Starting on the right foot

Just because we live on the east coast shore, does not mean everyone follows the stereotypes of water sports, and coastal fun. In fact, if you’re a longboarder in this area consider yourself very lucky. The Monmouth county coast is home to the highest elevations on the entire east coast. A glorious mix and variety of hills are within short proximity and completely at your personal use. Whether you love those long winding pathways, where you’re never really sure how your trucks will hold up and whether you can make the turn, or better yet what lies beyond it. Or maybe you love the thrill of the straight shot big drop hills, where you pray your trucks and deck stay connected and don’t break from the shear velocity of the run, where it feels you’re trying to ride a roller coaster. Or perhaps a moderate mix of both to enjoy the best of both worlds, this area has everything you need. All it takes is a little geographic investigation. Drive to an area you know has hills, and you’re bound to find something to catch your interests. And if you ever have trouble finding a good hill (which seems impossible to me) try asking around, there’s always that secret spot that if you’re lucky enough people will let you in on, and don’t be afraid to reveal your discoveries to others as well, a charitable deed today is a friend tomorrow.
Beginners may find it useful to start on the smaller local hills to temper their skills in preparation for some of the bigger and more complex hills this area has to offer, I myself am still far from mastering and learning about them all. The key is to stay away from these hills because if you’re not ready for them, they can be an absolute hope ender. And also remember that if you fall, the only way you’re going to get better is by picking yourself up (unless of course something is broken, then stay still and wait for ems). Practice and a greater determination with each run will only make you better, and in the long run leads to more fun and enjoyment in your longboarding experience.
As far as equipment goes, start out with a relatively longer board, so that your capacity for stability is at its maximum. Test it out on smaller straight hills first with your trucks fairly tight. This will reduce your mobility but will also help avoid the dreaded death wobbles. In the event that you do get the death wobbles, don’t panic, just try and move yourself to the edge of the road, so as to try and land on a surface that is softer then the pavement (dirt, grass, water, etc.). If you are unable however to reach a flat surface it is imperative that you ball up in order to minimize any damage to your extremities. As you progress in skill you can get shorter more maneuverable boards and keep looser trucks. Eventually you’ll have the skills to master any hill you can find within the Monmouth country region, and move on to bigger and better things.