Downhill longboarding is an extreme sport for a speed-loving person. The goal of longboarding is all about speed. Downhill skaters ride down the hills at a high velocity, usually reaching around 50 mph to 65 mph. Sometimes the speeds may go 80 mph or above. For this important reason, you should know about downhill longboarding tips. In this post, we are going to take a deep look at the main aspects of downhill longboarding. Along with the techniques, longboarding tips will be figured out here. For having a better idea, let’s start reading the article.

As the name says, a longboard is a kind of skateboard. The only exception is in the size. It is longer and larger than the normal skateboard. A longboard is usually more durable and stable. It offers excellent traction. Downhill longboarding is designed to allow the rider to go fast when they are riding downhill. Also, the board provides the proper control you may require.

There are various kinds of downhill longboards available on the sports market. Each one will provide you with different types of advantages and disadvantages. Some designs are particularly built with specific features. Although, they might offer less control. But, you can get greater speed with these downhill longboards. Moreover, the lower height board provides excellent stability.

Techniques Of Downhill Longboarding

Tucking

Tucking is one of the first points many people consider when thinking of downhill riding. Because it is a kind of art that makes you reduce the wind resistance. Also, tucking helps to maximize downhill riding speed. The efficient position will vary according to your speed wisely. However, it takes resistance and practice to hold this for the long duration of running the downhill.

Cornering

Some prerequisite skills you have to require before riding downhill. Cornering is a basic turning skill. When you get the sharp turns with the high speed, this advanced technology will be a fundamental thing of downhill longboarding. Probably, cornering is the most challenging technical aspect of the entire riding. It takes more regular practice for mastering the art. With patience, you will be able to do it.

Sliding

Sliding is another fundamental technique of downhill riding. The longboarders slide to control their speed and trajectory. Sliding will allow you to make a turn with more speed without them sliding out. By crouching down, you can slide most securely and effectively at a higher riding speed. Besides, you need to put your hand down on the surface for more stability and leverage.

Always remember, weight should be distributed properly into the hand. For performing these slides, you should use the best sliding gloves. Some slides like the stand-up ones are perfect for learning at a lower speed level. Often, they are used for freeriding at medium speeds. Nevertheless, if we talk about high-speed riding, they may bring risks.

Carving

Carving is a vital skill in the downhill. You have to continuously use it to shave off the speed. Advanced skills in carving at high-speed help to deal with the speed wobbles. Experienced riders can successfully reduce wobbles just by moving the weight into the front truck. Also, they relax their muscles to do this. Even if you are a beginner downhill rider, you can effectively perform it.

Drafting

Drafting is a specific technique for racing which will involve riding directly behind other riders. You do it at a high speed while using them to reduce the air resistance. Like a windbreaker, it increases your speed. Indeed, drafting is a unique technique of downhill longboarding. In this informative section, the main skills and techniques are outlined briefly. Other downhill longboarding tips will be discussed later in today’s post.

Downhill Longboarding: How To Do

Firstly, you just need to pick up the best downhill longboard from the sports market. Your longboard should allow you to control it easily. But, you require regular practice on how to start and stop. As longboarding downhill would lead you to a high speed. Practice taking the back of your foot from the longboard to slide it to the ground.

Your longboard should be set up properly as well. You need to reduce wobbling as much as possible. These wobbles start in the longboard back area. Thus, the back trucks have to be tighter to provide stability. While the front trucks could be loosened to get greater control. Also, you should not tighten the back trucks very much.

Still, you can turn the board easily. Nevertheless, you should practice more and more. We would prefer to perform gentler slopes at the beginning. Besides, crouch down on the knees without crouching very low. Surely, it will reduce wobbling. Besides, your legs need to be loose enough. You can keep the weight over your front trucks for minimizing the wobbling.

Remember Few Facts

Downhill speeds can reach around 50 to 70 mph. This speed will be affected by the hill slope, the board and skating ability. For a beginner, go with the drop-down board. It will offer a lower gravity center because your deck is near the surface. For this stability, you are not likely to wobble and topple.

There are lots of good skateboards you can find for newbies. Get one according to your needs. When you want to improve your skills, you should prefer a top mount designed longboard. It gives you an exciting but fast ride that can be handled simply. After reading today’s downhill longboarding post, hopefully, you will find the best one.

Wrapping Up

With determination, downhill longboarding can be done efficiently. Indeed, this sport can provide you with an adventure that is full of good judgment and bravery. It increases respect and friendship towards others. We have discussed with you downhill longboarding tips. But, you should always remember, accidents can happen when going downhill. So, the riders must wear proper protective gear. That’s all for today. We hope you are having a good time with the article.

Happy downhill longboarding!

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