How to Pump on a Longboard
If you can ride in different positions, like standard, goofy, or the often-overlooked “mongo,” you’ll know how helpful it is to switch sides when one of your legs gets tired. But if you can’t, you may have to continue until you get where you’re going.
But did you know that there is a trick How to Pump on a Longboard You may use to save energy in your legs while also adding a little flare and spice to your longboard Pumping activities? The term “pumping” refers to this technique.
What Is Longboard Pumping?
Pumping Longboard is a technique used to generate speed without pushing. It is often used on Downhill sections of roads where riders can reach high speeds. To pump, riders use their weight to compress the deck of the board and then release it, using the momentum to push themselves forward.
Although reasonably simple to learn, How to Pump on a Longboard requires repetition to become proficient. The key is to find a balance between pushing down on the board and releasing it at the right time.
Start by practicing on small hills and flat sections of the road until you get the hang of it. Then you can start trying it on steeper slopes.
One thing to keep in mind when How to Pump on a Longboard is that you need to be smooth and consistent with your motions.
Sudden changes in direction or speed can throw you off balance and cause you to crash. So start slowly initially and avoid pushing yourself too hard too quickly.
Why Longboard Pumping?
Pumping is an essential skill for any longboard. It not only enables you to maintain your pace but also gives an excellent opportunity for physical exercise.
Pumping can be done on any type of terrain, making it a versatile skill to have. Here are some of the benefits of pumping:
- Pumping requires minimal equipment. All you need is a longboard and a good pair of shoes.
- Pumping is a great workout. It not only tones your legs but also raises your heart rate and causes you to start sweating.
- Pumping can be done on any type of terrain. Whether you’re cruising down a hill or just skating around your neighborhood, pumping will help you maintain your speed.
- Pumping is a great way to show off your skills. There is no experience that can compare to the elation of landing a flawless pump and showing it off to your pals.
Longboard Pumping Setup
- Your board
- Wheels
- Trucks
- Bearings
Your board
You may want to consider a board with a bit of flex to it. The board should be stiff enough so that it doesn’t flex too much when you put weight on the tail.
However, if you are just beginning, you don’t need to bother about obtaining a pumping-specific board since any standard longboard will perform the job just fine.
Just be careful to consider the weight of the individual riding the board. Weight and height may have a substantial impact on how much the board bends.
Wheels
You can use the same wheels as you would for regular longboarding. Just keep in mind that Longboard pumping can be a lot tougher on your wheels than cruising is, so it’s a good idea to check them regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Trucks
The majority of trucks are suitable for Longboard pumping, with only a few exceptions. For example, RKP (reverse kingpin) trucks are not recommended for pumping as they’re not very maneuverable.
Bearings
Bearings are pretty much maintenance-free, so there’s no need to replace them when you start pumping.
How to Pump on a Longboard Surfing?
Below are the easy steps to perform Longboard Pumping:
Step 1:
Find a flat, smooth surface to pump on. A good place to start is a driveway or sidewalk.
Step 2:
Position your longboard so that the nose is pointed away from you and put it in front of you.
Step 3:
Put your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot in the middle of the deck.
Step 4:
Make sure your knees are bent and that you are leaning forward so that your weight is on your front foot.
Step 5:
Push down with your front foot and pull up with your back foot to create a pumping motion.
Step 6:
Transfer your weight from your front foot to your rear foot and vice versa as you pump.
Step 7:
Continue pumping until you reach your desired speed or distance.
Pushing Off and Running Starts
To push off with your back foot, place the back foot on the tail and push off as you would when cruising. You’ll find that the pumping motion is almost identical to the cruising motion.
When you want to shift to your front foot, you’ll want to do it before your back foot comes off the tail.
The moment your back foot is off the tail, there’s no longer any weight on the board, and you’ll lose traction.
When shifting to your front foot, bring it up to the nose and push off with your back foot as you would when shifting to your back foot.
Keep the pressure on the board for long-distance longboard pumping.
Basic Push-Up Shifting Technique
The push-up shifting technique is great for beginners looking to try pumping. It’s a very simple shift that doesn’t require much power.
This shifting technique is recommended for boards that are less than 35 inches long. If your board is 35 inches or longer, the scramble shifting technique is recommended.
Start Off by Shifting to The Back Foot
Bring your back foot up to the nose of the board and shift to your back foot. Then push off as you would when shifting to your back foot when cruising.
Place Your Front Foot On the Tail of the Board
Next, bring your front foot down to the tail of the board. You should place your foot in the center of the board. Avoid placing it too near to the front or the rear.
Shift to The Front Foot
Now you can shift to the front foot. Put your foot on the tail of the board, but don’t put it in the same spot as you did with your back foot. Instead, put it closer to the front of the board.
The Scramble Shifting Technique
The scramble shifting technique is recommended for boards that are 35 inches or longer. There are some people who prefer the scramble shifting technique over regular shifting.
This is because it allows you to keep both feet on the board, which is great for carving. When you shift with the scramble technique, you need to keep the weight of your body on both feet.
Basic Technique
To shift with the scramble technique, you’ll want to keep your back foot on the tail of the board and shift to your front foot.
Straddle the Board
Next, you’re going to straddle the board. To do this, you’ll want to put both of your feet in the middle of the board. Your rear foot should stay on the board’s tail while your front foot rests on the nose.
Shift Your Weight to Your Front Foot
You should put more weight on your front foot after you’re straddling the board. If you want to switch your weight to the front foot, you need to bring your back foot up to the nose of the board.
How to Pump on Longboard Fast: Tips and Tricks?
Here are some tips on how to pump a longboard:
Improve Your Fitness Level
The better your fitness level, the easier it will be how to pump on a longboard. Beginners may find that they get tired quickly when pumping, but this will improve with time and practice.
Regular exercise will help to build up your stamina and strength, making it easier to pump for longer periods of time.
Use an Effective Technique
Pumping a longboard effectively takes practice and experimentation. Some people find that using a wide stance helps them to generate more power, while others prefer a narrower stance for greater control.
Experiment with different techniques until you find something that works well for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Fast!
Beginners often make the mistake of pumping too slowly, which may cause serious damage. Not only does this make it harder to generate speed, but it also makes it more difficult to maintain balance. Once you have mastered the basics of pumping, don’t be afraid to go as fast as you can!
Conclusion
How to Pump on a Longboard is a great technique for producing tremendous speed. This technique is great for skaters who go for long distances, making skating more fun and elegant.
The best longboard constructions employ flexible decks, tall and gripping wheels, loose trucks, and small wheelbases.
You could try pumping if you want to spice up your longboarding activities or impress your buddies with a new ability.
You can learn the skill and be prepared for a new world of adventure with the correct board and a little practice.
