How to Push Off on a Longboard – Instruction & Guide For Beginners

Longboarding is an exciting and popular sport that combines elements of skateboarding and surfing, providing an exhilarating experience for riders of all ages and skill levels. One of the fundamental skills every longboarder needs to master is the art of pushing off. In this article, we will explore the techniques and tips to help you push off on a longboard effectively and confidently.

How to Push Off on a Longboard

Before we dive into the specifics of pushing off, let’s start by understanding what longboarding is and the different types of longboards available. Longboarding involves riding on a longer and wider board compared to traditional skateboards, offering greater stability and control. Longboards come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific styles of riding such as cruising, downhill, freestyle, or dancing.

Importance of Proper Pushing Technique

Pushing off correctly is crucial for longboarders as it allows you to generate speed and maintain momentum. By using proper pushing technique, you can optimize your energy output, enhance your riding experience, and travel longer distances with less effort. Additionally, a solid push off helps you maintain balance and stability on the board, preventing potential accidents or falls.

Step-by-step Guide on Pushing off on a Longboard

To push off on a longboard effectively, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Stance and positioning: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to the board, and keep your knees slightly bent for better balance.
2. Foot placement: Position your front foot at a slight angle facing forward, around the middle of the deck. Place your back foot on the tail of the board for better control.
3. Generating momentum: Start by shifting your weight to your front foot and leaning slightly forward. This helps initiate the forward movement and generates momentum.
4. Pushing technique: With your front foot, push off the ground using the ball of your foot while simultaneously transferring weight onto your back foot. Use a smooth and controlled motion, extending your leg fully for maximum

5. Maintaining balance: As you push off, transfer your weight back onto your front foot and keep your body centered over the board. This helps maintain balance and control throughout the pushing motion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While learning how to push off on a longboard, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder your progress. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Over-pushing: Avoid exerting excessive force while pushing off, as it can lead to instability and loss of control. Focus on using efficient and controlled movements instead.
2. Uneven pushing: Ensure that you push evenly with both feet to maintain a balanced and smooth motion. Pushing harder with one foot can cause the board to veer to one side.
3. Poor weight distribution: Proper weight distribution is key to maintaining stability. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward while pushing off, as it can disrupt your balance.

Proper Technique for Pushing off on a Longboard

To enhance your pushing technique and overall longboarding experience, consider the following tips:

1. Practice on flat ground: Start by practicing on a smooth and level surface before attempting more challenging terrains. This allows you to focus on mastering the fundamentals of pushing off.
2. Use proper footwear: Opt for shoes with a grippy sole that provides good traction on the board. Avoid shoes with thick soles, as they may make it harder to feel the board beneath your feet.
3. Engage your core: A strong core helps with stability and control. Engage your abdominal muscles while pushing off to maintain balance and improve overall body control.
4. Maintain a relaxed posture: Keep your body relaxed and avoid tensing up while pushing off. Relaxing your muscles allows for smoother movements and better board control.

Advanced Pushing Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic push off, you can explore more advanced techniques to enhance your longboarding skills. Here are a couple of advanced pushing techniques:

1. Pumping for speed: Pumping involves using your body’s momentum and weight shifts to generate speed without pushing off the ground. By shifting your weight forward and backward while riding, you can create a pumping motion that propels you forward.
2. Carving for control: Carving is a technique used to navigate turns smoothly and maintain control. By shifting your weight from heel to toe and making gentle, sweeping turns, you can carve your way through corners with precision and style.

Safety Considerations

Longboarding, like any sport, comes with inherent risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience, keep the following safety considerations in mind:

1. Wearing protective gear: Always wear a helmet to protect your head from potential falls or collisions. Additionally, consider wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards for added protection.
2. Choosing appropriate terrain: Select suitable terrain for your skill level. Avoid steep hills or rough surfaces if you’re a beginner. Gradually progress to more challenging terrains as your skills improve.
3. Being aware of surroundings: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings while longboarding. Look out for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, and always follow traffic rules.

Longboarding Pushing Styles

There are several pushing styles commonly used in longboarding. Each style offers its own advantages and techniques. Here are some of the most popular pushing styles:

Regular Pushing:

Regular pushing is the most common pushing style used in longboarding. It involves pushing with your back foot while keeping your front foot on the board. This pushing style provides stability and control while maintaining a balanced stance.

Mongo Pushing:

Mongo pushing involves pushing with your front foot while your back foot remains on the board. It is considered less common and is often discouraged due to its potential drawbacks. Pushing mongo can make it challenging to maintain stability and control, and it can also limit your ability to perform certain maneuvers and slides.

Switch Pushing:

Switch pushing is performed by pushing with your back foot while riding in a switch stance. Switch pushing is commonly used by riders who prefer to ride with their opposite foot forward (e.g., regular riders pushing switch, or vice versa). This style allows for greater versatility when riding and performing tricks.

Pumping:

Pumping is a pushing technique used to generate speed and maintain momentum without taking your feet off the board. It involves using your body weight and leg movements to generate thrust by compressing and extending your legs, effectively “pumping” the board. Pumping is commonly used in longboarding disciplines such as downhill, slalom, and pumping on flat ground.

One-Foot Pushing:

One-foot pushing involves pushing with only one foot while the other foot remains lifted off the ground or placed on the board in a specific position. This style is often used for quick bursts of speed or to execute technical maneuvers, such as foot braking or sliding.

FAQs

How long does it take to learn how to push off on a longboard?

The time it takes to learn how to push off on a longboard varies for each individual. With consistent practice, it typically takes a few weeks to become comfortable with the pushing technique.

Can I push off using only one foot?

Yes, it is possible to push off using only one foot. Many riders develop their own preferences and styles when it comes to pushing. However, using both feet provides better balance and control.

What kind of shoes should I wear for longboarding?

It is recommended to wear shoes with a grippy sole that provides good traction on the board. Skate shoes or athletic shoes with flat soles are popular choices among longboarders.

Are there any specific exercises to improve pushing technique?

Yes, there are exercises that can help improve your pushing technique. Core exercises, such as planks and Russian twists, can strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve stability. Additionally, practicing balance exercises and leg strength exercises can also be beneficial.

How do I stop while longboarding?

There are different methods to stop while longboarding. The most common methods include using foot braking, where you drag your back foot on the ground to slow down, or using slide techniques, where you initiate a controlled slide to reduce speed.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of pushing off on a longboard is essential for every rider’s skill set. By understanding the proper techniques, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can develop a smooth and efficient push off that enhances your longboarding experience. Remember to prioritize safety and gradually progress to more advanced techniques as you become more confident in your abilities.