Many skateboarders prefer smooth surfaces and flatlands for cruising. But there are some that like to skate uphill or downhill for added thrills and excitement.
Is it possible to skate uphill? Absolutely. Before doing so, you should know and follow several steps and guidelines. You will be able to determine your skating skills and strengths based on these factors.
How to Skateboard Uphill?
1. Skogging uphill
Skogging means pushing your board alternately with both feet, which is useful for pushing uphill.
Skogging while skateboarding uphill can be done in two ways.
a) Normal push
Using the standard push, you kick with the back of your foot while the front of your foot is on the deck.
b) Mongo Push
You can perform the mongo-push by kicking with your front foot while using the back foot on the deck.
You can longboard with endurance and strength when you master both of these techniques.
This is how your feet need to be positioned when you start off skogging.
2. Pushing uphill
A skater’s most common method of climbing uphill is pushing uphill. The process of skating on a flat surface is similar to pushing yourself forward by kicking the deck.
When practicing skating on an uphill section, this method is recommended only.
Climbing a hill gets harder as it gets higher, so stamina and strength are necessary. The following technique is for the more experienced and fit skaters.
3. Pumping uphill
Longboarding uphill also requires pumping, which is currently the best method. A zigzag pattern is used in this perfect technique to create a steady momentum.
Using this method, you place more weight on your board’s front trucks and do shorter and stronger rotations.
Pumping is the most efficient method of covering more ground with the least amount of effort. You will need to put more effort into pumping, but you will also have more control and power.
Once you have learned this method and mastered it, you will have an easier time going uphill. This can be a good exercise for the entire body.
- Your hips make short pumps and tight carvings in tight, quick pumps. On very steep surfaces, a shorter pump may be more effective than a powerful pump, which can impede speed. Try doing short, fast pumps with your foot directly above the bolt.
- Whenever you carve and pump deep and powerfully, you forcefully put the nose on your board in and push your back foot outwards.
4. Switch pushing uphill
Changing stances is part of switch pushing. You switch stances from a regular to a goofy stance and vice versa. For example, if you are standing with your right foot forward, you are in a goofy stance. However, if you have your left foot forward, you are in a regular stance.
You need more muscles to try it out, and it takes a lot of practice to master. With this method, your weight is placed better, so skates can also work out and exercise effectively. For example, whenever you switch your legs when climbing uphill, you develop the habit of balancing on the weaker side of your foot.
It is also possible to simply jump off your board and walk uphill if none of the methods discussed above appeal to you. Unlike skateboarding, it will be much faster. While walking is a good exercise, it won’t give you the skills you’ll need in the future.
Why you need to master the arm motion
If you are doing your skating in an uphill area, learning arm motions will help you. You can maintain your balance, control the board more easily, and accelerate more quickly. Making a shadow boxing motion or circling the back arm is beneficial.
Quick tips for uphill skateboarding
- Keep proper skateboarding etiquette in mind (roll to the right and don’t skate past those ahead of you unless you let them know).
- Maintain control of your speed. Before skating uphill, examine the condition of your board.
Walking vs pushing uphill
Regardless of your physical abilities, your ability to push uphill depends on the incline you are facing. It is a great workout to push up steeper hills but might be less efficient in effort and speed than just walking uphill.
FAQs
1. Can electric skateboards go uphill?
Ans. As a general rule, electric skateboards are capable of riding uphill but this depends on the type of board you own. You will get more motivation to do so from a more expensive brand with more features than a cheap and basic one.
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