We share 5 simple steps to pick up waveboarding!
What exactly is waveboarding?
It's a newer concept with unusual looking boards that run on two wheels.
While popular with kids, it's not necessarily limited to any particular age group!
So why take up waveboarding?
What if you already know how to skateboard, for instance?
Well, waveboarding is different from skateboarding, as you can self-propel wherever you want without having to put your foot on the floor.
It's also more maneuverable in small areas so you could even practice at home!
In this article, we will teach you how to start waveboarding if you've never tried it before.
1. A waveboard, of course!
2. Skate helmet
3. Covered shoes (flat-soled skate shoes, ideally)
Before starting, you need to first find out what stance you're most comfortable with.
If you put your left foot in front, with your right foot behind doing most of the work, you're a Regular. Goofy is the opposite.
Typically, right-handed people also tend to have a dominant right foot so they would ride with their left foot in front.
However, this is not always the case, so at the start, it's good to experiment with both stances to see which one suits you.
Once you're comfortable with a particular stance, stick with it throughout the rest of the session.
Alright, so you've found the right stance for you!
The next step is to step onto the board and practice gliding, or rolling.
Step on the board with your front foot, push off gently with your back foot, and stand on the board. Let the board roll forward in a straight line.
At this point, you will not get very far, perhaps a few feet, before the board gets wobbly and you're forced to dismount.
Fret not, the point of this exercise is just to get used to the sensation of being on the waveboard while moving.
Keep doing this until you're able to glide comfortably for at least 10 feet before dismounting.
If you have a friend to hold your hand and run alongside – even better!
Now that you're comfortable standing on a moving waveboard, you should try propelling yourself forward.
Push off as usual, but this time, rock your back foot back and forth as if stepping on car brakes repeatedly.
This will accelerate your movement and propel you forward at a greater speed.
Should you start to slow down to the point where you feel unstable, simply wiggle your back foot to gain some speed.
As you pick up speed and travel greater distances, you might want to learn how to turn or steer your waveboard.
This will be done by pressing the front part of the waveboard down in the direction you want to go.
If for instance, you want to steer right, and your right foot is the foot in front, press down with the heel of your right foot.
You will also want to counterbalance by pressing down with the toes on your left foot.
This will bring your board into a right turn.
The harder you press, the sharper the turn.
Now that you can turn, you'll also want to learn how to stop.
This is very easy – simply let the board slow down, and press down with your toes on both feet right before coming to a full stop.
Let the edge of the board rest on the ground – the board is designed to rest at a 45-degree angle, with a grip that will ensure your feet don't slide off.
You can also hop off the board once you're at a speed that's slow enough to do so.
Wb120 beginner waveboard - $40
Get started on balance and synchronisation with this beginner-friendly waveboard!
Wb500 intermediate waveboard - $70
Looking for 360° pivoting? This beginner to intermediate level waveboard is for you!
Life's short, so enjoy the ride while it lasts!
