Mountainboarding is an exhilarating and challenging sport that is a combination of snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. It involves riding a board down a dirt track or hill, and performing tricks and stunts while doing so. If you're new to mountainboarding, it can be intimidating to try out new tricks. But with the right guidance, you can easily master the basics and progress onto more advanced moves. In this article, we'll take a look at five essential mountainboard tricks every beginner should learn.
1. Carving
The first trick you should learn is carving. This involves turning your board from side to side while riding at a steady pace. Carving is important because it allows you to maintain control over your speed and direction while descending down a hill. To carve, shift your weight from one foot to the other while simultaneously tilting your board in the direction you want to go. Start slowly and practice until you're comfortable with the motion.
2. Jumps
Jumps are an essential element of mountainboarding, and they're also one of the most fun! To jump, ride at a moderate speed towards the jump and crouch down as you approach. Spring up off the jump lip as your front foot leaves the edge, and straighten your legs to get some height. As you approach the ground, bend your legs to cushion the impact and maintain control of your board.
3. Grinds
A grind is a trick where you slide your board along an obstacle, such as a rail or ledge. Grinds can take some time to master, but they're a great way to add some style to your riding. To grind, approach the obstacle at an angle and ollie onto it. Pivot your board so that the trucks are sliding along the obstacle, and use your body weight to maintain your balance. Once you're ready to finish, pop off the obstacle and land back on your board.
4. 180 Spin
The 180 spin is a basic mountainboard trick that involves spinning your board halfway around in mid-air. To perform a 180 spin, approach a small jump at a moderate speed and crouch down as you approach. As your front foot leaves the edge of the jump, turn your body in the opposite direction of the spin and start rotating your board. Use your arms and shoulders to help you spin, and make sure to spot your landing before you touch down.
5. Board Grab
A board grab is a simple trick that involves grabbing your board while you're in the air. This trick is easy to learn and is a great way to add some style to your riding. To perform a board grab, approach a jump at a moderate speed and crouch down as you approach. As you leave the jump, reach down and grab your board with one hand while keeping your feet firmly planted on the board. Make sure to release the grab before you land.
Mountainboarding can be a challenging sport to master, but it's also one of the most exhilarating. With these five essential mountainboard tricks in your arsenal, you'll be able to progress quickly and add some style to your riding. Remember to always wear safety gear, practice in a controlled environment, and have fun!