A GIRL’S GUIDE TO LEARNING HOW TO LONGBOARD

You and your friends probably have a list of favorite activities that you like to do after school or on the weekends - part of growing up means trying new things. Taking on a new hobby or trying out a new sport can be loads of fun and an exciting challenge. The latest craze for girls all over the world is longboarding. This classic sport has made a come back in recent years with its slick style and flashy gear. 

Longboarding can be a handy way to get from place to place or a great activity to do with your friends. Different from skateboarding, longboarding offers a smoother ride with a larger size and wider wheels. It’s usually known for being easier to learn too. But just in case, we’ve come up with a helpful guide for girls who want to master longboarding.

Safety first! It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the sport or if you’re an old pro, it’s important to use safety precautions when you get on a longboard. When you start out, expect to meet the pavement face-to-face at least once. Make sure that you have a helmet that fits your head, flat-bottomed shoes, and knee and elbow pads to brace the impact.

Start off in a quiet, flat area with a relatively smooth surface. Make sure that there are no cars coming and going. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder width apart. Angle your front foot at about 45 degrees with your back foot perfectly sideways. When you’re ready to start moving, use your back foot to push yourself forward. Try to stay loose and relaxed. It’ll help you keep your balance as you’re getting started.

Now it’s time to start turning. Practice taking turns by pressing down on one side of the board with your feet and lean in that direction. Depending on which foot you put forward, you’ll turn one direction by pressing down on your heels and another direction by pressing down on your toes.

As you get going, you’ll need a way to slow down and stop. When riding, try grazing one of your feet against the ground. This creates friction against the pavement and slows the board down until it stops. You can also try weaving right and left to slow down or stretching out your arms to gain wind resistance.

Learning how to long board takes time, so be patient. It’s great to practice with friends who can help you get a better sense of how you perform on the board. Compare techniques and riding stances to find the one that works for you. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start riding!