Is Longboarding Easy or Hard to Learn? A Beginner’s Guide

Are you looking for a fun and exhilarating way to get around town? Longboarding might be the perfect activity for you! Whether you’re a beginner or have some skateboarding experience, longboarding offers a unique and thrilling ride. But the question remains: is longboarding easy or hard to learn?

Well, the answer isn’t so straightforward. Longboarding can be both easy and hard to learn, depending on various factors such as your prior experience, physical fitness, and dedication to practice. However, with the right mindset and approach, anyone can become proficient at longboarding and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.

In this article, we’ll explore the different aspects of learning to longboard, including the basic techniques, necessary equipment, and tips for getting started. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to master this exciting sport and be ready to hit the streets on your longboard.

Is It Hard to Learn to Longboard?

Longboarding can be perceived as difficult due to its status as a board sport, requiring coordination and balance. However, compared to other sports, learning to longboard is relatively quick and easy. Many beginners can learn to cruise comfortably in just a single afternoon or over the course of a week.

Despite the physical demands, even individuals with limited athleticism can master longboarding with practice. In fact, some beginners find themselves riding comfortably without ever experiencing a fall. While being flexible and athletic certainly helps, anyone can learn to longboard.

It’s a sport that allows people to pick up the basics in a short span of time, making it an excellent choice for beginners seeking a smooth ride and an enjoyable way to explore their surroundings. So if you’re interested in embarking on the exciting journey of longboarding, don’t hesitate to give it a try. You might just surprise yourself with how quickly you progress.

Can You Teach Yourself to Longboard?

Before you start learning tricks, there are some basics you need to know to get started. Here are a few key skills to focus on:

1. How to Stand on Your Longboard: The popular choice is to place your front foot, your non-dominant foot, above the front axle with your toes facing forward or at a 45-degree angle. Your back foot, the dominant foot, will push off and come onto the board above the back axle.
2. How to Stop: The easiest way to stop on a longboard is by dragging your dominant foot flat on the ground. However, it’s important to find the right balance to slow down without abruptly stopping, as this can cause injuries. Make sure to learn how to stop properly before going fast.
3. How to Turn: Shifting your body weight in the direction you want to turn is key to executing a turn on a longboard. It’s important to learn how to shift your center of gravity just enough to turn and then reposition yourself back to the center of the board.
4. How to Fall: Learning how to fall correctly is critical for your safety while longboarding. Practice spreading the impact of falling across your body and avoiding putting all the impact onto your joints or appendages. Avoid catching yourself with your hands or arms, as this can lead to wrist sprains or breaks.

Once you have mastered these basic skills, you’re ready to enjoy cruising on your longboard. Remember to always prioritize safety and wear protective gear such as a helmet and elbow pads. Happy longboarding!

The Biggest Problem With Teaching Yourself to Longboard

The biggest problem with teaching yourself to longboard is the potential lack of safety measures. While it is possible to learn longboarding on your own, it is crucial to address safety concerns.

Without someone else present, a serious fall could have severe consequences, possibly even leading to fatal injuries. It is advisable to skate in areas with bystanders around if you are longboarding alone to ensure that someone can assist you in case of an emergency.

Aside from safety, another drawback of self-teaching is the missed opportunity to share the experience with someone else. Longboarding can be more enjoyable when shared with a friend. Having a companion not only adds to the fun but also provides another perspective, allowing for quicker progress and identifying and resolving any issues that may arise.

What Longboard Tricks Should I Learn First?

When getting started with longboarding, it’s important to learn a few basic skills and tricks before diving into more advanced maneuvers. These fundamental tricks will help you develop core skills and ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Here are the top four tricks you should learn first:

1. How to Stand on Your Longboard:

• The popular choice for foot placement is to have your non-dominant foot positioned above the front axle, with your toes facing forward or at a 45-degree angle.
• Your dominant foot will push off the ground and come onto the board above the back axle or slightly more forward.
• Transition your front foot to be perpendicular to the board’s direction once both feet are on the board.

2. How to Push Off:

• Start moving on your longboard by using your dominant foot to push off the ground while your non-dominant foot remains above the front axle.
• Ensure your foot is centered on the board to maintain balance and prevent unwanted turns.
• Practice this technique until it becomes second nature.

3. How to Stop:

• Stopping on a longboard can be tricky and requires dragging your dominant foot flat on the ground.
• Find the right amount of contact to slow down without abruptly catching your foot and risking injury.
• Balancing and coordination are key to executing a smooth stop without slamming your foot down.

4. How to Turn:

• Once you have mastered standing, pushing off, and stopping, it’s time to learn to turn.
• Shifting your body weight in the direction you want to turn is essential.
• Practice re-centering yourself after the turn to maintain control and stability.

Is Longboarding Hard?

Longboarding is generally considered easier to learn compared to skateboarding. The larger size and wider deck of a longboard provide more stability and control, making it easier for beginners to balance and ride comfortably.

Unlike skateboards, longboards are primarily used for cruising and do not require the same level of technical tricks and maneuvers. To start longboarding, you just need to learn a few basic skills such as standing on the board, pushing off, turning, and stopping.

These fundamental skills can typically be learned in a short amount of time, allowing beginners to quickly start enjoying their rides. In contrast, skateboarding often involves a steep learning curve, with beginners struggling to master basic tricks like the ollie for months.

Is Skateboarding or Longboarding Harder to Learn?

When it comes to learning, skateboarding, and longboarding have distinct differences. Skateboarding is known for its wide range of tricks and maneuvers, which can make it a more challenging skill to master. Beginners often spend months trying to perfect basic tricks like the ollie. On the other hand, longboarding is comparatively easier to learn due to its simpler tricks and riding style.

Physically, skateboards and longboards also differ. Skateboards are typically smaller with harder wheels and a narrower deck, making them more suitable for performing tricks in skate parks. Longboards, on the other hand, have larger wheels, a wider deck, and a longer wheelbase, which provide a smoother and more stable ride. This makes longboarding a popular choice for beginners who value comfort and stability.

In terms of riding style, longboarding is often preferred for cruising and commuting. The larger surface area and softer wheels of a longboard allow for a more comfortable ride on flat surfaces, making it easier to maintain balance and control. Skateboarding, however, is commonly associated with more technical and aggressive riding styles, such as street skating and skate park tricks.

Riding Differences Between Skateboards and Longboards

Skateboarding and longboarding have distinct differences in riding style and suitability. Skateboarding is all about performing tricks, with a focus on street style and vert-style maneuvers. Skateboards have hard wheels which make cruising less appealing compared to longboards. Skaters often switch their wheels to larger longboard wheels if they want to cruise on a traditional skateboard deck. Skating offers more room for creativity and variations in riding style compared to longboarding.

Longboarding, on the other hand, is primarily about riding or “surfing” the streets. While there are variations in longboarding styles, the maneuvers possible with a longboard are more limited compared to skateboarding. Two distinct longboarding variants are downhill longboarding and longboard dancing.

However, the majority of longboarders use their boards to cruise the streets and boardwalks without performing tricks. Longboard tricks are less common compared to skateboarding, with fewer riders focusing on mastering tricks.

Can I Teach Myself to Dance on a Longboard?

Yes, you can teach yourself to dance on a longboard. There are plenty of online guides and tutorials available for learning longboard dance moves. Many people practice these moves on their own in the park, so it is definitely possible to learn on your own.

However, there are some drawbacks to teaching yourself. It can be challenging to objectively see where you are making mistakes without someone else’s feedback. Having an extra person around to video your practice sessions or offer suggestions can greatly accelerate your progress. You can also find numerous longboard dance tutorials on platforms like YouTube, including videos in different languages.

So, if you’re interested in learning this skill, you have ample resources to help you get started. It might be worth giving it a try and seeing how long it takes to master a few moves.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Whether longboarding is easy or hard to learn ultimately depends on your mindset and determination. Like anything in life, it takes practice and patience to master. But once you get the hang of it, the freedom and exhilaration you’ll experience will make every stumble and scrape worth it.

So grab a board, strap on your helmet, and get ready to ride the waves of the pavement. Longboarding is a journey that’s as thrilling as it is rewarding.