First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Hey Fishers,
So I’ll be getting my first longboard in a couple weeks for Christmas. The only problem is that I live in Missouri and I won’t be able to get much, if any, time in outside as we have ice and snow and a nasty salt/cinder mix on our streets that would not be good to longboard in for any number of reasons.
I know many of you may snowboard or ski in the winter, but those are not options for me around here.
So my question is, what can I do to get me ready for the streets by riding in my basement? Again, I’m a “noob”, so it would helpful to know what kinds of basic skills/moves I could be working on mastering so when the spring thaw comes, I can spend my time riding and as opposed to just getting started. (BTW, the one thing I already have on my list to learn is footbreaking. Any tips on this would be helpful.)
FYI, my basement is about 45’-48’ long and there is a 10’ wide section that is fairly open and would be easy to ride in. Also, I will be getting a Flex 3 Vanguard with 10” Gullwing Chargers with either 78 or 81 Gumballs if anyone is interested.
Thanks for any tips you can give me to hone some skills and avoid cabin fever!
__________________
"I want to live like a hungry man eats." —Wendell Berry
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Go to loadedboards.com and look at all the trick tips videos, also, whoisadamcolton for more vids and tips. A2(squared) Media on the loaded site has a bunch of good stuff. i would try cross stepping, maybe g-turns, could practice riding switch or normal, shove-its, anything that can be done low speed.
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
yeah, build 1/4's on both ends of that basement of yours... endless riding.
I ski and snowboard occasionally, but it can be hard to find the time to go enough to keep the stoke up. Just keep thinking about spring...
__________________
Go skate and stop worrying.
~#### I Ride~
DH Setup - Dregs Race, Bombers, Orangatangs
Some other skateboards.
Luge - Roger Bros. Pegless, 83mm Amber Flys, Z-Rollers
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuros
yeah, build 1/4's on both ends of that basement of yours... endless riding.
I ski and snowboard occasionally, but it can be hard to find the time to go enough to keep the stoke up. Just keep thinking about spring...
A mini ramp, huh? Will this be good for me even if I am going to be the craving, cruising type of rider? Thanks for the help!
__________________
"I want to live like a hungry man eats." —Wendell Berry
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Miniramps make you work on kickturns, switch riding, ollies, and manuals among others. All of these skills will take your longboarding game to the next level come spring.
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Quote:
Originally Posted by BFich
Miniramps are sick, won't work with a vanguard though.
Why wouldn't it work?
__________________
Go skate and stop worrying.
~#### I Ride~
DH Setup - Dregs Race, Bombers, Orangatangs
Some other skateboards.
Luge - Roger Bros. Pegless, 83mm Amber Flys, Z-Rollers
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Cruise,
I may be way TOO basic here, and if so disregard, but from my perspective if you are really just starting, then the best thing you can do initially is learn to push with each foot, and learn to steer your board both regular and goofy footed (Left and Right foot forward respectively).
Balance and steering are critical to keeping skin on and scabs off your various body parts. And also key to foot braking! You need to have great one footed balance to be able to push and brake effectively. And I'm not talking 'just don't fall over' balance, but the ability to subtley shift your weight in order to steer balance.
After you've got that wired, you can practice the stuff the other guys are talking about.
Re: First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwinTown Skater
Cruise,
I may be way TOO basic here, and if so disregard, but from my perspective if you are really just starting, then the best thing you can do initially is learn to push with each foot, and learn to steer your board both regular and goofy footed (Left and Right foot forward respectively).
Balance and steering are critical to keeping skin on and scabs off your various body parts. And also key to foot braking! You need to have great one footed balance to be able to push and brake effectively. And I'm not talking 'just don't fall over' balance, but the ability to subtley shift your weight in order to steer balance.
After you've got that wired, you can practice the stuff the other guys are talking about.
No, you are not being too basic. I am 34 and haven't skated since the late 80's and what I rode does not come close to a longboard, especially a Vanguard. So, in a sense, I am starting from square one.
Any tips on how to master these is appreciated!
...And for those who suggested the mini ramp I have to say I wouldn't have thought of that. What kind of longboard would work with that. As I say in the thread title, FIRST LONGBOARD... I know I want more than one!
__________________
"I want to live like a hungry man eats." —Wendell Berry
First Longboard + Winter in Midwest = Stuck riding in my basement
