Articles by Lazar Rodriguez on ArticleSnatch.com

Don't do this while longboarding

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:31:15 -0400

1. Don't jump up and down on the board while you're moving. As a matter of fact, don't jump up and down on the board at all. Sure, it's springy and trampoline-like, but it just won't be the same when it snaps into two pieces. 2. Don't ride backwards. It's fun at first; but you'll start to pick up some speed and then things will be terrifying. Especially if you're going down a hill that's next to a cliff and there aren't any guard rails. Woo. Hoo. 3. Don't whip out your phone and start texting. One second you're telling your friend what a good time you're having, and the next second you're picking broken pieces of wood out of your body and trying to get your front teeth out of the tree you ran into. 4. While we're on the subject of phones, it's a good idea to not take your phone with you. Leave it in your car; if you fall, then your phone is likely to get broken. Well, maybe you should bring your phone just in case you have an accident. OK, so bringing your phone is optional. 5. **End Summary** Topics: longboarding]]> longboard skateboards]]> loaded longboards]]> longboards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The author loves longboarding and everything about it. He's been a passionate longboarder for a very long time now, and likes to think that he is fairly knowledgeable about longboarding. If you are trying to find a place to buy carver trucks after reading this, feel free to check out The Skateboard Shop

Downhill Longboarding For Noobs

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:48:02 -0400

Before explaining how to skate downhill, you should know that if you fall, it's not my fault! This is just a little disclaimer. You should also know that if you try any type of extreme sport, there's a possibility of getting hurt. Stay within your limits, and don't push them too hard if you're just starting out a new sport. When downhill skating, it's also important to wear your safety equipment. Get a proper helmet; your every day skatepark brainbucket just wont help you at 50 miles an hour. You may want to invest in a good leather suit, too. Of course, if you plan on keeping your speeds down, then these won't be necessary. Besides a helmet and leather suit, you'll want to invest in some slide gloves and a proper pair of shoes. When you want to slow down, you'll either need to drag your foot on the ground, or slide. Since you don't know how to slide yet, you'll probably be dragging your feet a lot. Get some good shoes. The best way to start downhill skating is to just go out and try it. **End Summary** Topics: longboarding]]> longboard skateboards]]> loaded longboards]]> longboards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The author loves longboarding and everything about longboards. He has been a hardcore longboard skater for a very long time now, and likes to think that he is quite knowledgeable about longboarding. If you're trying to find a place to buy longboards after reading this, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

Putting a longboard together

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:14:10 -0500

You will want to think about the type of longboarding you're going to be doing before you just go out and buy a longboard. If you want to go downhill as fast as possible, you'll need a high tech board, like something from sector nine or loaded longboards. If you just want to cruise the streets and do things at low speeds, then most any other board will work just fine. If you purchase a complete longboard, there isn't much this guide can tell you other than don't buy a cheap knockoff. You are probably reading for some info on piecing your own deck together, though, so we will start with the wheels. The first thing you'll need to buy if you're putting a longboard together is a good pair of wheels. Longboard wheels are usually soft. A regular skateboarder would use hard wheels, but longboarders want to feel as little of the road as possible. Soft wheels absorb a lot of the road and give the rider a nice smooth ride. Soft wheels also help the longboarder brake when they're sliding - hard wheels will just slide, while soft wheels grip the road and slow the board down. **End Summary** Topics: longboarding]]> longboard skateboards]]> loaded longboards]]> longboards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The writer loves longboarding and everything about it. He's been a hardcore longboarder for many years now, and is fairly knowledgeable about longboards. If you are looking for a place to buy loaded longboards after reading this, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

Longboard Powersliding

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:32:22 -0500

The first thing you will want to do when learning to slide is to find a place without any hills. We will start by practicing the motions. If you are on flat land, practicing the motions should be easier. If you find that you are having a tough time staying on, even on a flat surface, try moving your practice zone to a carpet or even some thick grass. Now, you are ready to practice sliding. First off, sliding is as easy as losing traction. All you have to do to slide is to get the back wheels to lose traction. From there, the front wheels lose traction and then suddenly you’re sliding. Start by watching some youtube videos on sliding. Try to mimic the stances that the pros get into and you will understand the correct way to slide. The motion is this: squat down with one knee on the board, grab the deck, and push out the back. You’re now ready to try it on a slope. Don’t forget that the very first time you attempt to slide, you will be going quite fast. You will also probably fall. This is natural – failure precedes success. **End Summary** Topics: longboarding]]> longboard skateboards]]> loaded longboards]]> longboards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The writer really likes longboarding and everything about it. He's been a hardcore longboarder for a very long time now, and is fairly knowledgeable about longboarding. If you are looking for a place to purchase loaded longboards after reading this, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

About Longboard Skateboards

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:44:16 -0500

The thing is, there are actually different types of longboard skateboards - the reasons that people love them so much differ because the boards offer different experiences. There are longboard skateboards built for skating downhill at top speed, there are cruiser decks made for going for a relaxing, fun ride, and there are carving boards made for people who like to carve the hills instead of bomb them. If you enjoy riding the hills in your neighborhood, you will probably search for longboard skateboards with a wider deck and also a wider set of trucks. You will want a longboard with these characteristics because they are what will help you maintain control over the board when you start to pick up some real speed and momentum. If you were to try and ride a hill with a longboard that was made for cruising, you might end up falling off and getting hurt. Another board people ride is the cruiser board. These longboard skateboards are much different from the other ones. First, they're shorter than a downhill board, but usually not as short as the carving board. **End Summary** Topics: longboarding]]> longboard skateboards]]> longboards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The writer enjoys longboarding and everything about longboards. He has been a hardcore longboard skateboarder for a very long time now, and likes to think that he is quite knowledgeable on the subject. If you are trying to find a place to purchase longboard skateboards after reading this, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

Skatepark Fun

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:47:31 -0500

Before doing any of this, you'll need to find a skatepark. There are plenty of them around, and you can find where they are online. If you're having trouble finding a skatepark, check out a local skateboard shop. The skateboarders there should be able to help you out. After you have found a skatepark that you can skate at, you may want to go and check it out. Survey the park before skating. This will help you plan runs and also see what you're in for. Surveying the skatepark is one of the best things you can do to help prepare yourself. The first time you go to the skatepark, you should do it early in the morning. Not super early, but early enough that you’re the only one there, or at least close to it. When you’re early you’ll be in a better position to skate. If you don’t have a skateboard for this, consider checking out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/ Since you’re early, you’ll notice that there aren’t a whole lot of people in the skatepark. You may even be the only one. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]> skateboards]]> skating]]> skateboard]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lazar Rodriguez has been a skater for quite a long time. He loves longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in between. If you're looking for an online longboard shop after reading this article, feel free to check out The Skateboard Shop.

Having fun on a skateboard

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:13:34 -0500

Before I continue, you should know that skateboarding is inherently dangerous. When you skateboard, you are taking a risk. There’s a very good chance that you’ll fall off your skateboard sooner or later. Also, before trying any of these fun things, wear your skateboarding equipment. Get a proper helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, at the very least. Safety should be your number one priority as a skateboarder. Without keeping yourself safe, you’re risking your ability to skate. Skateboards are great because they can be used almost anywhere. Indoors and outdoors, up hills, down hills, and on flat ground. They’re simple to use, too. Just hop on and go. Skateboarding is the ultimate freedom. If you already have a skateboard, but you’re getting bored of it, try building a ramp! A ramp can be as simple as a board stacked up on a couple of bricks. When I was younger, I made a ramp out of a two-by-four and a piece of plywood. Cut the two by four diagonally, and nail the plywood to it. Instant ramp! Street curbs are a classic object that skateboarders skate on. They’re almost like a wave, if you can ride them properly. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]> skateboards]]> skating]]> skateboard]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Author has been a skater for a very long period of time. He enjoys longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in between. If you're looking for an online longboard shop after reading this article, feel free to check out The Skateboard Shop.

How to Perform a Shuvit

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:50:10 -0500

The shuvit and pop shuvit are very similar tricks, the pop shuvit is done while in an ollie, and the shuvit is the same, but without an ollie in the mix. The word ‘shuvit’ comes from ‘Shove it’, as this trick is performed by shoving your board to the left or right and landing back on it. The origins of this trick are rooted in early skateboarding, probably before the ollie was invented. Since the shuvit is the easier of the two tricks, we’ll go over that one first. The shuvit is the perfect trick for novice skateboarders, because it only requires a little bit of skill and is easily pulled off without knowing how to ollie. First, position your feet on the deck. Your rear foot should be planted on the tail of the deck, with your front foot planted in the middle of the skateboard deck. From here, you’ll want to raise your front foot like you’re performing a manual, and then flick your front foot to the left or right. If you did this properly, the board should pivot and spin underneath your feet. Start with 180 shuvits at first. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]> skateboards]]> skateboard]]> skating]]> skateboard tricks]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Author has been a skateboarder for a very long period of time. He loves longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in the middle. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

Picking the Right Skateboard Deck

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:30:22 -0500

The first thing most skateboarders do when they choose a skateboard is to pick a size. The type of skating you do determines the width of the deck that you’ll need to get. If you get the wrong width deck, you may find it hard to skate on. Before reading, it’s important to know that if you have already been skating a deck and you’re used to it, then you should get something as close to that deck as possible. Getting a new deck will sometimes make landing your old tricks more difficult. It depends on how big the differences between the decks are. Street skaters will want to choose a skateboard deck that has a width of 8 inches or less. This range is the best for performing flip tricks. It allows you to stay stable when you gain a little bit of speed, but let’s you have control over the board, too. Skateboard decks under 8 inches are great for street skaters because they are more maneuverable than a wider deck. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]> skateboards]]> skating]]> skateboard]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Author has been skating for quite a long period of time. He enjoys longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in between. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, please check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

What To Wear While Skateboarding

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:59:42 -0500

We’ll start from the head and work our way down. The first thing you should be wearing is a helmet. A beanie or hat might look cool, but a helmet will protect you if you fall. A beanie or hat both have limited safety capabilities. Next up is the face. You can wear eye protection if you want, but that’s not really necessary for skateboarding. You may want to put on a pair of sunglasses if it’s a bright day, but that’s optional, too. Mouth protection is a good idea, but is optional, just like eye protection. You’re actually quite unlikely to fall on your face, just be sure that you don’t skate bigger than your skill level and you should be O.K. If you aren’t going to wear elbow pads while you’re skating, invest in a long sleeve shirt. When you fall, your elbows will thank you. A long sleeve shirt isn’t better than elbow pads, though. It’s just a quick alternative. Elbow pads are necessary if you’re wearing a short sleeve shirt because when you hit the ground, your elbows usually take the fall right after your hands hit. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]> skateboards]]> skating]]> skateboard]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Author has been a skater for quite a long period of time. He enjoys longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in between. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, please check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

Skateboard Commuting

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:17:58 -0500

First off, a skateboard is fun! Walking is pretty fun, but weaving through a crowd of people on a piece of wood strapped to wheels is seriously exhilarating. There’s nothing quite like it. A skateboard is also a green way to commute. The only thing required to get a skateboard moving is yourself. Since it requires no fuel and doesn’t pollute the environment, it’s much better than other alternatives. One downside to a skateboard is that it takes the life of a tree. This isn’t really a problem because it’s only a single tree and the board will last a very long time, but the fact that a tree was killed still upsets certain groups of people. Many skateboard companies have begun planting new trees for each one that gets chopped down for a skateboard to offset this problem. Commuting with a skateboard is also incredibly easy. There’s a small learning curve that you have to beat, but it’s well worth it. When it’s all said and done, you can just strap on a helmet and go. A lot of people like how you can ride a hill when you get tired of pushing. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]> skateboards]]> skateboard]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Author has been a skater for a very long time. He enjoys longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in the middle. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

How Do You Do a Kickflip

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:43:46 -0500

Before trying anything below, you should get your pads on. Hitting your head without a helmet on is no fun. Always wear your pads, and your helmet. I must also say this disclaimer before I continue: It’s not my fault if you get hurt while skating! You know the risks, and you should protect yourself from them by being cautious and using your safety equipment. Now that the legal mumbo jumbo is through, you’re ready to try doing a kickflip. If you haven’t already figured it out, you’ll need to be able to ollie before doing a kickflip. If you can’t already ollie, I suggest reading a tutorial online or asking a friend to teach you. It will be very difficult to perform any trick without first knowing the basic ollie, so learn up and then come back to read more. Now you’re ready to do a kickflip. Get your skateboard out, and do a few ollies to prepare yourself. Once you’re prepared, put your back foot on the tail of the deck and then place your front foot on the middle of the deck, with your heel hanging off about 3 or 4 inches. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lazar Rodriguez has been skating for a very long time. He loves longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in the middle. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

How to Perform an Ollie

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:03:00 -0500

Before teaching you how to ollie, I should explain what an ollie is. The ollie is a trick that was invented by Alan “Ollie” Gelfand, around the late 70s. The performer of the trick pops the skateboard into the air using only his or her feet. It’s a lot of fun. Now that you know the history of the ollie, your ready to perform one. Sort of. You should wear pads and a helmet before trying anything described here. Also, I’m not the one you should complain to if you get hurt and you aren’t wearing your pads. So pad up, then keep reading. Once you’ve got your pads on, you should prepare your mind and body for this new trick by doing some light stretches. The ollie is a pretty intensive trick if you’ve never done it before. It requires that your body is perfectly synchronized. Doing some stretches will help you prepare yourself. Since the ollie requires that you are perfectly synchronized, you may not be prepared to try it on pavement. The board could slip out and that would be bad. I recommend trying the ollie on some grass or soft carpet. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lazar Rodriguez has been a skater for a very long period of time. He enjoys longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in the middle. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, feel free to check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

The History of Skating

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:33:53 -0500

People have been skateboarding since the sixties and even earlier. Skateboarding really became quite popular in the nineteen-seventies, with the invention of the urethane wheel. Before the urethane wheel came about, people were skating on decks with hard, clay wheels. These original decks were made by hand. Often, the shape of a wooden deck was carved out and then a pair of rollerskates would be disassembled. The skateboarders would attach the skate wheels to the wooden board and then ride it. This was very primitive, but worked fine for what the skaters needed. {Back in the day, skaters weren’t so obsessed with doing tricks as much as they were with becoming street surfers. The skateboard was created by surfers who wanted something to do on the days that the waves were bad. The skateboard has evolved much since then.|In the olden days, skateboarders didn’t really worry about pulling off awesome tricks. The skateboard was created as a way to surf the sidewalk when the waves weren’t big enough to ride. Since these days, the skateboard has greatly evolved. During the mid-seventies, skateboarding became an icon. Many new skating companies were developed during this time. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Author has been a skater for a very long time. He loves longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in the middle. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, please check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/

Manualling for Dummies

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:46:48 -0500

First, a disclaimer. I’m not responsible for what happens to you! If you aren’t wearing your pads or a helmet and you get hurt while trying a manual, it’s not my fault. You should have been wearing your safety gear. Now that you’ve read the disclaimer, you’re ready to begin. First, be sure to put on your helmet and pads. When a new skater falls, they’re less likely to try doing a trick again. Falling can be a traumatizing experience. You’re now ready to perform your very first trick: A Manual. Manuals are great tricks because they’re so easy to pull off. If you don’t know what a manual is, it’s very similar to what a wheelie is on a bike. There is a little bit of technique required to pull off a manual. You’ll want to scoot your front foot up slightly on the deck, in order to give yourself more control. After your foot is up there, lean back ever so slightly. Don’t lean back too far, you could fall off! Now that you’re leaning back, raise your front foot up. You should see that the board raises with your foot. **End Summary** Topics: skateboarding]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lazar Rodriguez has been a skateboarder for quite a long period of time. He enjoys longboarding, trickboarding, and everything in the middle. If you're looking for an online skateboard shop after reading this article, please check out http://www.the-skateboard-shop.com/