If you're a longboarder, then you know that one of the best parts about riding is the feeling of carving through turns. But what if your turns could be even sharper? With a few simple tweaks, you can make your longboard turn sharper and enjoy an even smoother ride.
Here's how:
Check your trucks – if they're loose, they won't turn as well
If you longboard, one of the most important things to look out for is truck tightness. If your trucks are too loose, your longboard won't be as responsive and it'll be harder to make turns.
Checking your truck tightness is a simple process that can go a long way in improving the performance of your longboard.
All you have to do is hold onto the edge of the tail end and lift your longboard off ground by an inch or two with both hands. If it appears wobbly, then you need to tighten those trucks until they feel firm and snug - not too tight or too loose. Once checked and tightened if needed, you'll be able to longboard with ease and improve control with every turn.
Try different wheels – softer wheels grip the road better and make turning easier
If you're finding it difficult to take corners on your skateboard, why not try shorter wheelbases and softer wheels?
Shorter wheelbases make turning easier, and softer longboard wheels grip the pavement better - allowing you to keep greater control while riding.
Harder wheels tend to slide on uneven surfaces, but with softer wheels, your turns will be smooth and effortless.
So if you're new to skateboarding or perhaps looking for a bit of an upgrade, why not give shorter wheelbases and softer wheels a try? It would certainly make your turning smoother than ever before.
Adjust your stance – a wider stance will give you more stability while turning
When longboarding, it's important to have a good stance - the right being one that provides you with maximum stability.
Try widening your longboard stance as this will help you turn more easily and increase your balance when performing tricks or navigating tricky terrain. Having too narrow of a stance will make it harder for you to stay steady and make turning more difficult.
Keep in mind that even the slightest adjustments to your longboarding stance can go a long way toward improving the effectiveness of your ride!
Picture credit: https://longboardbrand.com
Lean into your turns – body weight is key when it comes to making sharp turns
Leaning into turns is one of the most important aspects when it comes to longboarding.
When leaning, you're using your body weight as a counterbalance which helps you turn sharply without losing balance or control.
By properly leaning and shifting your weight, you can glide through many turns like an expert!
Experiment with leaning into small and large turns to get used to this technique, so that the next time your longboard takes you around the corner, it will feel like nothing!
Check your bushings - replace them if worn
If you're a longboarding enthusiast, worn bushings can make all the difference in your turning ability.
Checking your bushings regularly is always a good idea, especially if you feel like your board isn't responding to turning as well as it used to.
New bushings may be just what you need to get back to loving the cruise down the street. It's easy enough to do - take a look at how worn they are and replace them if needed - so why not do a quick assessment next time?
Consider swapping for two round-shaped bushings. Round bushings will help you turn sharper than step or flat shapes.
Conclusion
Sharp turns are a part of skating, but they don't have to be a struggle. By following these tips, you can make sharp turns easier and improve your overall skating experience. Give these tactics a try the next time you're out on your board and see for yourself how much easier it is to make those tight corners.
