How to Longboard – Essential Tips & Tricks for Beginners

Choosing the right longboard setup is crucial for your riding experience. Whether you're cruising down city streets, carving through hills, or bombing steep descents, having the right deck, trucks, wheels, and safety gear will make all the difference. Let’s break down the essential components so you can build a setup that suits your style.

Deck Types & Shapes – Finding the Right Fit

Longboard decks come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific riding styles. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

• Pintail – Classic and surf-inspired, pintail decks are ideal for cruising and carving. Their narrow tail prevents wheel bite (when the wheels touch the deck, causing a sudden stop). If you’re looking for a smooth and easy ride, this is a great choice.
  
  

• Drop-Through – These decks have cutouts where the trucks mount through the deck, lowering the ride height for better stability and ease of pushing. Ideal for downhill riding and long-distance commuting.
  
  

• Drop Deck – The deck is slightly lowered, bringing your center of gravity closer to the ground. This enhances stability for downhill speed and freeride slides.
  
  

• Top Mount – Traditional longboard shape where the trucks are mounted directly to the bottom of the deck. It offers more leverage for aggressive turns and technical riding but requires good balance.
  
  

• Double Kick – Similar to a regular skateboard, this deck has kicktails on both ends, allowing for freestyle tricks and technical maneuvers.
  
  

When choosing a deck, consider its length and flexibility . Longer boards (40”+) provide more stability, while shorter boards (34”-39”) offer agility. A stiffer deck is best for speed and sliding, while a more flexible deck absorbs vibrations, making it comfortable for cruising.

Trucks & Bushings

Your longboard trucks control how your board turns and responds to your weight shifts. Unlike standard skateboard trucks, longboard trucks use a reverse kingpin (RKP) design , which allows for smoother and more controlled turns.

Key truck considerations:

• Truck Width – Should match your deck width to ensure balanced turns and stability.
  
  

• Baseplate Angle – Higher angles (50°) allow for sharper turns, while lower angles (40°) provide stability at higher speeds.
  
  

• Bushings – The soft rubbery components in your trucks that affect how your board turns. Softer bushings make turning easier, while harder bushings provide more resistance for stability.
  
  

Wheels & Bearings

Your wheels determine how smooth and grippy your ride will be. Longboard wheels are larger and softer than skateboard wheels, which helps absorb rough terrain and maintain traction.

• Wheel Size – Larger wheels (70-75mm) provide a smoother ride and roll over cracks more easily, while smaller wheels (60-69mm) accelerate faster.
  
  

• Durometer (Hardness) – Measured in A scale, softer wheels (75A-80A) grip the road and are ideal for cruising and downhill, while harder wheels (81A-86A) slide more easily, making them great for freeriding.
  
  

• Shape & Contact Patch – Wider contact patches provide more grip, while rounded edges allow for smoother slides.
  
  

Bearings, which sit inside the wheels, control how fast and smoothly they spin. High-quality bearings with an ABEC rating of 7 or higher or precision-engineered brands like Bones Swiss ensure a faster, more efficient ride. Keeping your bearings clean and lubricated will improve speed and longevity.

Safety Gear

Longboarding can be risky, especially when learning or riding at high speeds. Protective gear is essential to keep you safe:

• Helmet – A must-have. A properly fitted helmet protects your head from serious injuries.
  
  

• Slide Gloves – Essential for freeriding and downhill, slide gloves let you place your hands on the ground while carving and braking.
  
  

• Knee & Elbow Pads – Help absorb impact from falls, especially when learning slides.
  
  

• Wrist Guards – Prevent wrist injuries, which are common in falls.
  
  

• Reflective Gear & Lights – If riding at night, visibility is crucial. Use lights or reflective stickers on your helmet and board.

Mastering the basics of longboarding is key to feeling comfortable and in control on your board. Whether you’re cruising through town or preparing for more advanced riding, learning proper stance, balance, and braking techniques will set you up for success.

Finding Your Stance & Maintaining Balance

Before you start rolling, you need to determine your stance:

• Regular stance – Left foot forward, right foot pushing.
  
  

• Goofy stance – Right foot forward, left foot pushing.
  
  

If you’re unsure, try standing on the board and having a friend gently push you from behind—whichever foot you naturally put forward to catch yourself is likely your leading foot.

Once you’ve found your stance, focus on balance:

Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb shocks. Keep your weight centered over the board, not leaning too far forward or backward. Use your arms to help with stability, especially at lower speeds.

Pushing & Braking

Pushing is how you generate speed on a longboard. Follow these steps for a smooth, controlled push:

Place your front foot on the board at a slight angle (about 45°). Use your back foot to push off the ground in a controlled, fluid motion. Return your back foot to the board and stabilize your stance. Repeat as needed to maintain speed.

A common mistake beginners make is “ mongo pushing ” (pushing with the front foot instead of the back foot). While this is a personal preference, it can make balancing harder when transitioning back to a normal stance.

Braking

Knowing how to stop safely is just as important as knowing how to ride. The two primary braking techniques for beginners are:

Foot Braking – The easiest and safest way to slow down. Lower your back foot to the ground gently. Increase pressure gradually until you slow down. Keep your weight centered to avoid losing balance. Heel Drag (for slower speeds) – Similar to foot braking but done by dragging your heel slightly on the ground while keeping your foot partially on the board.

For more advanced stopping techniques, you’ll need to learn sliding.

Carving

Carving is an essential skill that allows you to control speed and navigate smoothly. It involves making a series of S-shaped turns by shifting your weight between your toes and heels.

• Toeside carve – Lean forward onto your toes to turn in one direction.
  
  

• Heelside carve – Lean back onto your heels to turn in the opposite direction.
  
  

Carving is particularly useful for speed control when going downhill. Instead of foot braking, carving in wide arcs helps dissipate speed naturally without stopping completely.

Sliding

Sliding is an advanced technique that allows you to slow down or stop completely by breaking traction with the wheels. It’s essential for freeride and downhill longboarding.

There are different types of slides, but beginners should start with:

• Coleman Slide – A hands-down heelside slide where you kick out the board sideways while using slide gloves for stability.
  
  

• Pendulum Slide – A controlled slide where the board swings from side to side like a pendulum.
  
  

Sliding Tips

1. Wear slide gloves and protective gear – sliding requires putting your hands on the ground.

2. Start slow – practice on a gentle slope before attempting slides at high speeds.

3. Commit to the movement – hesitation can cause falls.

Mastering these fundamental riding techniques will give you confidence and control on your longboard. Start slow, practice regularly, and always prioritize safety. Once you have the basics down, you’ll be ready to explore more advanced maneuvers and push your riding further.

Once you’ve learned the basics, the next step is refining your skills and becoming a more confident longboarder. Like any sport, longboarding requires patience, practice, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Here’s how to progressively improve your abilities, stay motivated, and build confidence in your riding.

Start Slow 

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is rushing into challenging terrains too quickly. To build confidence and control, follow a step-by-step learning approach:

1. Begin on flat ground – Find an open, smooth area like an empty parking lot, basketball court, or paved walkway. Practice pushing, stopping, and turning until you feel stable.
   
   

2. Introduce slight inclines – Once you’re comfortable, try riding on gentle slopes to get used to controlling speed. Practice carving to slow yourself down.
   
   

3. Explore varied terrain – Gradually incorporate rougher roads, longer distances, and small hills into your rides to improve adaptability.
   
   

4. Challenge yourself – Try new techniques such as tighter carves, faster speeds, and eventually, basic slides to increase your skill level.
   
   

Progressing at a comfortable pace will keep your confidence high while ensuring you develop proper technique.

Connect with the Longboarding Community

Longboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a culture. Connecting with others can accelerate your learning and keep you inspired.

• Join local longboarding groups – Many cities have skate meetups where riders of all levels come together. Riding with others can help you pick up tips and push your skills.
  
  

• Engage with online communities – Forums, social media groups, and YouTube channels offer a wealth of knowledge, from trick tutorials to gear recommendations.
  
  

• Attend events and competitions – Even as a beginner, watching or participating in longboarding events can expose you to new styles and techniques.
  
  

Surrounding yourself with fellow riders helps keep motivation high and makes the learning process more enjoyable.

Practice Consistently to Build Muscle Memory

Like any skill, longboarding requires repetition. The more time you spend on your board, the better your balance, coordination, and reflexes will become.

• Short, frequent sessions are key – Practicing for 20–30 minutes daily is more effective than long, occasional sessions.
  
  

• Focus on specific techniques – Dedicate time to improving individual skills, such as carving, braking, or pushing efficiently.
  
  

• Analyze and adjust – If you struggle with a particular movement, slow it down and focus on refining your form. Watching tutorial videos or asking experienced riders for feedback can help.
  
  

Building muscle memory takes time, but consistent effort will lead to noticeable improvement.

Progressing in longboarding is all about patience, consistency, and enjoyment. Start with the basics, gradually challenge yourself, and stay connected with the longboarding community for support. As your skills improve, so will your confidence—allowing you to ride smoother, faster, and with more control.

Longboarding is an exhilarating and rewarding activity, but staying safe and keeping your board in top condition is just as important as mastering new skills. Whether you’re cruising through the city or bombing hills, following essential safety and maintenance practices will help prevent accidents and keep your ride smooth.

Regular Equipment Checks

Before every session, take a moment to check your board for any signs of wear and tear. A small issue can quickly turn into a big problem if left unattended. Here’s what to look out for:

• Deck – Check for cracks, splits, or signs of delamination (when the layers of the board start to separate). A damaged deck can compromise stability.
  
  

• Trucks – Ensure the kingpin, bushings, and mounting bolts are tight but not overly restrictive. Loose trucks can feel unstable, while overly tight ones can limit maneuverability.
  
  

• Wheels – Look for flat spots or uneven wear. Worn-out wheels can affect grip and control, making riding unpredictable.
  
  

• Bearings – Spin each wheel to ensure they roll smoothly. If they feel rough or make noise, they may need cleaning or replacement.
  
  

A quick pre-ride inspection can prevent mechanical failures and keep you safe on the road.

Wear Proper Footwear

The right footwear can significantly impact your control and stability. Always wear closed-toe shoes with flat, grippy soles to maintain a strong connection with the board. Ideal longboarding shoes should:

✔ Have a non-slip rubber sole for better grip.

✔ Offer good ankle support to prevent rolling your foot.

✔ Be durable to withstand repeated foot braking.

Skate shoes from brands like Vans, Nike SB, and Adidas Skateboarding are popular choices due to their sturdy soles and reinforced design. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or running shoes with soft, curved soles, as they offer little control and can increase the risk of slipping.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Longboarding often involves sharing space with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid accidents. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Scan ahead – Look for obstacles like potholes, cracks, or unexpected traffic.
  
  

• Obey traffic laws – If riding on the road, follow traffic signals and always yield to pedestrians.
  
  

• Use hand signals – When turning, use clear hand gestures to communicate with drivers and other riders.
  
  

• Stay visible – If riding at night, wear reflective gear and use lights on your board or clothing.
  
  

• Avoid distractions – Ditch the headphones while riding so you can hear approaching cars or warnings from others.
  
  

Being mindful of your surroundings ensures a safer and smoother riding experience.

Weather Considerations

Riding in wet conditions is dangerous and can damage your longboard. Here’s why you should avoid it:

• Slippery Surfaces – Water reduces traction, making it harder to carve and stop.
  
  

• Wheel Slippage – Softer wheels might grip slightly better, but even the best wheels lose traction on wet pavement.
  
  

• Bearing Damage – Moisture can cause bearings to rust, leading to slower speeds and potential breakage.

If you get caught in the rain, wipe down your board immediately and dry your bearings to prevent rust.

Routine Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the life of your board and keeps it performing at its best. Here’s a simple checklist:

Cleaning Bearings

• Remove the wheels and take out the bearings.
  
  
• Use a bearing cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and debris.
  
  
• Let them dry completely before re-lubricating with speed cream or bearing oil.
  
  
• Reassemble and spin to ensure smooth movement.
  
  

Tightening & Adjusting Bolts

• Check your truck bolts and kingpin nuts regularly to ensure they’re secure but not too tight.
  
  

• Adjust the bushings to match your preferred turning resistance.
  
  

Replacing Worn-Out Parts

• Wheels – Swap them out if they develop flat spots or excessive wear.
  
  

• Grip Tape – If it’s losing grip, replacing it will improve board control.
  
  

• Bushings – Over time, bushings lose their rebound, affecting turning ability.
  
  

Taking care of your board ensures a smooth ride and prevents unexpected failures mid-session.

Staying safe and maintaining your longboard is just as important as learning how to ride. A well-maintained board ensures better performance, while good safety habits keep you protected. By inspecting your gear, wearing the right shoes, staying aware of your environment, and keeping up with maintenance, you’ll enjoy longboarding with confidence and peace of mind.