If you’re a newcomer to the skating world, you may not be familiar with the many longboarding disciplines.
You may wonder why experienced skaters can achieve both tricks and speed simultaneously. It’s thanks to the freeride longboarding style.
What is freeride longboarding? If you are curious, it’s best to look at this post to learn more about this style. Let’s scroll down!
What Is Freeride Longboarding?
Here is the basic knowledge you should learn about freeriding in longboarding to master this sport. Let’s check it out!
Overview
Freeriding, like downhill, is among the most common longboarding techniques, and the two go together in specific ways.
It has its origins in street skating, which encourages riders to travel freely wherever they want.
Sliding, tailwhips, early grabs, manuals, tech sliding, slight downhill, and flip tricks are the most popular freeriding techniques.
Unlike downhill racers who want to reach maximum speed, free-riders are interested in performing spins, slides, and many other technical tricks.
So, freeride longboarding requires different skills than other longboarding techniques.
If you are a newbie longboarder, this riding style is a great way to learn how to control speed while skating quicker than on level terrain.
How Is It Different From Other Longboarding?
In many ways, freeriding longboarding differs from other types of longboarding. Here’s how freeriding compares to other styles of longboarding:
Downhill
The main goal of this technique is to gain speed on your board and move over different surfaces.
On the other hand, freeriding is distinct in that the primary goal is to move and turn at a modest speed.
It’s about having fun freeriding downhill on the board at a 30 – 40 mph moderate speed.
Cruising
It’s close to freeride, popular among enthusiasts who love low-speed foot pushing.
People fascinated with transportation should consider using the freeride approach. Relaxing to freeride riding is another word for it.
Carving
Another essential technique used on straight roads and downhill is carving.
As you take a quick curve on the board or change your position, it’s about controlling speed.
On the other hand, you should only perform the freeride downhill at an extremely slow pace.
Dancing
Dancing entails performing various actions on a larger board while retaining a high level of complexity.
You must maintain your body posture while rotating the back at various angles.
It’s not only about sliding on the board but balancing the body posture from every angle.
It is, without a doubt, distinct from freeride riding, in which you slide while maintaining your body posture on the board.
Freestyle
Instead of sliding at fast speeds, freestyle focuses on tricks and spins.
The difference between this technique and freeride is that straight roads or trails are preferable in freestyle.
However, freeride is skiing on hills, mountains, and other challenging terrains.
What Are Common Types Of Freeride Longboarding Slides?
The fundamental objective of free-riders is to slide smoothly. Let’s look at the common types of this technique and determine your favorite.
180 Slide
The most fantastic method to improve your freeride skills is to do a 180 slide.
The critical movement is to flip at 90 degrees and then push back the scope at the same angle when performing this technique.
Coleman Slide
Most people are unfamiliar with this style of a slide.
When performing this technique, you put your hands on the pavement when extremely close to the roadways while turning.
It commonly occurs when drifting at a 90-degree angle. Keep in mind that this slide requires the use of gloves.
Stand Up Slide
The easiest way to transition from longboarding to freeriding is to use a stand-up sliding.
You may perform this technique by sliding your body in the other direction while pushing out your longboard sideways.
It aids in the improvement of your motions and supports your look in this direction.
Speed Check
A speed check style is always essential for all riders, whether you’re doing it for fun or actual competition.
Push your longboard forward with your heel and backward with your toes. It facilitates the turning and usage of slides.
Sit Down Check
It’s similar to the Coleman slide. The distinction is that you do not contact the pavement surface with your hands.
Because you’re too close to the longboard, your movement looks like you sit on the roadway.
Drifting
Drifting happens when you combine stand-up and regular riding.
When you perform in a normal posture, you are preparing to drive and move around a corner.
Furthermore, having a good riding stance will assist you in making a proper spin.
Pendulum
If you’ve mastered 180 slides, you can try the pendulum. A person places his hand on the longboard and moves it at a 90-degree angle over his torso.
Then, suddenly, he moves his body 180 degrees in the other direction. If you are looking for how to slide on your board, you can watch this video:
What To Consider Before Buying A Freeride Longboard?
If you plan to buy a board for freeride, keep reading! Below are some considerations and elements to consider when buying a freeride longboard.
Trucks
The truck gear is crucial since it controls the longboard’s pressure. It keeps a person’s balance and flow rates on the board.
Thus, it should be lengthy and broad enough to allow you to do your chores in a distinct and organized manner.
Deck Shape
A board can assist in riding and spinning at numerous angles if the deck form is excellent and sturdy.
Longboards come in various shapes and sizes, including longer, broader, and hybrid models.
It’s advisable to go for a combination that allows you a lot of maneuverability.
Wheels
Longboard wheels for freeride should be robust enough to offer you a firm hold on your board.
The weight and size of the wheel significantly impact how well you can longboard.
Bearing
The weight, size, and wheels of a longboard are all crucial considerations, but bearing is also essential. It determines the longboard’s full speed.
How To Stay Safe While Freeriding Longboarding?
If your first time practice this riding technique, check strategies to keep you safe when freeriding on your longboard:
Wear Helmet
If you’re a newbie longboarder, who wants to get to the next level, ensure you’re wearing a helmet.
Even if it strikes the ground, a helmet protects your head. Therefore, it prevents you from trauma or long-term injuries.
Use Knee Pads
When doing Coleman slides, it’s common to strike the knees on the pavement.
Knee pads will be the most effective solution in this instance since it protects your knees from wounds and injuries.
Use Elbow Pads
When riding a longboard, it’s critical to have some protective gear on hand in case you fall.
Elbow pads will help prevent the arms from injury and keep the bones from breaking.
Use Hip Pads
It is common to have unexpected downfalls while skating. Hip pads might help you avoid injury.
Use Eyeshields
Eyeshields are protective gears to keep your eyes from direct sunlight, dirt, and dust, which causes tears in your eyes.
Use Slide Gloves
Many skaters brake with their hands to make their fast sliding more straightforward and controllable. So, they are must-have items for free riders.
Use Spine Protectors
Longboarders might lose balance and control when skating down hills and mountains, causing a fall on their backs.
This equipment is better suited to people with more outstanding expertise and undertaking more challenging tricks.
Use Grip Soles
Braking or pushing will gradually ruin your footwear. Thus, grip soles are the best way to protect your shoes and prolong their lifespan.
Wrapping Up
After reading this article, have you got a complete answer to the question: What is freeride longboarding?
To sum up, it is one of the most popular riding techniques in longboarding. It refers to downhill driving at a slow to modest speed.
Hopefully, this post will be helpful for you. If you have any further questions, feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading!
