going too fast. These types of turns allow you to decrease your speed, giving you more control over your longboard.
3. Avoiding obstacles: Obstacles such as cars or pedestrians may unexpectedly appear in your path while longboarding. Without prior warning, your speed can vary greatly. By having the ability to make sharp turns, you can quickly react to these obstacles and avoid potential collisions. The sharp turning technique can potentially save you from painful accidents.

How To Turn Sharply On A Longboard

Turning sharply on a longboard is an essential skill for navigating corners, controlling speed, and avoiding obstacles. By following these simple tips and techniques, you can master the art of sharp turns and enhance your longboarding experience.

1. Master Your Body Positioning:

• To turn sharply on a longboard, adjust your body position by leaning back on your heels or forward on your toes with maximum pressure, depending on which way you want to turn.
• Keep your center of gravity low by bending your knees and positioning your upper body over your thighs.
• Place your front foot near the top of the longboard and your rear foot close to the trucks.
• As you go into the turn, face the direction you want to turn, and let your body naturally fall into line.

2. Equipment Setup:

• Loosen your trucks to allow for more pressure on the side of your board when turning corners. Experiment with the kingpin nut to find the right tightness for your needs.
• Opt for softer wheels, graded between 75A to 85A, which ensure better traction on the road while turning sharply at speed. Softer wheels provide the necessary traction for precise turns.

3. Technique for Sharp Turns:

• Understand that when you lean forward on your toes, the longboard will turn in the direction your toes are pointing.
• Similarly, when you lean backward on your heels, the longboard will turn in the direction your heels are pointing.
• Practice and repetition will eventually make these movements second nature, allowing you to turn sharply on your longboard under pressure.

By combining proper body positioning, equipment setup, and mastering technique, you can confidently execute sharp turns on your longboard, making your rides more enjoyable, controlled, and safe. Remember to always wear protective gear and ride within your comfort zone.

Ways to Make Your Longboard Turn Sharper:

If you’re looking to take your longboarding skills to the next level and master sharp turns, there are a few techniques you can try. These methods will help you navigate corners and curves with ease, adding a new level of excitement and control to your longboarding experience.

1. Loosen Your Trucks:

• By loosening your trucks, you allow your longboard to turn sharper without purchasing any new equipment.
• However, be cautious not to loosen them too much as it may cause your trucks to fall apart.
• To check if your trucks are appropriately loosened, try spinning the top washer with your thumb and index finger. If it moves, your trucks are too loose.

2. Bushing Tweaks:

• Consider replacing old and worn-out bushings with new ones to improve your longboard’s turning capabilities.
• Another bushing tweak is to turn the cup washer upside down for less resistance when carving.
• Alternatively, you can purchase a flat washer from a hardware store to replace the cup washer and enhance turning.

3. Angled Riser Pads:

• Adding angled riser pads between your trucks and deck increases the angle of your trucks, resulting in sharper carving.
• This simple and affordable modification can significantly improve your longboard’s turning abilities.

4. Shorter Wheelbase:

• If you have a shorter longboard deck, consider using it or drilling a shorter wheelbase in your current setup.
• Shortening the wheelbase makes your turns more snappy and responsive, enhancing your longboard’s turning capabilities.

5. Swap Trucks:

• If all else fails, it may be time to swap to new trucks.
• Look for trucks with a higher baseplate angle, as they offer more turns.
• Experimenting with different truck options, such as traditional kingpins, can also improve your longboard’s turning performance.

By implementing these strategies, you can make your longboard turn sharper and enjoy more responsive and controlled rides.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Mastering sharp turns on a longboard is all about practice, balance, and confidence. So, grab your board, hit the pavement, and start carving those curves with finesse. Remember, it’s not just about the destination, but the exhilarating journey of pushing your limits and feeling the wind in your hair.

So, go out there and embrace the thrill of sharp turns on your longboard. Ride on!