Moving (achieving the impossible)
The idea behind streetboarding is that forward movement is generated by moving the articulated plates in a particular way. Whats interesting about this is that it means you can ride the board along flats and uphill without ever touching the ground with your feet, wow. Some may think of this as magic or witchcraft, but the truth is that there is a whole load of science behind the nonholonomic locomotion of the streetboard.
Great, but how can I move it in this magical way? Well, traditionally students of streetboarding have been told to place both feet inwards, and then both feet outwards. Whilst this has some truth, to achieve the actual snake like movement one of your feet needs to be delayed a little. Have a look at this:
Confused? Download the how to video
Of course, which foot is delayed depends on whether you're regular or goofy. Regular riders ride with their left foot forward and goofy riders ride right foot forward.
Stopping (because you're going to have to at some point)
Stopping is often a problem for the streetboard amateur, many realise that they need to know how to stop immediately prior to a potentially fatal collision. The problem with learning how to stop is that there isn't just one way to stop. There is the obvious bail, although a bail on a streetboard is much the same as a bail on a snowboard, in that it doesn't really exist. Unless of course, you don't have bindings. Which, by the way, all serious streetboards should have.
The first real method of stopping is to make increasingly large turns, or carves, so that you almost come back on yourself. You'll find that the sharpness of your carve is proportional to how much you slow down. One major point to remember is to lean into the curve. So for example, if you're regular and turning left, then you need to lean backwards.
Secondly you can slide or skid to a stop. This is normally the prefered method of stopping for streetboarders because not only does it look cool, but is arguably the most effective method of stopping. The idea is to make a single carve that allows your back foot to skid and eventually stop in a direction perpendicular to the original direction of travel. The method is to start a sharp carve and place more of your weight on your front foot (meaning that it is easier to slide your back foot). You'll want to then push your back foot forward, turning it in a bit, such that your wheels are skidding at an angle 90° to the direction they should be facing to roll.
- Which board should I buy?
- The board you buy really depends on your personal preference. What you shouldn't do however, is base your decision entirely on looks. The big board companies generally make two types of board, an amateur and professional board. Amateur boards are usually not as strong, have a shorter stance, and are not designed for such a wide variety of tricks as professional boards are. However, amateur boards are usually cheaper and more suitable for younger, shorter or beginner riders. Conversely, professional boards are stronger, have a wider stance and are designed and built to take the abuse that professional riders can demand from the board.
