how to downhill longboard
The rush you get from flying down a hill at high speed on a longboard is highly addictive. As a beginner downhill rider, however, it’ll be easier for you to get rid of wobbles by carving big toeside and heelside turns to gain control back over your board’s trucks and trajectory. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Your email address will not be published. The second skill you’ll need to acquire before taking to the hills is simple turning, leaning onto one edge to make your board wheels, and thus your board, rotate to the left or right. As a general rule, soft wheels (lower durometer) will grip better and are highly favored for downhill riding. An obvious question, however, is how dangerous is it? For serious downhill speed, however, get a full face, CPSC certified aerolid such as the famous Predator DH-6 (Amazon link, photo courtesy of Predator Designs). That means that if you lose speed, it’s all up to gravity to make that speed back up again. However, it is our responsibility as the rider to help gravity gain us our most valuable currency: velocity. Only with this kind of mindset, and much intense preparation, will you some day perhaps learn to tame the beast. Speed racing adds to the adrenaline rush a strong sense of community and camaraderie and the thrill of challenging riders with similar goals. an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Foot Braking Download Article Know when to foot brake. The goal of downhill longboarding is speed and nothing but speed. So if you’re just getting started : A board that fails can be the biggest hazard when riding downhill at extreme speeds. After you’ve nailed the fronstide standup 180 slide, the next step is a frontside standup slide or “standie.” Like the frontside 180, it’s easy to learn, and easy to bail out of if … Oh, and topmounts are also much more durable. Hence, it is necessary that you are equipped with essential skills that can reduce speed. This can be highly addictive once longboarders experience it once, and it evolves into the prominent aspect of their being and existence. Stand up slides are good for learning at low speed and are often used in freeriding at moderate speeds, but they are riskier at high downhill speed. The main difference is that freeride boards are typically symmetrical (for doing 180 slides etc) vs directional for downhill decks. Just like kitesurfers and extreme snowboarders, you should inspect your board closely before dropping in a big hill : So in this section, we’ve reviewed the risks you face in downhill, and the safety gear you must wear have to help minimize them. In terms of posture, you need to squat down to lower your weight and keep your ankles moving freely. It requires making a big commitment and overcoming one’s fears, since going down this fast on asphalt can be potentially deadly. It aims for speed and nothing more, that can reach up to 80 mph. If you’re cruising on flat surface at relatively low speed, e.g. The downhill tuck is a well-defined position – there are actually several variants – that downhill longboarders learn to master in order to reach high speed. Once you have the basics down, let’s look at the more advanced techniques used in downhill longboarding. In general, though, you can certainly use a freeride board for downhill. Wobbles start in the back, so it is good to have … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The foot brake should only be used at slow … Most downhill riders prefer a moderate to deep concave that allows them to ground themselves into the top … practice turning. Some passionate skaters are constantly scouring the best downhill spots in the world – see this page for a good list of spots with photo and description. Unfortunately, the roads involved in downhill longboarding … This is done while riding downhill in an attempt to skid the wheels. Some years ago I got into longboarding, and in doing so, I discovered a whole new universe and a fantastic community. If you are a human, do not fill in this field. Find out more about freeriding here. Shorter … Sliding allows you to go into a turn with much more speed than you would without the ability to slide out. When attempting to longboard downhill, stay calm. The most obvious and common hazard is to crash due to going too fast into a turn or messing up a slide at fast speed. Get the basic stance down. This skill can be performed by executing deep turns. Once you’re in this “air vacuum”, you wait until the last moment after picking up enough speed to break out and pass the other rider. The next skill to possess before attempting to longboard downhill is the ability to make a simple turn. This is possibly the toughest to acquire skill among the four. For some, beyond being a simple sport, downhill becomes a central point in their existence, a way of life. Before attempting, one must possess a huge commitment and ability to overcome fear responsibly, as downhill longboarding comes with potential danger. This is done while Carving involves making deep turns, through heavier leaning and weight shifting, to reduce velocity. This is not completely true. Obviously, a downhill longboard is definitely a hardcore activity. Durometer (hardness) also affects traction vs durability: softer wheels are grippier in turns, but wear out faster. First practice on flat ground, … Skating and cornering at high speed in a pack requires a certain amount of trust in the other riders, bringing people closer together, sharing passion and lifestyle. This process involves dragging the tail of the board along the surface. ends on flat with no traffic), Learn the basics first: how to brake and turn (see “prerequisites” section earlier), Increase your speed progressively: get comfortable at low and moderate speeds first, Don’t just drop into a big hill from the top! where the bearings are placed within the wheels (centerset, sideset, or offset). Since the forum is better organized, other riders may also help answer your questions. The main thing you need to know is that you will need a stiff enough deck for control at high speed – lots of flex is NOT good for speed, and it’s easier to get thrown off a bouncy board. Maintain that the front truck of your longboard is loosened up. You can also grab your opposite rail for more lean. The “deck” is literally the … All of them have a common denominator, which is living an intense moment of their lives that rushes their adrenaline making them feel greatly alive. All these riders have a common goal: live intense moments that are worth living and make them feel alive. Ride on! So, choose the one that fits your requirement. Despite the risks, some beginner longboarders are drawn to downhill from the start. There are also lots of mid-aged riders who like to skate more mellow hills with their children on a regular basis. Ridingboards.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, If you are a beginner and you fancy downhill racing, you need a few tips before you begin. It is not surprising for first-timers that the control of speed can be overwhelming simply because it generates a terrifying feeling. Foot braking is an obvious technique you need to know, although it’s only useful at moderate speed. Now, regarding the unending debate of drop-through vs topmount, here’s a quick lowdown : In short, as a beginner, you’ll feel safer with a drop-through, but as your downhill skills improve the agility and responsiveness of a topmount may outweigh the stability of the DT. As is the case for ocean surfers, longboard speed riders bind with each other across age groups, social status, cultural backgrounds. Serious downhill riders, however, can reduce risk significantly by taking appropriate precautions – starting of course with wearing adequate protective equipment. Hi I'm Jesse. However, you’ll need to acquire certain prerequisite skills first (see next section). One last note: many downhill longboarders are “older” riders in their 30s and 40s who blend in seamlessly with the younger guys and gals when bombing down big hills. Gloves: you’ll need very sturdy slide gloves with UHMW / Delrin plastic pucks from a quality brand such as Loaded – see these Loaded freeride gloves from Amazon – Gravity, Sector 9, or Lush. Dangers are not expected to be eliminated, but it can be reduced putting up with necessary precautions and wearing protective gear and equipment. Truck width is dictated by your deck’s width, typically you’ll go for 180mm trucks for downhill. Centerset wheels are typically the best option for sliding. If you set the front truck at a 50-degree angle to get better turning support and the back truck at 45-degree to get better stability, it will undoubtedly be the best setting for downhill longboarding. If not, the tension of your muscle will generate an adverse reaction on how you maneuver the longboard. Most longboards are 22.8 to 25.4cm wide and between 84 to 150cm in length. Stop by hopping off your longboard. getting into sharp turns, at high speed, is an advanced technique and a fundamental part of downhill longboarding. My hope is that, after reading this, you’ll know what downhill really is and whether it’s for you, and have a better idea of how to downhill longboard. Keep your front trucks looser than your back trucks. Sliding can be one of the most enjoyable facets of downhill skateboarding. For this reason, one might say downhill longboarding is hardcore. At high speed the most effective and secure way to slide is through crouching down and putting your hand down on the ground for more leverage and stability – you need to put the right amount of weight into your hand. When going downhill on your longboard, it is expected that the speed will increase tremendously. Wheels with good quality urethane, 70 or 72mm diameter, and sharp lip will give you the traction you need while having a decent lifetime. Hey fellow boardrider, want to post a comment or question? Road bumps and cracks, guard rails, gravel deposits etc, can send you flying in the air and into the hospital. Downhillers generally break down a corner turn into these zones : To achieve a perfect cornering line, you need to apply the “outside, inside, out” principle, designed for gripping corners very fast without cutting your lane : Easier said than done ! Take note that downhill racing has its hazards and can lead to fatalities when done in ignorance. For some guidance see the how to choose a longboard page. The most typical accidents happen when long-standing downhill is when riders are going extremely fast and unable to execute slowing down the speed. Note that many experienced downhill longboarders set up their back truck to turn less than the front by tightening its kingpin or lowering its angle. In this section, I go over the main techniques and skills involved in the discipline, with a few key downhill longboarding tips along the way. This kind of angle also gives enough deck height to avoid wheelbite. Cornering, i.e. In the following section, I go over the type of longboard you need to get started as a downhill skater. Biking vs Skateboarding: Which Sport is Better? What is special about downhill longboarding? Here are a few tips for a downhill longboarding … There are also a few city sanctioned races such as the Mount Jefferson longboard race in North Carolina. Drafting is a racing specific technique which involves skating directly behind another rider at high speed and use them as a windbreaker, reducing your own air resistance and increasing your speed. You should first practice sliding on flat surface and small slopes before attempting them on real hills. Before attempting to longboard downhill, make sure that you are equipped with essential skills and assure yourself that you are already comfortable enough with your longboard. Slider - Setting Up a Slide Deck. In the best case scenario you’ll get road rash, but of course things can get nastier. higher angle = more response, turns faster with less lean, but turns less altogether. Downhill Longboarding: Do You Have The Right Skills & Mindset? It involves dropping your back foot and dragging it onto the ground to slow yourself down through friction. Downhill Longboarding for Beginners. Remember to relax, so there is no tension build up in your muscles. As you gain experience you may test with lower degrees. Ride on! Today’s leading downhill racing organization is the International Downhill Federation, which holds and sanctions official longboard and luge races throughout the world across 4 rider categories (open, women, juniors, masters). Downhill skaters zoom down steep hills at very high velocity, commonly reaching 50 to 65 mph with record speeds at over 80 mph. Your choice of wheels is important in downhill. Rest assured that you still e… As I mentioned earlier, carving is an important skill in downhill. Land Paddling with Your Longboard: Tips and Tricks, Pintails vs Drop-Through: Which Longboard to Pick. This reinvented deck design also helps to maximize stability, making it a great choice for downhill riding. A heavy leaning and shifting of the weight will provide a reduction of velocity. If you’ve recently gotten into longboarding, you may be intrigued about this downhill longboard discipline everyone is talking about when the subject of longboarding comes up. Firmer bushings smooth this issue, but a truck upgrade is … In this article, we will look into the ways how to longboard downhill and how to navigate your mindset and techniques for proper execution. *This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Before dropping into a hill : Much of the danger of downhill is due to riders not knowing what they’re doing. By the end of the article, you will definitely get informed of the basics of downhill longboarding and understand whether this activity is exactly for you. Red Bull even holds an extreme “No Paws Down” (no-hands sliding) downhill longboard race in Slovenia. Choosing the right longboard … Scooter vs Skateboard: Revolution in Mobility. This technique will help you slow down when you are getting really fast downhill. This technique is not typically used and occasionally recommended because it can tear the tail of your longboard. About MuirSkate Longboard Shop We're a bunch of San Diego skaters in a warehouse, assembling your longboards by hand, making sure you get the best ride under your feet. Don't look any further and select one of these great downhill longboards. Madrid offers a great variety, Gravity has some really fast ones, Ehlers Longboards and Stella Longboards have some great downhill long board … Advanced carving skills at high speed are also important for dealing with speed wobbles – when your board starts “shaking” and goes into unending and uncontrolled mini turns as your speed increases. It’s a 41” longboard setup that highlights an ultra-low deck to get you more “down to Earth” and feel the flow better. Although getting nervous and terrified are reasonable reactions, it is ideal for maintaining your composure and concentration. Such shared passion, intense moments and emotions bring riders together in a close-knit community sometimes described as a family. You want wheels that are grippy yet slidable, and don’t wear out too fast with continuous sliding. … Last thing is core placement, i.e. … Always enter the corner from the outside, that is, the outer edge of the road. 80a is a great durometer for your first downhill wheel, because it gives you a nice balance of … A similar procedure applies in sliding on the surface. If you recently interested in longboarding or have been riding for quite some time now, you must have heard longboarding downhill, which is quite popular in the scene. You may also opt for a dropped platform (lower deck), which has the advantages of both topmount and drop-through. Angle your front foot slightly forward, at about a 45 degree angle. However, be aware that these offer a bit less grip in corners. This can be performed by leaning on one edge of the longboard to make a rotation either right or left. Longboard ing downhill comes with advantages and disadvantages. There are many types of freeride styles, and the line between freeride and downhill (focus on speed) is sometimes blurry. This is a highly technical challenge, some even say an art form. If you are not able to control your speed going down, it will certainly lead you immediately to the emergency room. Although the discipline requires mastering some advanced techniques, getting into it as a new rider is possible. The process involves pushing sideways the longboard across the slope of the downhill. When it really requires you to bail out, then do it. It can be compared to surfers who seek for huge waves and snowboarders shredding on steep mountains. The process involves pushing sideways the longboard across the slope of the downhill. You have to : Again, cornering is probably the most challenging and technical aspect of downhill longboarding. Before trying out how to longboard downhill, you must learn how to stop foremost. Your truck’s baseplate angle determines your lean to turn ratio, that is how much turn you get for a given amount of lean – or how much lean you need for a given amount of turn (45º degree angle gives you a ratio of 1). Do not go on very steep hills, rather start with less steep and progress gradually. Longboarders who are into downhill are in for the adrenaline. It’s a crucial skill to prevent your board from reaching dangerous speeds when longboarding downhill. For extreme sports enthusiasts, downhill is perfect for your choice. The main techniques you need to learn for this kind of cruising are mellow pushing and foot braking, and leaning for wide turns. Before getting on a hill for speed, you first need to acquire basic speed control skills on your longboard. Caliber Trucks Cal II 50° RKP Longboard Trucks: If you want quality downhill longboard trucks that … Bragging rights and a hunger for adrenaline have pushed downhill … The Atom downhill longboard deck is solid, but the trucks are truly lacking. Don’t forget to lean forward to avoid sliding out. The back trucks typically wobble, and it is ideal that the front is looser compared to the back. You can still post comments here if you want to but from now on, I'll mainly be monitoring the forum. Start at the bottom, do small runs, then go a bit higher, Check and adjust the tightness of bushing, Check for any flat spots and overall wear and tear of your wheels. With soft bushings, the trucks cannot be tightened to the point of stiffness. It’s similar to those surfers who constantly ride big ocean swells and snowboarders who like to shred unridden, steep rugged powdery mountains. You also want a bit of concave to keep your feet in place, but not too much like on a freeride board (more tricks). Yes, we need to pay the rent, … As a longboarder, however, you’ll typically go much faster than a surfer or snowboarder. You continuously use it for shaving off speed on a hill. The race road is closed off to traffic on the day of the even. Eventually, you will slow down and halt. If you cannot bail out, then try to slow down the speed. 80A is a good middle ground for you to start with – if you’re over 180lb, go for 83A, as 80A may feel slow. For bearings, you can choose inexpensive ones and add speed rings / spacers to protect them from degradation from heavy sliding. Learn more about the tucking and other longboard stances. Racing only on roads that are closed to traffic, e.g. Downhill decks need to be stiff and rigid. After the apex, move back toward the outside for exiting. Adrenaline is what longboarders are seeking for when doing the downhill ride. Make sure to avoid these areas. Check it out here. Retain the load on the front trucks to reduce the wobbles and to provide you a more favorable control of the longboard. Kneepads: when you fall it’s often on your hands and knees, so unless you prefer less padding for some reason, get heavy duty pads such as the 187 Killer pads (Amazon) – you can use them for practicing tricks on flat as well. Another attempt in braking is alternatively used; you are the heel of your foot in sliding instead of the tail. Or, you can go for more expensive bearings with integrated spacers which will last longer, such as Bones Reds built-ins. It is important to note that the dangers of longboarding downhill are increase when you opt for high traffic roads, cutting lanes, and roads with incoming automobiles. You’re on for an adventure full of bravery, good judgement, friendship and respect. Reverse kingpin trucks provide better traction at speed than traditional kingpin trucks (those are better for tricks). This is a crucial skill to acquire before striving to longboard downhill because it can prevent you from attaining the dangerous speed when doing downhill longboarding. Speed is their common denominator. Thus truck angle affects responsiveness vs stability : You can start with 50º trucks for a good balance between grip and stability, such as some reputable Caliber trucks (Amazon link). Race organizers face the challenging task of selecting the best spots, generally winding, gradually inclined roads with decent quality pavement and ideally scenic views. Mastering it can take years of practice. If you’re the serious, committed, focused type, with control over your emotions, a drive for adrenaline, and are not afraid of a steep learning curve, then downhill may be your thing.
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