Speed control on a longboard for beginners

If you are a beginner to longboarding, it is not always easy to properly control speeds, stop and turn with confidence. Gaining speed on a longboard and going downhill is one of the most intimidating things for many newcomers. If you are on an electric board, you might feel a bit safer with a speed control, but if you panic and forget the fundamentals it can be very easy to throw yourself off balance. Here are some speed control tips for beginners:

Running it out

Running it out is a technique that is fairly common in skateboarding. If you are on a hill or you feel as though the speeds are getting too high, try to jump off your board into a run. Jumping off the board and running to decelerate is a great way to control speeds before they get out of hand. It is not always easy to slow down after the board really takes off.

Getting a proper speed control for your electric longboard

The Lacroix speed control system is an easy speed control system for electric longboards. We use it on all of our performance models and it offers a precision level of control in electric longboarding. Proper use of a speed control can help you to maintain your speed as well as slow down when you want to. Certain electric longboards do not come with the same level of precision control and this can make the rider much more prone to going out of control or losing their ability to stay on the board easily.

Carving

It can be tough to carve an electric longboard but with some practice, a carve can be one of the most effective ways to control the speed alongside a speed controller. If you are going downhill on a board, think about carving it in a wave-like pattern. Going from heel to toe and slowing down your speed will help you to handle the hill without going straight down and reaching a high speed which can be tough for you to manage.

Foot brake

Apart from using a speed controller, you can also consider a foot braking technique. Your feet will serve as a brake at lower speeds and you can use the sole of your shoe along the pavement to slow yourself down. Try practicing on a flat surface to get the motion down and remember to wear old shoes if you are in situations where you might find yourself foot braking often like in stop-and-go traffic.

Power slide

This is another difficult move with the weight of an electric longboard but it is one of the most effective methods for stopping very quickly. Practice twisting your board around in a controlled manner using your feet. This will skid the inside of the wheels along the pavement slowing your board down quickly. If you are at a lower speed, you can also place your hand or foot on the ground and turn the board inward to perform a slide. It is usually best to wear gloves as you are practicing this type of slide.

As you master new methods for slowing down and get more practice with your speed controller, you can get more confident on your longboard. Be sure to have a plan for handling and slowing down when you need it most!