Longboard lessons?

[samhandwich]

Hi there. I live in Fort Lee, NJ (close to Manhattan). I've never been on a skateboard before and would like to learn how to longboard. Any suggestions for where I could get some lessons?

Thanks!

[wardlarson]

earthwing has a skate session in brooklyn every friday night, you could go check it out and ask for some pointers. also bustin has some rides going on sometimes but i dont know specifics

from Earthwing's site:

[As always, we are out ripping apart Prospect Park in Brooklyn every Friday night. Bring your slide gloves, cones, whatever helps you get your rad on. Take the f train to 15th street, enter the park, and head to your right down the loop to the warzone. As long as it's not raining, we will be there. Any skater is welcome, with any kind of skateboard, the stranger the better. Earthwing 347-623-3421]

[Pat S]

Step one: put one foot on the board.
step two: put the other foot on the board.
step three: ride.

As ward said: come out to prospect park on a friday night, its a really good time, everybody is welcome to come out and join in on the fun. check the thread at the top called NYC Earthwing RIP for more info.

Happy skating!

[Nwallins]

I'd suggest to first get your hands on a board, cheaply. Either buy a used one or maybe look at an entry-level Sector 9 board. Also check out local skate shops.

Next, get comfortable with it. Find a tennis court or parking lot and ride around as best you can. Push off with your back foot and try turning, etc.

You pretty much need to get to a minimum level of competency on your own. If you can't, this may not be the sport for you.

After that, you can look at making some connections in the community and asking for tips, suggestions, or lessons / coaching, depending on the direction you want to take.

Get yourself a board first. There is no way to know what is the right one for you, at this point. Your evaluation of your first board is the first step in determining your direction and the board for you. Just take the plunge on something that is attractive to you.

I lucked out and got a roommate with a longboard. He rarely rides it, so I have basically taken it over for a few months, and I have my first order in -- KrackedSkulls.com

[Wells]

Pad up in a parking lot and learn to roll around; then hit Prospect Park. If you really need in-person help with that, PM me and we'll work something out.