Imagine the rush of adrenaline as you lean into a drift, your electric skateboard responding precisely to your command. That’s the thrill we’re here to unlock in this masterclass on electric skateboarding drifting techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to brush up on your skills or a newcomer seeking to understand the basics, we have your back.
What we’ll cover:
- Electric Skateboarding Drifting Gear
- Know Your Skateboard
- Basic Electric Skateboarding Skills
- Advanced Drifting Techniques
- Safety During Drifts
- Maintenance Tips
Now, let’s jump right in and reveal the secrets of mastering the art of electric skateboarding drifting!
Essential Equipment for Electric Skateboarding Drifting
Electric skateboarding drifting involves an adrenaline-pumping mix of speed, balance, and control. But to fully enjoy this thrilling ride, certain equipment is crucial not just for performance, but safety as well.
Protective Gear
First and foremost is your personal protective equipment. This includes helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. It’s not about looking cool or trendy, it’s about ensuring your safety. Unfortunately, accidents while riding an electric skateboard do occur, so if you’re unable to prevent an unfortunate tumble, then you’ll be glad you invested in high quality safety gear.
Helmets provide protection against head injuries in case of falls or accidents. Some come equipped with visors or shields for additional eye protection. Always remember to wear a helmet before getting on your electric skateboard.
Knee pads and elbow pads help absorb the impact when you take a tumble, while wrist guards support your wrists and prevent fractures or sprains during unexpected falls. The damage from such accidents can be significantly reduced if you use these protective gear.
Brands like Boosted Boards, Exway, and Evolve offer an array of protective gear designed specifically for electric skateboard users. Quality and robustness are key factors when choosing pads and helmets.
Electric Skateboard Selection
Choosing the right electric skateboard is another crucial element of your skateboarding equipment. Different skateboards cater to different styles and forms of riding. Your choice should reflect not just your preference but also the terrain you’ll be riding on.
Remote Control
The board and remote are the heart and soul of your electric skateboarding experience. The remote controls your electric skateboard’s speed and direction while also offering valuable information like battery life and mileage. Brands like Boosted Boards offer remotes with intuitive and easy-to-use controls for a seamless ride.
Understanding Your Electric Skateboard
Understanding how your electric skateboard works is key. Let’s break down some of the essentials.
Mechanism of an Electric Skateboard
Electric skateboards are powered by a wheel hub motor housed within the wheel itself. This is connected to an axle that transfers power from the electric battery to the wheels. It’s this simple yet effective mechanism that allows your skateboard to glide effortlessly across different terrains.
Remote Control Functionality
The remote control of your skateboard is connected to the board through an insulator (electricity) that helps control the vehicle technology. Knowing how to adjust settings on your remote control and understanding how it communicates with your board is crucial in mastering your ride.
Hardware & Settings
Different boards come with different hardware and settings. Know where the battery is located, how to charge it, what the maximum speed is, and how to adjust it. Brands like Meepo offer detailed guides and tutorials on how their skateboards work and how to make the most out of their features.
Mastering Basic Electric Skateboarding Skills
Mastering basic skills is the first step towards becoming a proficient electric skateboarder.
Footedness & Stance
Determining your footedness is crucial in getting your skateboard stance right. There are two stances — regular (left foot forward) and goofy (right foot forward). Your stance will dictate how you balance on the board, steer, and brake, so ensure you choose a stance which is comfortable for you.
Turning & Braking
Understanding how to shift your weight to effectively turn the board is vital. Practicing left and right turning techniques will increase your agility on the board. Similarly, familiarizing yourself with the brake system will ensure you can slow down or stop when needed.
Falling Techniques
Falling is inevitable in board sports, but knowing how to do it safely can save you from severe injuries. Learn to roll with the fall and avoid extending your hands to break the fall since this can lead to wrist injuries.
Brands such as Riptide and Ownboard provide extensive guides and tutorials to help beginners learn these essential skills effectively.
Exploring Advanced Electric Skateboarding Drifting Techniques
Electric skateboarding drifting is not just a method to look cool, it’s also a way to showcase your ability to control your board, especially at high speeds. Let’s talk about some common advanced techniques that can be applied while riding an electric skateboard.
Nollie and Speed Wobble
A Nollie is another trick that can be performed on an electric skateboard. It requires good balance and control on the board, so learning the technique is crucial. On the other hand, speed wobble is a phenomenon that skateboarders need to avoid. It happens when the board starts to shake left and right uncontrollably while moving at high speed.
Acceleration and Throttle Techniques
Acceleration and throttle control are essential in mastering electric skateboarding drifting techniques. The throttle, for instance, helps to regulate the speed of the skateboard.
Skateboard Sliding and Carving Techniques
These are two more electric skateboarding drifting techniques that every rider should learn. Sliding is useful when you want to decrease speed quickly, while carving can add style to your ride.
Balance, Control and Foot Braking
Balance and control are two of the most important aspects of skateboarding. Without them, performing any trick or even moving on the board will be difficult. Foot braking is another crucial technique to master, as it can help you decelerate safely.
Drifting Techniques in Detail
To master the art of electric longboard drifting, you need to familiarize yourself with various drifting techniques. Here’s what you need to know:
Frontside Slide
This technique involves sliding your board sideways while you’re facing downhill. The main goal is to get your board’s rear wheels to lose traction and slide sideways.
Backside Slide
The backside slide is similar to the frontside slide but in the opposite direction. You’re sliding with your back facing downhill.
Hands Down Slide
In this technique, one or both hands touch the ground while sliding. It helps in maintaining balance during the slide.
Speed Checks
This technique helps to reduce speed during a downhill ride. By making a quick slide at a small angle, you can control your speed effectively.
Sit Down Slide, Pendulum Slide, and Ghost Ride Slide
The sit down slide involves sitting on the board while sliding, while the pendulum slide is all about swinging the board back and forth like a pendulum during a slide. Lastly, the ghost ride slide involves jumping off the board while it’s sliding – hence its spooky name!
Grip and Slip
Grip and slip are crucial aspects of controlling your ride during downhill electric skateboarding. They refer to how well your board holds onto the road surface (grip) and how easily it slides across it (slip).
Pivot Turns and Power Slides
These techniques involve shifting your weight on the board in order to turn (pivot turns), or use a combination of weight shifting and power from the electric motor to perform slides (power slides).
Pre-Drift, Coleman Slide and Stand-up Slide
Pre-drift helps in reducing speed before a turn by initiating a slide. The Coleman slide is a common hands-down slide named after its inventor, Cliff Coleman. Finally, the stand-up slide involves performing a slide while standing up on the board – no hands involved!
Tips & Tricks for Advanced Drifting
After mastering all these drifting techniques, here are some additional tips to up your game:
Toe-Side Pre-Drift
This technique involves initiating a pre-drift while your toes are closer to the edge of the board.
Heel-Side Pre-Drift
Contrary to toe-side pre-drift, heel-side pre-drift requires initiating a pre-drift while your heels are closer to the edge of the board.
With these skills under your belt, you’re well on your way to becoming an expert at electric skateboarding drifting techniques! Keep practicing, stay safe, and remember: skateboarding is all about having fun!
Choosing Skateboard Components for Better Drifting
When you’re in the market for a skateboard built for drifting, it’s essential to consider the specific components that will improve your performance. The type of wheels and trucks you choose, for example, can significantly impact how well you’re able to drift.
The Importance of Wheels
The wheels of an electric skateboard are among the most critical elements. Specifically, urethane wheels are known for their excellent grip and durability, making them a top choice for skateboarders who love to drift.
The hardness or softness of your wheels also plays a role in drifting performance. Hard wheels are typically faster and slide more easily, making them better for power slides and drifts. On the other hand, soft wheels offer more grip and control, making them safer but less ideal for drifting.
The hardness of a wheel is measured on a scale known as the durometer. A higher durometer means a harder wheel, while a lower durometer means a softer wheel. When choosing wheels for drifting, it’s about finding the perfect balance between hardness and control.
Choosing the Right Trucks
Trucks are another critical component when it comes to drifting. They connect the wheels to the deck and provide stability and control during rides. Companies like Paris Trucks Co. are known for their high-quality trucks designed specifically for performance skateboarding.
Slide Gloves and Deck Types
In addition to wheels and trucks, slide gloves provide additional support during drifting. They help with balance, making it easier to perform drifts and other tricks.
Finally, various deck types can also impact your drifting experience. Some designs offer more flexibility and control than others, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your personal style and needs.
Maintaining Safety During Electric Skateboarding Drifting
While electric skateboard drifting can be exhilarating, safety should always be a priority. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are all crucial components of safety gear when skateboarding. They help protect against injuries during falls or crashes.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always keep an eye on what’s around you when you’re skateboarding, especially if you’re drifting at high speeds.
- Know Your Limits: Pushing yourself is great for improvement, but it’s also essential to be aware of your limits to avoid unnecessary risk.
Maintaining Your Electric Skateboard for Optimal Performance
Regular maintenance is crucial if you want your electric skateboard to perform at its best consistently. Here are some general rules you should follow:
- Clean Your Skateboard Regularly: Dirt, dust, and grime can affect your skateboard’s performance over time. Make sure to clean it regularly to keep it in the best condition.
- Check Your Wheels: Keep an eye on your wheels and replace them if they wear down too much.
- Make Necessary Board Adjustments: Over time, parts of your skateboard might become loose or wear down. Regularly check your skateboard’s condition and make any necessary board adjustments.
- Look After Your Battery: For electric skateboards, battery health is vital. Make sure to charge your battery properly and avoid leaving it at low levels for prolonged periods.
Closing Thoughts
A successful electric skateboarding drifting experience begins with the right equipment. Understanding your skateboard and its components plays a significant role in enhancing your performance and ensuring your safety. It’s integral to master the basic skills before proceeding to advanced drifting techniques, which require precision and control. Some handy tips and tricks can further refine your skills, while choosing the right components, such as the type of wheels, can enhance your drifting ability. Safety is paramount in every thrilling ride, so equip yourself well before attempting any stunts.
In conclusion, when it comes to electric skateboard drifting, choosing the right components is crucial, while following safety precautions ensures a fun and injury-free experience. Happy drifting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety gear should I wear while attempting electric skateboard drifting techniques?
Safety should be your utmost priority while attempting electric skateboard drifting techniques. Protective gear including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and suitable footwear should be worn to minimize the risk of injury.
How can I prevent speed wobbles while performing downhill drifting?
To prevent speed wobbles while performing downhill drifting, you should maintain a low center of gravity by bending your knees. Also, keeping more weight on the front foot can help maintain stability.
Can I perform drifting techniques on any electric skateboard?
Not all electric skateboards are suitable for performing drifting techniques. A board with a flexible deck and trucks that turn easily is recommended for optimal drifting.
What type of wheels should I choose for better drifting?
For better drifting, wheels with a hard durometer rating are recommended. They provide less grip which helps in executing drifts more easily.
How often should I perform maintenance on my electric skateboard?
The frequency of maintenance on your electric skateboard can depend on how often and intensely you use it. However, as a general rule, thorough checks and any necessary maintenance should be performed every few weeks to ensure optimal performance.
