Longboards are different from skateboards because the unique size and shape of the board allow you to ride at a different speed. Your stance will also be different; you must distribute your weight correctly across a larger area, which could take some adjusting but will improve your experience.
Learn about riding postures and your stance on a longboard to unlock your most comfortable position and improve your skills. The various activities you can perform on a longboard, like freestyling or dancing, will benefit from good riding posture.
Longboarding Stance
There are two ways to stand on a longboard: regular and goofy. Your stance depends on how confident you feel when riding your longboard. Try both to feel the difference and decide what works better for you.
Regular means your left foot will lead in the front. The goofy stance puts your right foot forward at a 45-degree angle. Some people choose their stance based on their dominant hand, but this doesn’t have a direct connection, so you should try both. Your dominant leg should lead because it will do most of the balancing on your longboard.
Body Position
Keep your knees bent and your torso aligned with your feet for better manipulation, especially when learning to longboard. Balance is essential because applying the right pressure on either edge will determine which way the board turns.
You must practice constantly for the best boarding experience. The board you select will also make a big difference in your development. You need the right board to perform tricks and improve your prowess, and you can choose from various models depending on your level. Carving is a common skill for beginners, and carving longboard decks have unique characteristics to help you achieve a smooth skill progression.
Speed and Balance
Speed is one of the first skills you will acquire, and how you stand on your longboard will help you perform better. Keep your dominant leg steady on the board and push the ground to gain speed with your back leg to put everything you’ve learned into practice.
You must keep your eyes forward and avoid overly turning your torso; otherwise, you could throw off your balance. Your riding posture on a longboard is important because your movements will determine how well you ride.