What Makes a Longboard Nose Ride Better?

When the waves are flat or the shores are packed with vacationers, the pavement becomes the terrain of choice. As the name implies, longboards resemble classically shaped surfboards and allow riders to carve the sloping streets as if they were cresting waves. Nose riding, or hanging ten, involves moving both feet to the front of the board and overhanging your toes. With a few equipment adjustments and adopted techniques, this trick is fun and simple to perform.

  1. Fine Grit Griptape

    • Select griptape with a finer grit for more board mobility.

      Griptape is the sandpaper-like layer on top of your longboard. Though it is designed to keep your feet firmly planted to the top of your board, it can actually make performing certain tricks more difficult. Nose riding involves shuffling your feet to the front of the board, and grip tape that is too coarse can cause friction and accidental stumbling. Smooth your rough griptape with a sheet of sandpaper or request a sheet with finer grit the next time you visit your favorite longboard shop. Fine grit griptape keeps your feet in place when they need to be while still allowing you to hang ten.

    Wider Board

    • Shuffling your feet to your board's nose in preparation for the nose ride is like walking across a narrow plank. To make your shuffle more comfortable, you can opt for a wide, spacious board. If you're a novice longboarder, a board with a nose at least 18 inches wide will provide plenty of room for overhanging your toes. In addition to simplifying the nose ride, a wider board will make riding across rugged terrain much more comfortable. As you perfect your hang ten technique, you can reduce the width of your board for a greater challenge.

    Harder Bushings and Tighter Trucks

    • Trucks allow you turn, carve and slalom down the street.

      Trucks are the metal axles affixed to the underside of your board and bushings are the attached urethane spacers which allow for smooth, controlled turns. As you lean to one side of the board, the trucks compress the bushings and begin the board's turn. Bushings are available in several hardness ratings, and the hardness of the urethane influences the turning ability of the trucks. To ensure that your trucks do not wobble from side to side as you shuffle your feet up the board, select bushings made from a harder urethane formula. Tightening the center nut on your trucks using a 9/16-inch wrench will also help stabilize your board during the trick.

    Smooth Wheels

    • A graceful nose ride looks best when performed at speed. In order to maintain your speed as you perform the trick, you'll need wheels that are perfectly round and free of any divots, flat spots or embedded rocks. To ensure that your wheels stay smooth for as long as possible, select a set that is larger than 70mm. Like bushings, wheels are also rated according to durometer, or urethane hardness. Choose a set with a durometer rating no higher than 90A, as these will allow you to cruise over cracks and debris.