Club 80-90 Forums

My 8 year old boy has just acquired a death plank, sorry that should read skateboard! He's right footed and I was wondering which foot he should lead with. I snowboard the with the traditional stance of left foot forward as I'm right handed, however, on his first snow board lesson, the instructor set him off Goofy. Thus, a little advice would be welcome. Thanks in advance, Mitch.

Im right footed and rode left foot forward for many years.

However, i pushed with my left foot, and kept the right foot planted over the back wheels (twisting the foot as needed). Not uncommon, i always felt far more natural like that and lets you have a massive push.

Great sport or hobby. Brilliant for balance and fitness. Plenty bruises but its all good for you eh.

Get him to stand in a relaxed stance with his feet about a foot apart. Now push his back so he goes off balance. The foot he moves first to stop himself falling over is the one that naturally goes at the front.

Ringo

ringo wrote:Get him to stand in a relaxed stance with his feet about a foot apart. Now push his back so he goes off balance. The foot he moves first to stop himself falling over is the one that naturally goes at the front.

+1

most people push with their back foot, some with their front. I've skateboarded most of my life, and still skating aged 39 (still crap though!)

Thanks guys, as it's dry today we'll be going up and down and up and down and ..............a nice smooth path this afternoon. He loved boarding and thinks will help him improve quicker next year - i'm thinking that he's probably right, Mitch.

Skate or die

Ringo

slowcoach wrote:Im right footed and rode left foot forward for many years.

However, i pushed with my left foot, and kept the right foot planted over the back wheels (twisting the foot as needed). Not uncommon, i always felt far more natural like that and lets you have a massive push.

Great sport or hobby. Brilliant for balance and fitness. Plenty bruises but its all good for you eh.

Yep, I ride like this but you are supposed to push with you back foot. you get better control with one foot on the board if that one foot is at the front (supposedly). I can't skate like that though. I really don't think it matters as long as he's happy

Jobs a good 'un, took to it like a fish to water but then again it's a lot easier than snow boarding at his age. Thanks again guys. With a gentle push from behind, it was his right foot that went forward to balance himself so I guess his gonna be a goofy!

pm dazzer on here, I've forgotten his user namer dazzer2 ? he teaches death plank old skool, old enough to know better

My little fella has been getting on rather well and learning a few 'choice' words from the older kids at the ramp park!!!!! He is having a problem steering the board due to him being a very welter weight 8 year old and the 'trucks' do appear stiff. Is it possible to ease up the lateral movement a touch to make it a little easier for him? Cheers.

Yes. Just loosen the bolt at the centre of the trucks. Don't loosen it much though.

My daughter is 4 and I'm thinking she's still a bit young for a board. It's that or I just remember how many cuts and bruises I got when I learnt!

Ringo

Thanks for that, I was hoping this was the case and i appreciate that over loosening them will cause him to just wobble like a t 25 on the motorway at 81 mph!!!!