« "New Scientist" says Obama will win. I love science. | Main | This progressive feels fine about Obama's debate performance »

October 04, 2012

Comments

Hey, except for the little 'chick down' coming out from under your helmet, you look pretty good! Have you tried going down your driveway yet?

Frank, I have a minor (well, a major) problem with stopping. Meaning, I can't. Not on a steep'ish downhill. These damn skateboards don't have brakes!

Dragging a foot, or a Big Stick, works OK for stopping on a slight incline. But more than that, and you need to know how to slide in one fashion or another by twisting the board sideways so the wheels skid rather than roll.

Someday I hope to learn how to do this. Stand-up sliding, along with a "speed check" (basically a short slide, then continuing on) are my dream techniques to learn. Until then, I'll stick to level and mild uphills/downhills.

@Brian

Practice stopping by dragging your foot. Pivot so your whole body is facing forward, bend slightly at the knee of the leg you keep on the board and plant your foot firmly on the ground. Applying more pressure to slow down more, and vis versa. It takes a bit of getting used to. But its the easiest and safest way to stop. I downhill race and can slow down with foot breaking even when I'm going 60 MPH! As usual, practice makes perfect and good luck!

Trevor, thanks for the tips. Before I got into land paddling with a Big Stick on my longboard, I was more comfortable with foot dragging, even though I wasn't very good at it.

Now that I don't push with my foot any more, it feels strange to take a foot off the board to stop. Also, disconcerting at any sort of speed. I realize this must sound strange to a "traditional" long boarder, since for you standing on the board with one foot is commonplace.

Since I don't go down big hills, my inability to drag my foot or slide isn't a big problem for me. I'd like to be able to stop and slow down better, but at the speeds and slopes I frequent, dragging the Big Stick or just hopping off works pretty well for me.

I might do some practicing with foot dragging, though. Seems like I could combine it with dragging the Big Stick.

inspirational guys

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Working...
Your comment could not be posted. Error type:
Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

Working...

Post a comment

Your Information

(Name is required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)

Strange Up Salem

Welcome to HinesSight

  • Salem Political Snark
    My local political rants are now made on this badass blog. Check it out. Dirty politics, outrageous actions, sleaze, backroom deals — we’re on it. 

  • Twitter with me
    Join Twitter and follow my tweets about whatever.
  • Church of the Churchless
    Visit my other weblog, Church of the Churchless, where the gospel of spiritual independence is preached.

  • Welcome to HinesSight. If this is your first visit, click on "About this site--start here" in the Categories section below.