How to Move a Longboard

With their long wheelbase and trucks with wide track, longboard skateboards were designed to allow riders smooth and fast rides on downhill courses. As the sport gained popularity, longboards slowly made the shift from serving as a downhill vehicle to an all-purpose skateboard. Although moving a longboard is largely similar to riding a traditional skateboard, riders must take into account the flex designed into a longboard, and use it to their advantage while riding on flat ground while also propelling the board by pumping your feet on the pavement as if riding a traditional skateboard.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your nondominant foot above the front or rear truck depending upon which feels more comfortable to you. While it doesn’t matter which stance you use, riding with your nondominant foot in the front of the board is known as a standard stance, while placing your nonpumping foot toward the rear of the board is known as a goofy foot stance.

    • 2

      Shift your weight forward to provide you with leverage with which to provide more traction during your pump. Plant your dominant foot on the pavement with your toe pointing in the direction you intend to travel, and shift your weight slightly onto that foot. Move your pumping foot backward to propel you forward.

    • 3

      shift your weight back above the board when your pumping foot moves to the natural length of your stride.

    • 4

      Repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary to pick up speed.

    • 5

      Carve with the board for additional propulsion once you reach cruising speed. Leaving both feet on the board, shift your weight backward toward your rear foot as if you’re pushing off with your front foot. As you do this, use the longboard’s flex by pushing your weight backward and down, providing additional traction. Pop your hips back into natural alignment while you unflex the board.

    • 6

      Repeat Step 4 in reverse, shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot, while flexing the board, popping your pelvis to generate force in the process.