Skateboarding is an unusual sport that requires the appropriate equipment. When it comes to different purposes such as land cruising, downhill riding or performing, you need to pick your skateboard and skating protection gears carefully.
As long as your skateboard is designed for cruising, you don’t even need to learn or practice much before enjoying riding right way.
Cruising is a popular skateboarding style
Why does the type of skateboard affect your cruising?
Types of skateboards
There are three common types of skateboards: the regular version, cruiser, and longboard. So, why and how are they different?
First, Regular Skateboards are the better choice if you want to show off your tricks. You can ride yourself up ramps, then over obstacles in the park or on the street. However, it will not be ideal when you want to go on a trip.
The second type is Cruiser Skateboards, ideal for traveling if you want to commute to your school, college or work every day. It’s also for cruising!
Thirdly, Longboards are obviously long, which is a more extended version of skateboards or cruisers. You can cruise along the street with a longboard, but you will realize this version is more appropriate for freestyling and downhill racing.
All types of skateboards have their specifications that satisfy a wide range of purposes. Although they share similar components such as the deck, the wheel…, the build quality and materials are different.
The quality of the skateboard is the most important thing that you should consider because defective products often wear down so quickly, ruining your skateboarding experience and not being able to keep you safe.
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Ideal models for cruising
Both cruisers and longboards are suitable for cruising.
Due to the smaller size, a cruiser can comfy your need for commuting in a short distance. What’s more; it is portable so that you won’t get any trouble when carrying it on the bus.
The maneuverability of a cruiser helps you avoid obstacles, especially vehicles and people on the street.
The weak point is that it will become unstable if you ride on rocky hills with many slopes at a higher speed. Besides, this version limits the tricks you can do.
On the other hand, a longboard is good at curving or turning smoothly. Also, it will still be stable even if you ride it at high speeds. So, this version can also perform well for cruising around the city or on a long distance.
Purchasing the best cruisers and longboards for cruising
Knowing the experience you are searching for, and you can pick the right skateboard for cruising. It can be a cruiser or longboard. Let’s check out the best cruising skateboards to save your time.
One of the best cruiser longboard
If you select one of those skateboards short-listed as above, find it or the similar models in a nearby shop. Remember to tell them your budget as the staff will know what to do for you.
Also, it’d be better if you buy your skateboard directly from the store in person. Many boards in real life are different from the online photos.
Additionally, your need is also different from any other skaters’ need who review their experiences about skateboards. So, reviews are just for reference. You should come to stores to have a look, try on and test the board.
On the other hand, if you have no choice but online purchasing, make sure that you research enough information and reviews about the skateboard. Last but not least, you should find a store that allows you to return the product conveniently.
One more tip for you is before using your board, test it out on a rug or carpet with clean shoes. It can keep your board, the wheels and trucks clean and clear without being scratched. By this way, there will be no trouble if you want to return it.
It’s not easy to buy a great skateboard that fits you, so you should take every detail of the board into account, even the tiny parts.
With the right skateboard, your talent and skill sets will show on your road. If not, failed performances and wasted-money are the things you will get.
6 Tips For Learning Cruising With Your Skateboard
At first, even when you are a professional, pads and a helmet for skateboarding are a must. They protect you against injuries and accidents, making you more confident when learning or practicing tricks.
Tip 1: What is your most comfortable posture when being on board?
There is no exemplary posture for you to follow. In skateboarding, you have to find by yourself the position that makes you comfortable.
Let’s start laying your board on the flat and smooth ground. It’d better if you take this very first cruising on a grass, rug or even on a sandy beach.
Now, take your feet in a parallel position to the board while your shoulders are perpendicular to it.
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Tip 2: Which foot will you choose to push?
There are three types of skaters basing on the foot stance they push the board.
If you use the left foot to push the board by placing it in front of the right foot, you are a Regular.
On the other side, if the right foot is to push the board, you have the Goofy stance.
Both stances above use the back foot to push when boarding. However, if you use the front foot to do that, you will be a Mongo. This stance isn’t popular, but it’s up to you as long as you feel comfortable with it.
Have you determined your favorite pushing foot already?
Tip 3: What is the best movement for pushing?
Before cruising on a rough surface or doing humps and drops, make sure that you can manage the change of speed and practice regularly on the flat ground.
To retain the best momentum as much as possible, you should move regularly and widely.
Tip 4: How to chill while gliding along with your board
Sometimes, you might relax the way while cruising. To have more time to enjoy this fun, you should remember the fixed position that makes you comfortable.
You can move your feet to the perpendicular position to your board while your shoulders are in parallel. Then, step your pushing foot to the end of your board.
Remember that your back must be straight, your knees must be bent to remain in balance.
Tip 5: Is it easy to turn?
Yes, it is — nothing challenging to turn. After determining the direction that you will go, press your weight in front or behind your ankle.
There is one thing to consider is the trucks of the skateboard. The way they are fixed affects the amount of pressure you put on the board.
If they loosen the trucks, you can quickly press on your board. On the other hand, to turn left or right, you should lift the nose of your board, regardless of longboard or cruiser.
Tip 6: How to slow down and stop?
You will find a lot of tips to brake or stop the skateboard. However, if you are a newbie, most of them are quite hard to learn.
In that case, all things you should do is to drag your pushing foot along the ground to make your speed slower until the board stops.
If you are confident with your skills, why don’t you try the tail stop technique? To do this trick, you need to press down the back of the board, then drag the tail on the ground.
To wrap up
Remember that the cruising style requires special boards such as longboards or cruisers. You should stay alert to find the right board that meets your needs.
Although you can only show off some couples of tricks while cruising, you will experience other great things with your board along the street, around the city or on the way to school and work. You will see that the cruising style is so cool!