Are you looking to take your longboarding skills to the next level? Carving is a fundamental skill that every longboarder should master. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a carving pro.

Understanding Carving

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s first define carving. Carving is the act of smoothly transitioning from one edge to the other while turning. This technique is not only essential for maneuvering through tight turns, but it also looks cool and gives you a sense of flow and control on your board.

Body Positioning

To execute a proper carve, you need to have the correct body positioning. Here’s how:

Stance

First, find your stance. Regular stance means you have your left foot in front of the right foot, while goofy stance means you have your right foot in front of your left foot. Whichever stance you choose, make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and perpendicular to the board.

Leaning

When carving, lean your body towards the direction of your turn. This allows you to transfer your weight to the board’s edge and initiate the turn. The sharper the turn, the more you need to lean.

Techniques for Carving

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to some specific techniques to help you master carving.

S-Turns

S-turns are a great way to practice carving. Start by riding straight and then lean into a turn, as you approach the apex of your turn, start leaning in the opposite direction to initiate your next turn. This will create an S-shaped turn that will allow you to carve smoothly down the road.

Pumping

Pumping is a technique where you use your body weight to gain speed without pushing off the ground. It’s also an excellent way to keep your momentum going and increase your carving skills. To pump, lean into the turn and then shift your weight to the other side, pushing down on the board to gain momentum.

Carving on a Hill

Once you’ve mastered carving on flat terrain, it’s time to take it to the hills. Carving on a hill requires a bit more skill, as you need to control your speed while carving. Make sure you practice on a gentle slope first, and always wear protective gear.

Technique

Carving downhill requires a combination of weight distribution, body position, and turning technique. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Weight Distribution

Your weight distribution is key to maintaining control while carving downhill. Keep your weight over the front foot while turning, and then shift it to the back foot as you exit the turn.

Body Position

Your body position is also important for maintaining balance and control. Keep your shoulders level and your knees slightly bent. Look ahead and anticipate turns to maintain your balance.

Turning Technique

To make quick, tight turns while carving downhill, you want to use a technique called “pumping”. This involves bending your knees and using your body to generate momentum as you turn. As you approach a turn, shift your weight to the front foot and then pump with your back foot to turn quickly. As you exit the turn, shift your weight to the back foot and pump with your front foot to maintain speed and control.

Gear for Carving

When it comes to gear for carving, you want a longboard that is designed for cruising and carving. Look for a board with a lower center of gravity, a softer deck, and trucks that are flexible and responsive. This will help you to initiate turns more easily and create smoother carves.

• Deck

The deck is the top part of the longboard, where you place your feet. For carving, you want a deck that is soft and flexible. A softer deck will absorb vibrations and make for a more comfortable ride. Look for a deck made of materials like bamboo, maple, or fiberglass, which offer a good combination of flex and durability.

• Trucks

The trucks are the metal components that connect the wheels to the deck. For carving, you want trucks that are flexible and responsive. Look for trucks with a lower durometer rating (around 80a), which means they are softer and more flexible. This will allow you to turn more easily and create smoother carves.

• Wheels

The wheels are what make contact with the ground and determine how fast you can go. For carving, you want wheels that are on the softer side (around 78a to 82a), which will absorb vibrations and make for a smoother ride. You also want wheels that are wider and have a larger contact patch, as this will give you more grip and stability while carving.

Protective Gear

When carving with a longboard, it’s important to wear protective gear to keep yourself safe. Here are some essential pieces of protective gear to consider:

• Helmet

A helmet is the most important piece of protective gear you can wear when longboarding. Look for a helmet that is certified for skateboarding, with a hard outer shell and padding on the inside. Make sure it fits snugly on your head and doesn’t move around.

• Knee Pads

Knee pads are another essential piece of protective gear, as they protect your knees from scrapes and bruises if you fall. Look for knee pads that are made of a durable material like neoprene or hard plastic, and that have adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit.

• Wrist Guards

Wrist guards are important for protecting your wrists from injury if you fall. Look for wrist guards that are made of a durable material like neoprene or hard plastic, and that have adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit.

• Gloves

Gloves are optional but can be helpful for maintaining grip on your board while carving. Look for gloves that have a durable palm material like leather or Kevlar, and that fit snugly on your hand. You can even get spark gloves that spark when scraped against the ground.

Tips for Carving

To help you on your carving journey, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your eyes on the road ahead to anticipate any obstacles or turns
• Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with carving
• Practice on different surfaces to gain experience in different conditions
• Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards

Conclusion

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be carving like a pro in no time. Remember, carving is all about finding your flow and letting go. Practice, stay safe, and have fun!

FAQs

1. Is carving difficult to learn? Carving can take some practice to master, but with time and patience, anyone can learn how to carve.
2. What kind of longboard is best for carving? Look for a longboard that is designed for cruising and carving, with a lower center of gravity, a softer deck, and flexible, responsive trucks.
3. How fast can you go while carving? It depends on your skill level and the terrain you’re skating on.