Top 10 Longboarding Tricks for Beginners

Longboarding is not only a fun way to cruise around, but it is also an engaging sport that has many tricks and techniques. For beginners, learning new tricks can feel overwhelming. However, by focusing on fundamental skills, individuals can progressively develop their abilities and gain confidence. The key to mastering any longboarding trick is practice and patience. This article will highlight ten tricks designed for beginners, ensuring they are both accessible and rewarding. The journey often begins with basic tricks and moves on to more complex maneuvers. Longboarding tricks can vary in style and difficulty, and mastering them not only enhances your skating skills but also makes the riding experience more enjoyable. Each trick serves as a building block and builds a solid foundation for further advancements in longboarding. Longboarding itself is a social activity with a vibrant community, and at times it can even lead to competitions. So, grab your longboard, put on your protective gear, and let’s dive into these essential longboarding tricks that will elevate your skating game. Remember that proper safety measures are vital while practicing any new tricks.

The first trick to start with is the basic push. This trick forms the foundation of longboarding and is essential for getting the board moving. To perform a push, ride your board while placing your dominant foot on the back of the board. Then, extend your other foot forward and use it to push off the ground. Push down hard enough to propel yourself forward without losing balance. Practicing this trick will improve your balance and speed on the board, making future tricks easier to perform. Be sure to find a safe, flat surface for your practice sessions. Once comfortable, you can begin to experiment with adjusting your stance. How you place your feet can greatly influence your cruise speed and control. Remember to keep your upper body relaxed and look ahead while pushing, allowing for a smoother ride. This push technique also opens the door for more advanced tricks later, like the powerslide or carving, both of which will benefit from having a solid pushing foundation. Practicing on gentle hills can also help you build momentum for other tricks.

Learn the Carve

The second trick to master is carving, which allows the longboarder to make smooth turns while maintaining speed. Carving is executed by shifting your weight from one foot to the other while gently applying pressure to the board’s edges. To initiate a carve, lean slightly in the direction of the turn and shift your weight onto that foot. This motion will tilt the board and allow it to turn smoothly. It’s advisable to start practicing carving on flat surfaces before gradually introducing slight downhill slopes. Building the skill of carving enhances your maneuverability and control on the board, which is essential for more advanced tricks and techniques. Make sure to practice maintaining an upright posture, engaging your core for better balance. Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb bumps and ensure a smooth ride. By perfecting your carving technique, you will also improve your ability to navigate around obstacles. As you grow in confidence, experimenting with sharper or longer carves will further enhance your skill set. Always prioritize safety, so wear appropriate gear during your practice.

Another useful trick for beginners is the foot brake. This technique is essential for controlling speed and stopping safely while longboarding. To execute a foot brake, start by placing one foot on the tail of the board while the other foot is used to drag along the ground. Apply pressure with your dragging foot to slow down your speed. The key here is to engage the foot gently and stay balanced. Practicing this braking method will enhance your confidence in managing speed during rides. It is advisable to practice on a flat, open space to get comfortable with this technique. When done correctly, the foot brake allows for effective and smooth deceleration without compromising your stability. The foot brake is especially beneficial when approaching steep hills or crowded areas where stopping quickly is critical. While practicing, make sure to keep your weight evenly distributed to prevent falls during sudden stops. Developing this skill will also foster a deeper understanding of speed control and board dynamics, which will be advantageous for mastering other advanced tricks later on.

Master the Tic-Tac

Moving forward, the tic-tac is a fun trick that helps improve your agility and change direction. This movement involves shifting your weight from side to side while pushing off with your feet. To begin executing a tic-tac, place your front foot in the middle while positioning your back foot on the tail of the board. Using your back foot, push off while your weight shifts to the front foot. As the board turns, your front foot assists in steering, and your back foot provides the necessary thrust. This technique is beneficial for speed control, especially in situations where a tight turn is required. While practicing, start on a flat surface and focus on making quick, short movements to get comfortable. Remember to maintain a low center of gravity with knees bent and relaxed arms for balance. As proficiency develops, try increasing the speed or combining tic-tacs with other tricks. Mastery of the tic-tac not only improves your ride but complements various tricks by adding style and versatility to your longboarding skills.

Next up is the drop through, a simple yet effective way to initiate speed. This trick involves shifting from a stationary position to rolling by dropping your weight and lowering your center of gravity. Start by positioning your longboard in front of you, feet placed securely on the deck. To perform the drop through, lower your body by bending your knees while shifting your weight onto the board. Practice this movement first standing still and then try rolling gently. As you become comfortable, try building up speed while transitioning into the drop through smoothly. This technique works best on minimalist longboards designed explicitly for drops. Maintaining a stable stance is crucial to avoid losing balance while executing this trick. It’s a fantastic way to assist with transitions into fast maneuvers or begin downhill rides rapidly. While practicing, keep your eyes focused ahead, and ensure your environment is clear of obstacles for safety. Achieving fluidity in a drop-through ultimately lays the groundwork for more advanced tricks requiring transitions and sudden speed changes.

Commit to the Ollie

As you progress, the ollie is a fundamental trick that serves as a stepping stone for many others. To perform an ollie, begin with your feet placed firmly on the board, similar to pushing stance. The key to the ollie is using both feet: your back foot will snap the tail while your front foot jumps. This motion propels the board upward while you simultaneously elevate your body. It’s very important to practice timing and coordination to achieve the desired height. Start by practicing stationary ollies, then transition to rolling ollies as you gain confidence. Landing can be tricky, so practice on a soft surface to cushion any falls. You can also practice ollies in differentially sloped locations to enhance your versatility. Mastering the ollie opens doors to more advanced tricks like the kickflip and pop-shuvit. Continuous practice of this movement will reinforce muscle memory, making it easier to incorporate into your overall longboarding routine. The ollie not only improves your control but also enhances your confidence on the board when attempting new tricks.

Finally, as you gain more confidence, consider trying the 180 slide. This trick is exciting and improves both turning and sliding mechanics. To prepare for the 180 slide, start with a solid push and gather some speed. As you approach the point to execute the turn, prep your body by bending your knees and loading your weight back. Then, apply pressure to the tail and shift your body in the direction you plan to turn. The board should turn smoothly while your body follows while performing the slide. Focus on keeping your balance and don’t forget to look in the direction you want to go. Practicing on gentle inclines will help perfect the motion and give additional speed. This trick allows you to maintain control and boost creativity while riding, which is beneficial for participating in group riding events. Safety is important during practice, so ensure you wear your protective gear. With enough practice, the 180 slide will become a natural part of your longboarding repertoire, allowing for more dynamic and enjoyable rides.