So you bought a Freebord, took a few spills and know you’re back here looking for guidance on what the hell you’re doing wrong. First off, don’t panic, you’re not alone. When it comes to how quickly people learn to ride a Freebord, there is a wide range of experiences. Some people seem to have an affinity for it and pick it up within a few minutes, while others (such as myself) struggle making it three feet without ending up on the ground. The time it takes may vary widely from person to person, but there are a few tips & tricks that will help speed up the process. In order to help ease the pain of learning to ride, we’ve put together a learn to ride video featuring our local pro, Mike Hoppe. Enjoy and good luck!
So I am 33, and looking for something to do fun and get outside more, never got much into skateboarding, always wanted to snowboard but not a fan of cold snow. Freebord was a perfect alternative. I watched the video 20 times, the 101, and granted I am older lol so I hurt more when I fall, but I tried and tried just standing there and sliding the back and forth movements. I sort of have those working now.
My question, in order to initiate the slide, and carving do you have to get up speed, is that why I am falling every time on the gradual slope I thought would be easy to learn on? Do I just need to commit to knowing I am going to spill, its going to hurt but I have to be going fast? I used to place hockey on roller blads and sliding to a stop took that sort of commitment, if you half assed it you went down or flipped over, is that where I am failing here. I don’t mind looking stupid, I tell my kids when I teach them to ride a bike, you are gonna fall its gonna hurt you gotta get back up. SOOOO do I need to just fall some more?
Chris,
You’ve hit the nail on the head; speed is your paradoxical friend. Additionally, while speed definitely aids in the learning process, the stakes are also higher, so pad up to help with the falls.
There’s a lil bit of psychology at play, put on the pads and soon enough you won’t wanna ride with out them. You’ll find your self pushing harder just because your pads make you feel safe enough to let go of the fear monster. Trust me im no pro, you’ve gotten farther than me I’m still at the tweeking the set up in between work phase. Shred on!
Hahaha, I want a tile in my bathroom with that quote:
“Speed is your paradoxical friend”
Justin, 2015
“Speed is your paradoxical friend.”
That’s awesome, I want that framed, on my wall!
Eric
Haha, thanks!