Longboarding isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s a thrilling sport that lets riders express creativity, improve balance, and challenge themselves. While many enjoy longboarding for its smooth cruising and carving capabilities, there’s an entire world of longboard tricks that can take your skills to the next level.
Learning tricks on a longboard adds style and excitement to every ride. Tricks can make your riding more dynamic, boosting both confidence and coordination. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get comfortable on your board or an intermediate rider aiming to try new moves, there’s a trick for every skill level. By gradually progressing through different levels of tricks, you’ll see how each one builds your technique and control over your board.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with longboard tricks. From choosing the right board and safety gear to beginner-friendly tricks and advanced slides, you’ll find tips to help you master each move. Safety and enjoyment are the focus here, so you can develop your skills at a pace that feels comfortable and rewarding. Ready to dive into the world of longboard tricks? Let’s get rolling!
Preparing to Learn Longboard Tricks
Before you start practicing longboard tricks, it’s essential to set yourself up for success with the right equipment, protective gear, and foundational skills. This section will guide you through choosing a board suited for tricks, understanding essential safety gear, and mastering the basics.
Choosing the Right Longboard for Tricks
Not all longboards are created equal, and certain types are better suited for tricks. Here’s a quick overview of what to look for in a board if you want to start practicing tricks:
| Board Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Kicktail Longboards | These have an upturned tail, allowing for easier tricks like kick turns and manuals. Great for beginner tricks. |
| Double-Kick Longboards | Featuring kicktails on both ends, these boards are ideal for tricks that involve spinning or flipping. Best for intermediate to advanced riders. |
In addition to the board type, there are a few features to consider:
- Grip Tape: Strong grip tape helps keep your feet stable on the board, crucial for performing tricks with confidence.
- Trucks and Wheels: Smaller wheels (around 60-65mm) and loose trucks can make tricks easier by providing better maneuverability. Look for trucks that match the width of your board to ensure balance.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting, go for a kicktail board. It’s easier to control, and you can upgrade later as you advance.
Essential Safety Gear
When learning longboard tricks, safety gear is your best friend. Even simple tricks can sometimes result in unexpected falls, so gear up with these essentials to keep yourself protected:
- Helmet: Always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of falls. A well-fitting skate helmet is ideal for longboarding.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: These pads help absorb impact and protect joints when you fall, giving you more confidence to try new tricks.
- Wrist Guards: Falls can often lead to wrist injuries, so wrist guards are recommended for beginners.
- Sliding Gloves: For advanced riders practicing downhill slides, sliding gloves with hard pucks protect your hands during slides and help with control.
Safety Note: Never skip safety gear. It may seem bulky, but it’s a small price to pay for staying injury-free.
Setting Up for Success
Before jumping into tricks, it’s essential to warm up and get comfortable with your stance on the board. Here are a few tips to help you build a solid foundation:
- Warm-Up Exercises: Warming up your muscles with a few stretches can reduce injury risk and help you move more fluidly. Focus on stretches for your legs, hips, and back.
- Foot Positioning and Stance: Start by placing your front foot just behind the front truck bolts, angling it slightly for stability. Your back foot should rest near the tail of the board. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over the board.
- Balancing and Carving Practice: Before trying tricks, practice balancing and carving to develop comfort and control. These foundational skills are crucial for progressing to more advanced moves.
With the right board, essential safety gear, and a strong foundation in balance, you’re ready to start exploring beginner longboard tricks that will build your confidence. Let’s dive into the next section and learn some fun, accessible tricks for every rider.
Beginner Tricks to Build Confidence and Control
Starting with beginner longboard tricks allows you to get a feel for the board while learning key skills like balance, coordination, and control. These tricks are simple yet effective for boosting confidence and setting a foundation for more advanced moves down the line.
1. Push & Cruise Trick
This is one of the simplest tricks but is essential for building stability and style in your riding. The goal is to develop smooth, controlled movement as you push off and cruise.
- How to Do It:
- Stand with your front foot at a slight angle near the front bolts.
- Use your back foot to push off the ground in a steady, even motion.
- Shift your weight evenly as you roll, keeping your knees slightly bent.
- Benefits: This trick teaches you to keep a steady stance and control your speed, which will be helpful as you learn more advanced tricks.
2. Kickturns
Kickturns are great for learning how to navigate obstacles or quickly change direction. They’re one of the simplest tricks but essential for maneuvering.
- How to Do It:
- Place your back foot on the tail of the board.
- Apply light pressure to lift the front wheels slightly off the ground.
- Pivot your body and board in the desired direction, keeping your balance as you turn.
- Tips: Start with gentle turns to build your confidence, then increase the turn angle as you get comfortable.
3. Manuals (Nose and Tail)
Manuals involve lifting either the front or back wheels off the ground while riding. This trick helps you develop balance and board control without having to hop or jump.
- How to Do a Tail Manual:
- Shift your weight slightly back and press down on the tail, lifting the front wheels.
- Keep your core tight and balance as you glide forward on the back wheels.
- How to Do a Nose Manual:
- Shift your weight forward, pressing lightly on the front of the board.
- Lift the back wheels off the ground and maintain your balance.
- Benefits: Manuals build strength and balance, which are essential for more advanced tricks.
4. Carving and Pumping
Carving and pumping are fundamental longboarding skills that will help you maintain momentum without pushing and can also serve as a setup for some tricks.
- How to Carve:
- Lean into each turn, shifting your weight from toe to heel as you move.
- Try to make wide, smooth S-shaped turns to develop flow and rhythm.
- How to Pump:
- Use your hips and shoulders to shift weight from side to side in a snakelike motion.
- This generates forward motion without needing to push off with your foot.
- Benefits: Carving and pumping build your sense of control, improve balance, and keep your momentum going—making them useful for linking tricks together.
Quick Tips: For all beginner tricks, keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board. This will help you stay stable and adapt to the board’s movements more easily.
Mastering these beginner tricks will give you a solid foundation to build upon. With each trick, you’ll feel more confident on your board and ready to take on more challenging moves. In the next section, we’ll move on to intermediate longboard tricks that add a bit more excitement and complexity to your riding.
Intermediate Tricks to Challenge Yourself
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up! Intermediate longboard tricks push your balance, control, and creativity, giving you new ways to express yourself on the board. These tricks require more skill and confidence, but with practice, you’ll find them both fun and rewarding.
1. Shuvit
A shuvit is one of the most popular intermediate tricks, involving a 180-degree spin of the board beneath your feet. It’s an essential skill for more complex flip tricks and adds a cool, technical element to your riding.
- How to Do It:
- Start in your regular riding stance with your feet positioned over the board.
- Pop the tail of the board down and apply a slight scoop with your back foot.
- As the board spins 180 degrees, keep your front foot lifted and ready to catch it.
- Land with both feet over the board and ride away smoothly.
- Tips: The key is to “scoop” the back foot and allow the board to spin beneath you. Practice in a safe, open area to avoid any distractions while learning the motion.
2. Cross-Stepping
Cross-stepping is a stylish trick where you walk up and down the board while riding, adding a fluid, graceful feel to your longboarding. It’s often seen in freestyle longboarding and is great for improving balance.
- How to Do It:
- Start by riding in a smooth, straight line.
- Move your back foot forward toward the front of the board.
- Cross your front foot over the back foot to create a fluid walking motion.
- Step back and forth, alternating feet as you ride.
- Benefits: Cross-stepping improves your balance and foot coordination while adding a lot of style to your rides.
3. 180 Slide
The 180 slide is a basic sliding trick that helps you control your speed and change direction. It involves turning the board 180 degrees while sliding, making it perfect for both stopping and turning around quickly.
- How to Do It:
- Ride at a moderate speed and start by carving to gain momentum.
- Shift your weight to the back foot and begin to twist your body in the direction you want to slide.
- As you twist, let the back of the board slide out, initiating the 180-degree turn.
- Use your arms and legs for balance, and finish with your feet firmly planted to catch the board as you land.
- Tips: Start with a smaller slide and gradually work up to a full 180-degree rotation. Practicing on a soft surface like grass can help you learn the sliding motion more safely.
4. Tiger Claw
The tiger claw is a visually impressive trick where you flip the board while keeping both feet on the ground. It adds flair to your ride and is a fun way to impress your friends.
- How to Do It:
- Ride at a moderate speed, then prepare to flick the board with your back foot.
- While in motion, use the toe of your back foot to flip the board sideways (like a small pop-shuvit).
- Keep your front foot in place, hovering just above the board to allow it to flip beneath you.
- Land with both feet once the board completes the flip and roll away smoothly.
- Tips: The tiger claw requires quick footwork and timing. Start by practicing with smaller flips, and once you feel confident, work your way up to a full flip.
Pro Tip: For all intermediate tricks, focus on maintaining a low center of gravity by keeping your knees bent and your body relaxed. This will help you remain in control as you tackle these new moves.
Mastering these intermediate tricks will not only boost your confidence but will also open the door to more complex maneuvers. In the next section, we’ll explore some exciting advanced longboard tricks that will test your skills and take your riding to a whole new level. Stay tuned!
Advanced Tricks for When You’re Ready
After mastering the basics and intermediate tricks, it’s time to push your limits with advanced longboard tricks that demand precision, control, and confidence. These tricks are perfect for riders who want to challenge themselves, show off their style, and improve their technical abilities. Whether you’re into downhill riding or freestyle, these advanced moves will elevate your skills.
1. Stand-Up Slide
The stand-up slide is an essential trick for high-speed riders, especially in downhill longboarding. It’s a controlled slide that helps you slow down or stop, even when you’re flying down a hill. The goal is to slide on the board while standing, making it a must-know for any serious longboarder.
- How to Do It:
- Ride at a moderate to high speed, making sure you’re comfortable at your current pace.
- To initiate the slide, shift your weight to your back foot while keeping your front foot firm and steady.
- Twist your body slightly and allow the back of the board to slide sideways while maintaining a low, stable posture.
- Keep your arms extended for balance, and use your feet to control the slide and bring the board to a stop.
- Tips: Practice the motion slowly and gradually increase your speed. It’s crucial to get the timing and foot positioning right to maintain control during the slide.
2. No-Comply Variants
The no-comply is a trick that involves stepping off the board while it flips or spins beneath you. It’s a highly creative trick that shows off style and can be done in several variations, including no-comply 180s and even no-comply shuvits.
- How to Do a No-Comply:
- Start by riding at a moderate speed, then position your front foot near the edge of the board.
- With your back foot, push down on the tail to initiate the pop and flick of the board.
- At the same time, step off with your front foot and let the board spin or flip beneath you.
- Quickly step back onto the board as it lands, completing the trick smoothly.
- Tips: The no-comply trick requires quick footwork and timing. Start by practicing small pops and flips, then work your way to full spins.
3. Coleman Slide
The Coleman slide is a classic downhill trick that is particularly useful for controlling speed while going down steep hills. It’s a controlled slide where the rider shifts their body weight to initiate a slide with one foot planted firmly on the tail.
- How to Do It:
- Ride at a high speed and get into a low, crouched stance.
- To begin the Coleman slide, turn your board sideways by shifting your weight onto the tail and using your back foot to slide.
- As the board slides, twist your torso and engage your arms for stability, maintaining a crouched position to keep control.
- Slide for as long as needed to slow down, then return to a straight riding position and continue down the hill.
- Tips: Sliding gloves are often used for this trick, as they allow you to drag your hands for additional stability and control.
4. Ghostride Flip
The ghostride flip is an eye-catching trick where you flip the board while simultaneously “ghost riding” (letting the board move without you standing on it). It’s a fun and visually impressive trick but requires significant timing and control.
- How to Do It:
- Ride at a moderate speed, ensuring you’re balanced and relaxed.
- At the right moment, kick the tail of the board with your back foot to initiate the flip.
- As the board flips, jump off the board, letting it flip while you “ghost ride” beside it.
- Once the board completes the flip, land back on it smoothly and ride away.
- Tips: Practice the timing of the flip and jump. This trick is best learned in a controlled environment, as it involves both jumping off the board and flipping it.
Pro Tip: Advanced tricks like these require both physical strength and mental focus. Make sure to practice in a safe, open area with plenty of space. And don’t forget to wear your safety gear—especially wrist guards and a helmet, as falls are more common when attempting complex moves.
Challenge Yourself
As you learn these advanced tricks, challenge yourself to keep improving your technique and add your own flair to each move. Advanced tricks require a great deal of practice, but with dedication, you’ll unlock new levels of skill and creativity on your longboard.
In the next section, we’ll discuss common mistakes riders make and how to overcome them to improve your trick execution. Keep practicing, and remember that even the most experienced riders started from where you are now.
Common Mistakes and How to Overcome Them
Learning longboard tricks can be a frustrating yet rewarding journey, and it’s normal to encounter challenges along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, mistakes are part of the process. The key is to learn from them and use them as stepping stones to improve. Below, we’ve outlined some common mistakes longboarders make when learning tricks and provided tips on how to overcome them.
1. Losing Balance Mid-Trick
One of the most common mistakes, especially for beginners, is losing balance while performing a trick. This can happen for many reasons, including improper foot placement, lack of body control, or not enough focus.
- How to Overcome It:
- Foot Positioning: Always ensure your feet are placed correctly over the board. For most tricks, your back foot should be near the tail (or on the tail), and your front foot should be positioned to provide stability and control.
- Stay Low and Centered: Keep your knees slightly bent and your body weight evenly distributed. A low center of gravity helps improve balance and stability during tricks.
- Practice Balance: If you’re struggling with balance, spend some time practicing basic maneuvers, like carving and pumping, to strengthen your control and coordination.
2. Bailing Too Soon
It’s tempting to “bail” or jump off the board as soon as something feels off, but premature bailing can limit your progression. You may not give yourself enough time to figure out how to correct the mistake or recover from a tricky move.
- How to Overcome It:
- Commit to the Trick: While it’s important to know your limits, try not to bail too early. Commit to the trick, even if it feels uncomfortable. With practice, you’ll learn how to make corrections mid-trick.
- Controlled Practice: Start with smaller, easier versions of tricks, and gradually work up to the full maneuver. As your confidence builds, so will your ability to stay on the board.
- Mental Focus: Stay mentally focused, even if something feels off. Think through the steps of the trick, and focus on keeping your body relaxed and in control.
3. Improper Stance or Posture
Another common mistake is improper stance or posture while performing tricks. Not keeping your knees bent or your body centered over the board can throw off your balance and make tricks harder to execute.
- How to Overcome It:
- Engage Your Core: Keep your core engaged to maintain control and stability, especially when performing spins, slides, or flips. A solid core helps you stay balanced during the trick.
- Bend Your Knees: Keeping your knees slightly bent is crucial for absorbing bumps and changes in terrain, as well as providing more control during tricks.
- Relax Your Upper Body: Avoid stiffening up your upper body. Keep your arms and shoulders relaxed, and use them to help with balance and turning.
4. Overcomplicating the Trick
Sometimes, riders try to overcomplicate tricks by adding extra movements or attempting more than what is necessary. Trying to do too much can lead to mistakes and confusion.
- How to Overcome It:
- Master the Basics: Make sure you’ve mastered the foundational moves before attempting advanced tricks. Tricks like carving, pivoting, and kickturns are essential for setting up more complex maneuvers.
- Start Slow: Take each trick one step at a time. Break down the trick into smaller, manageable parts and practice them individually before combining them.
- Stay Focused: Focus on the technique rather than rushing through the trick. Precision and control are more important than speed when learning new moves.
Conclusion: Keep Rolling and Stay Safe
As you dive into learning longboard tricks, remember that safety should always come first. Protecting yourself with the right gear, practicing in safe environments, and understanding your limits will not only keep you injury-free but will also ensure that your journey toward mastering tricks is both fun and fulfilling. Stay motivated, keep practicing, and remember to enjoy every step of the ride.
And that concludes the main sections of our guide to mastering longboard tricks! With the right mindset, consistent practice, and a focus on safety, you’ll be well on your way to progressing your skills and enjoying the thrill of longboarding.
FAQ’s
Can you do tricks with a longboard?
Yes, you can definitely do tricks with a longboard. While longboards are often associated with cruising and downhill riding, many people use them for freestyle tricks as well. Depending on the type of longboard, you can perform slides, kickflips, ollies, and other freestyle tricks.
How do you stop fast on a longboard?
To stop quickly on a longboard, you can use a variety of techniques. The most common method is to drag your foot on the ground to slow down and eventually come to a complete stop. You can also practice foot braking, where you use your back foot to apply pressure to the ground and slow down.
How to pick up a longboard with no tail?
Picking up a longboard with no tail can be a bit tricky. The best way is to tilt the nose of the board upwards, then slide your hand under the deck, near the trucks. Once you have a good grip, lift the board up, ensuring you have a firm hold to prevent it from slipping.
Is 20 mph fast on a longboard?
While 20 mph is a respectable speed on a longboard, it’s not exceptionally fast. Experienced longboarders can easily reach and exceed this speed, especially on downhill runs. However, for beginners or casual riders, 20 mph can be considered a fast pace.
