What Is Longboard Pumping? Guide For Beginners
Longboard pumping is a technique that allows longboarders to increase their board’s speed. It involves generating momentum through body movements and weight shifting. Longboarders can increase speed by using their body movements to create momentum.
Importance Of Pumping In Longboarding
Pumping is an essential skill for longboarders. It is a useful way to gain speed without the need for constant pushing with your feet.
This can be especially beneficial in downhill or freestyle riding. Where riders need to maintain their momentum.
The Basics of Longboard Pumping
When you are first getting started with longboard pumping. It is important to understand the basics before attempting to do so on your own.
Maintaining A Good Posture While Riding
The most important aspect of this technique is maintaining a good posture while riding. You should be in an upright position with your feet planted on the deck. Your hands grip the edges of the board for extra stability.
Practicing Longboard Pumping
Once you have a basic understanding of the technique. It is important to begin practicing it. This will help you become more comfortable with the movements. And timing needed for successful longboard pumping.
Safety Considerations When Longboard Pumping
Even though longboard pumping is a great way to increase your speed. It is important to remember that safety should always be your number one priority.
Be sure to wear protective gear. Such as a helmet and wrist guards to reduce the risk of injury while practicing this technique.
Proper Timing And Rhythm
Once you have mastered the basics of longboard pumping. It is important to focus on developing the proper timing and rhythm. The key here is to use your body weight to generate momentum and keep your board moving forward.
How pumping generates speed without pushing
The basic concept behind this technique is to use your body weight and movements. To generate momentum that will push the board forward without having to push with your feet.
When you lean your body one way. Your weight will shift and create a force that pushes the board in the opposite direction.
Importance Of Proper Body Positioning And Weight Transfer
The technique of longboard pumping relies on proper body positioning and weight transfer. You must be aware of your posture and the positioning of your feet to use this method to generate speed.
Longboard Setup For Pumping
The setup of your longboard is also an important factor. It should be set up with the right amount of flex for your weight. So that you can transfer your body weight and generate momentum.
A. Suitable Longboard Types For Pumping
The best type of longboard for pumping is one that has plenty of flex and a large platform. This will make it easier to generate speed with your body movements.
Drop-throughs are also popular among longboarders who use this technique. They provide more stability and control while riding at high speeds.
B. Choosing The Right Trucks And Wheels
Trucks should be flexible enough to allow for a smooth weight transfer. Wheels should have a good grip and the right amount of slide so that they can move along with your body movements.
C. Deck Features And Flex For Effective Pumping
The flex of your board should also take into consideration when longboard pumping. The deck should be flexible enough to absorb the impact of your weight.
But stiff enough so that it does not bend too much and cause a loss of control. The deck features such as concave can help improve the efficiency of this technique.
Longboard Pumping Drills for Beginners
Once you have a good understanding of the basics. It is important to practice and develop your skills with longboard pumping drills. These drills can help improve your timing, and control when using this technique.
A. Practice Leaning In Each Direction On Flat Pavement
The first drill that beginners should do is to practice leaning from side to side on flat pavement. This will help you become familiar with the feeling of transferring your weight. It gains speed without having to push with your feet.
B. Practice Carving Uphill
The second drill involves practicing longboard pumping while carving up a hill. This will help you learn how to maintain momentum and increase your speed while going uphill.
C. Pumping On The Flats
The third drill involves practicing longboard pumping on flat terrain. This will help you become comfortable with the movements. And timing necessary for successful pump turns.
Performing Longboard Pumping Drills for Better Performance
On your own, you should consider incorporating longboard pumping drills into your routine. These drills will help you develop the necessary muscles required for successful pumping.
FAQs
A: It’s recommended that you practice at least twice a week to be able to master this technique. Yet, the more often you practice, the faster you will develop your skills.
A: It is important to always wear a helmet and other protective gear. Such as knee pads and elbow pads when practicing this technique. This will help reduce the risk of injury if you were to fall while performing longboard pumping.
A: The best type of board for longboard pumping is one with plenty of flex and a large platform such as a drop-through or top mount. This type of board will provide more stability and control. While you are practicing this technique.
A: You should choose trucks that are flexible enough to allow for a smooth weight transfer. While wheels should have a good grip and the right amount of slide. This will make it easier to generate speed with your body movements.
A: The flex of your board and other features such as concave and rocker should also take into consideration.
Final Thought
Longboard pumping is a great way to increase your speed without the need for extra energy expenditure. It does take some time and practice to perfect, but with patience and dedication, it can achieve. Be sure to always practice in a safe environment. Wear protective gear such as a helmet and wrist guards when attempting this technique. With the right knowledge and practice, you can become a master of longboard pumping in no time!
