Longboarding: How to survive the spills

Is a longboard just a fancy skateboard?  No.  How is it different?  More about that later.  Over the past few years, longboarding has skyrocketed in popularity at Northwestern.  “Four years ago, there were maybe three longboards on campus—now there are so many,” said senior Justin Jansen.  Two well-known longboarders, seniors Jansen and Dan Laird, gave some insight into the process and perks of this fast-growing sport for any newcomers.
So why longboarding over skateboarding?  What’s the difference anyway?  Unlike skateboards, longboards are available in different sizes, from skateboard-size to seven feet tall: “Every board is different; even the same sizes have different decks; they all have a different feel,” explained senior Dan Laird.  The other difference is the size of the wheels.“Longboards have bigger wheels and a wider wheel base, which absorbs shock better and makes riding more enjoyable,” said Jansen.  Due to this structural difference, “longboards are faster and can take rougher terrain,” said Laird.
So how do you do it?  The first step is finding your riding style.  This means determining your lead foot, which will stay on the board while you kick.  Jansen calls the two riding styles “goofy,” right foot as lead, or “regular,” left foot.
First, Jansen advises you to “practice riding without the kicking part; find your balance on a gentle slope.”  Or, if starting on a slope is too much, Laird suggests “starting on a relatively smooth area, like a parking lot” and having someone push you “so you can feel how to move on the board.”  After you get comfortable, add in the kicking part.  Laird advises turning your lead foot parallel with the board to start.  Then lift your back foot and push off from the ground.  “When you start to move, resituate your feet so that you are sideways on the board.”
Turning is a matter of shifting your weight by putting pressure on your toes or your heels.  “Make sure you learn to turn by some grass, because you will fall,” said Jansen.
As far as stopping goes, he suggests jumping off or riding into the grass.  Laird added two more options for more experienced longboarders.  Either do a slow stop by sliding your foot on the ground to create friction, or stomp repeatedly with your back foot: “It’s kind of awkward, but it works,” said Laird.
Jansen offered these final words of wisdom: “You’re going to crash.  It’s bound to happen—just get up and keep going, just like daddy taught you.”