Long boarding is a sport that is gaining popularity very quickly. The longer board and the ability to get going at very high speeds make this form of "land surfing" a very unique experience.
If you have been interested in longboarding but you have not mustered the courage to go out and try it, now is the time. With more and more longboarders entering the skating scene, you will have a lot of support and there are many experienced riders to learn from.
Watching the experienced riders ride is always a treat. Seeing their new moves and innovative tricks gives longboarding a very unique feel.
When you first learn to longboard you will want to learn how to skog. Skogging is the combination of skating and jogging.
When you are running or jogging there is no distinction between left or right legs to stay balanced. This same phenomena occurs when you are rollerskating or rollerblading.
You just simple point your body forward and swing your legs from your hips. You develop a similar movement when you skog.
Many long distance riders utilize skogging out of necessity. The leg you are standing on the board with and the leg you are pushing yourself forward with will need to alternate if you are riding for a long amount of time.
Even if you are only going a short distance, skogging can turn a simple skate session into a fun cardio work out. There are not many other sports out there that can give you a cardio experience that is fun and addicting.
When you are first learning to switch legs it is important that you start on flatland. You begin by working at standing on one leg.
You need to be able to stand on one leg and gently bend at the knee and waist while imagining rolling. Make sure you can do this on both legs.
It is mandatory that every beginner can balanced on the board. You should be at least able to stand stationary on one leg while making twisting motions and gently bending at the knee.
Next, take your board and set it on the carpet. Make sure that if you fall the board is not going to shoot out and damage something or hurt you.
Now, go through the same visualizations as in step one. Do not roll.
It may take days or a week for you to get comfortable enough with feeling your balance evenly. Knowing that you can balance on the board with only one leg at a time is crucial to being able to do this exercise.
The next step is to find a surface that will not allow your board to roll at its full capacity. A golf green or a carpet are ideal for this step.
Once you have found the proper surface, you must then begin to push with both legs for 10-20ft. Alternate and feel the required balance as if you were on a smooth surface.
Practice on the restrictive surface for a few hours a day. It is also helpful to watch others that can do this exercise so that you can understand the rhythm of the exercise when done properly.
Finally it's time to take it to the boardwalk or to the streets. You will eventually get to the point that instead of just alternating your legs, you will have the ability to glide on either leg while alternating pushing legs.
Eventually you will be able to gain speed and feel the effects of the workout. Skogging is a great alternative to jogging and running because it is so much easier on your knees.
Remember as you go out to always be conscious of your safety. Wearing elbow, knee and wrist guards along with a helmet is very highly recommended.
You will take some tumbles and some falls as you are learning to skog. Learning how to fall without hurting yourself may be very beneficial.
Look for surfaces that have minimal amounts of cracks. A crack on a boardwalk or on a sidewalk can easily throw a riders balance off and make him or her wipe out.
If you are skogging in an area with cracks it is important to pay attention to where the cracks are. When you are approaching a crack, attempt to shift weight up to "hop" over and hit the cracks at an angle.
Be very aware of the rules and regulations that are in place where you are going to skog. If you are successful in your skogging endeavors you will not ever want to go back to jogging and running.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry has been skating since he could tie his own shoes and currently loves to spend his time on longboard completes. He has written hundreds of articles about skating and longboards.
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