Tip of the Month

So we are halfway through the month and I thought that after my many falls and fun this month, stopping and breaking would be a good tip to go with. Here is a long article I found (I didn't want to type it all!) on braking, credited to Maeve Rich at life123.com. Enjoy.

Here are some longboard skateboarding tips for beginners. Longboarding is a mode of transportation chosen by many people because of its freedom, cost-effectiveness and physical fitness appeal. Longboarding can also be seen as a lifestyle, with some skateboarders relying heavily on their longboard not only to get around but also as a recreational activity. Longboarding is much easier than standard skateboarding; still, it requires a certain amount of balance as well as a few other techniques.

Always wear a skateboarding helmet, even if you think the chances of getting hurt are minimal. When you're moving quickly on a longboard, it can be difficult to stop. You are also at risk of being hit by cars, especially if you're using your longboard to get around. Since an accident could lead to head injury or death, it's best to be protected.

When choosing your longboard, make sure it can handle your weight. Choose a longboard whose size reflects what you plan on using it for. If you're going to be cruising, select a longer longboard. These are the best for getting around, though they don't turn easily. If you plan on doing a lot of quick turns or need to maneuver your board quickly, you should opt for a shorter board.

Wear flat-bottomed shoes. Skateboarding shoes are ideal because of the traction and protection they provide, but any flat-bottomed shoe will do. Avoid sandals, especially when you're learning how to ride, since it's easy to lose your balance.

The first thing you should do when learning how to ride a longboard is determine whether you're regular or goofy-footed. If you're regular, you'll ride with your left foot forward. Goofy-footers put their right foot forward. One easy way to figure out what you are is to stand at a line and fall forward. Whichever foot you put forward is most likely going to be the foot you put in back.

You'll also need to be able to stop quickly on a longboard. You can try breaking, which involves you dragging your back foot on the ground. Make sure you're wearing skateboarding sneakers before you attempt this, as you could hurt your foot in other shoes.

Once you have mastered the basic longboarding techniques, you'll want to become comfortable with some more advanced longboarding maneuvers. These include carving, pumping and sliding. Carving can help you control your speed if you're moving too quickly down a hill. It is also fun to do. To carve, all you have to do is lean your body in the direction you want your skateboard to go.

Pumping is a longboarding trick that can help you to increase momentum without having to push off the ground. To pump, shift your weight from your front foot to your back foot, swiveling your hips and turning your longboard as though you're carving.

Sliding can help you stop quickly if you're out of control on a hill or an obstacle suddenly appears. To execute a slide, crouch down and act as though you're going to grab the front side of your board. Then, lean back and place your hands on the pavement behind you. The direction in which you place your hands will determine which way you slide. Make sure you're wearing longboarding gloves before you slide.

Downhill Run - Arbor Axis Bamboo

So I got to try out the Arbor Axis Bamboo down some hills last night, as it was stated in my last post. I have to say that it was an amazing board to go down hill with. Me and some buddies found some mediocre hills in Memorial Park so we decided to his those up as best we could.

Standing up and going downhill, I had quick speed, control, and I knew I wasn't going to die. However it was either the narrowness of the path or the 75a wheels that come on the board that decided to stick to the pavement really well and sliding turned into epic falling. It was fun none the less.

Being our stupid selves, my buddy and I decided we would sit on our boards and try the hills. Well that didn't quite go as well. He was riding a Sector 9 board (bamboo as well, can't remember which one) but he almost made it to the bottom. Myself however, did not. Sitting I learned was not my strong area but it was still fun, so I would tell everyone to try it just for fun! Just bring sliding gloves or any gloves to catch your skin for when you fall because that was painful!

Test Run - Arbor Axis Bamboo

So as a I was searching the internet last night, I came across a very nice board by Arbor... the Axis Bamboo. It was a beautiful deck and I've heard quite a few good things about the board so I decided I would keep my eye out for it. Come to be, I was at my local Zumiez and what do I behold but an Arbor Axis Bamboo! I couldn't help myself so I bought the board.

I took the board out for a few hours today, probably a good 10 miles on the board already and I have to say it rides great. First thing I noticed when I got on the board was its feel. It has a medium flex that feels good to just roll but bends perfect even on the fasted carving. With the through trucks that's on the deck make carving easy, clean, and so quick. I can't say I have been on a board that turns so well in quite a while. With Gullwing 10" Charger Trucks you can't go wrong. The wheels on it are a 72/75a sounds beautiful against the pavement. As I was rolling, I could just hear the wheels grip the concrete and ensure that the ride was smooth and great.

The only thing I can think to upgrade at this time is the bearings from stock Abec 5 bearings to Bone REDS to ensure a longevity your ride and a great bearing to ride on for just about anything.

As we all know though, Houston has little to no hills at all so I will be trying out the boards real ability tonight in a parking garage. Lets see just how well we can slide this board.