Longboard Sliding Tips

Longboarding is a form of skateboarding that simulates the body motion of surfing on land. The rider uses body motion to turn in an S pattern similar to a surfer riding along a wave. The long layout of the board and loose trucks allow you to maneuver the board freely and offers more stability at the higher speeds associated with downhilling. Sliding is an essential part of navigating steep turns on downhill slopes that requires specialized gear and techniques.

  1. Reasons

    • There are several reasons for sliding while longboarding, including performing tricks, stopping and turning. Sliding your board out while riding at a slow to medium speed is an ideal way to stop, especially when you try to avoid hitting an object. Riders can perform slides to achieve 180- and 360-degree rotations. Sometimes you need to slide a longboard while navigating sharp turns when your speed is too high to make the turn otherwise.

    Wheels

    • Wheel choice is critical to performing successful slides while maintaining your safety and equipment. They are rated according to a durometer that determines their hardness, with a variety of levels available. The higher the rating the harder the wheel compound, resulting in higher speeds and better sliding. Riders with low-rated wheels should avoid sliding at high speeds as the wheels are prone to sticking, throwing the rider off the board.

    Gloves

    • Gloves are essential to a longboarder, especially when street surfing or downhilling, because of the use of planting a hand while turning. Gloves should have an all-leather construction or thick leather pads on the palm area and along the bottom of the fingers. Alternatives to leather are knit gloves that have a plastic round puck attached to the palm and a plastic bar that rests across the fingers. These are ideal for downhilling where the hand is in contact with the ground often, as the plastic does not heat up like leather does.

    Techniques

    • You will need to be at a moderate speed to slide successfully around a corner or to do rotations. Lean back as far as possible and place your hand on the ground behind you, transferring your weight off the board while rotating the board with your feet. For downhill turns, the board will slide naturally as your weight shifts off it and into the corner. Practice sliding a little at a time on moderate declines before attempting a full speed slide. It is critical that all longboarders wear all necessary safety equipment, as sliding is dangerous and can cause serious injuries.