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How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump

Trees are beautiful and certainly add a lot to landscaping. There are times, though, when you need to remove a tree. Once you have safely cut down the tree, you are left with the stump.

Tree stumps need to be removed. Your first thought may be that it is too hard and you will have to call in the experts, which can be pricey. Do not worry. Removing a tree stump is a project you can do yourself with some tools and some time. Here’s how to do it.

How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump

How To Get Rid Of A Tree Stump

Tools you will need:

  • Shovel
  • Heavy steel digging bar
  • Mattock
  • Small bow saw
  • Large bow saw
  • Ax
  • Steel toed boots
  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses

Now you are ready to remove the stump.

Steps to remove the stump

1. Start by digging around the stump with the mattock’s broad end.

2.Once you have loosened the dirt around the stump you will need to, shovel it out of your way. Be aware that you will need to clear away a lot of soil. The bigger the stump, the more dirt you will have to move.  This is an important step since it is necessary to gain access to all the roots that will need cutting.

3.Now you will take the other end of the mattock and start chopping your way through the tree roots. You can also use a small bow saws to help sever the roots as you uncover them.

4.The next step is physically intense. You will need to dig and chop your way underneath the root ball to find the taproot. For all but the smallest of trees, taproots will be a big obstacle. It will be big enough to require cutting it with an ax or the large bow saw. Clean away any excess dirt off the taproot with a wet rag before cutting.

5.Next, start to chop through the taproot with your ax or with a bow saw. You need to be sure that the area is clear of people, pets, and any other objects before you start swinging the ax. 6.Take care to aim the ax carefully so that it does not strike dirt, which just makes the blade dull. Always wear steel-toed boots when using an ax.

Other ways to remove a tree stump

If you are not physically able to remove a tree stump with an ax, etc. there is another way . Here is what you will need to remove a tree stump chemically.

Supplies needed

  • Drill and a large bit
  • Chainsaw
  • Plastic tarp
  • Mulch
  • High-nitrogen fertilizer or potassium-nitrate tree stump removal granules

Steps to remove the tree stump

1.Start by using the chain saw or bow saw to cut the stump down as close to the ground as you can. Do not let the chain saw’s teeth to hit the ground since this will dull the chain. Be sure to wear steel-toed boots for safety.

2.Next, drill holes a few inches deep into the stump in several places. Make sure to use the biggest, widest drill bit you have. The wider and deeper holes, the better.

3.Now you will fill the holes first with water, then with the fertilizer high in nitrogen or stump-remover granules.

4.You will then need to soak the ground all around the stump. Cover the stump with a plastic tarp. The tarp will help to retain the moisture in and around the stump.

5.Now put down the mulch over the plastic tarp, and water it thoroughly. The mulch will help to hold additional moisture, keeping the area even wetter. The wet mulch is also heavy, which will help keep the tarp down. You could also roll some heavy stones onto the tarp.

6.Over the next few weeks, periodically remove the mulch and tarp and apply more water and nitrogen to the stump, then cover it again. Some patience is required here, as it can still take quite some time for the stump to completely rot away. But it will be considerably faster than the decay process normally occurs in nature.

7.After several weeks the stump will become soft and spongy enough to begin breaking it apart with an ax. Whatever wood you cannot break apart, should be treated again with water and nitrogen or the granules.  After some more time, you can simply bury what remains and let it complete the decay process underground.

Other Tips

Stump Out – this method is designed to break down the wood fiber of stumps, which leaves them porous. This porous wood then absorbs kerosene. After you soak the porous wood with kerosene, you can ignite it. Once ignited, it begins to burn away.

Grinder- it is possible for you to rent a stump grinder. You can rent this piece of equipment from a garden center, usually. The grinder will remove the stump in 3-inch sections each time it passes through the stump. You must know how to safely use the grinder and be sure to wear safety gear when operating it.

Major roots– these do not have to be removed once the main body of the stump is cut from the roots and removed. The roots will generally rot away naturally over time if they are buried deep underground.

Disposal – The disposal of large tree stumps can be tricky. You should check with your town for instructions on how and where to dispose of large garden waste items.

Conclusion

Trees are an integral part of our landscape. However, there are times when you may need to remove a tree; it could be decaying, have fallen down due to weather or simply be in the way. It is not hard to cut down a tree, but after it is down you will need to remove the stump as well. There are a few different ways that you can go about this by yourself with some tools and some time. The key to DIY stump removal is to have patience. Once the tree stump is removed, you can then landscape the area as you wish.

How to Fell a Tree Against the Lean?

So, you have a tree that you want to cut, but it is leaning the opposite direction from where you want it to fall. Well, this is called back lean. Luckily for you, you are in the right place to learn how to deal with this problem. There are a few techniques that you can use to fell a tree against the lean. In this article, we are going to go over them. Read on to learn everything you need to know on how to fell a tree against the lean.

How to Fell a Tree Against the Lean

How to Fell a Tree Against the Lean

Why Fell a Tree Against the Lean

First, though you may be wondering why you would fell a tree against the lean. It is a lot easier to fell a tree with the lean, so you may not know the reason to not do it that way. Well, the main reason is if there is something in the way that the tree will land on. Trees are massive and will crush stuff if they fall on something, so sometimes the only open space for the tree to fall in an area that is against the lean. This reason is why you might have to fell a tree against the lean and why it is important to know how if you ever have to.

Method 1

There are a few methods on how you can fell a tree against the lean. We are going to start with the easiest one first and then move to harder ones. The easiest method is not the cheapest method, however. The best way to fell a tree against a lean when it comes to making it fast and easy is to use heavy machinery. You can use a tractor, or bulldozer for this method. This method is best for smaller trees, but can be used for larger ones.

For smaller trees to use heavy machinery to take them down all you have to do is drive up to the tree and push midway up. If the machine is strong enough, then you can just push the tree right over. For some trees, you might end up breaking it halfway up though where the trunk gets thinner. To prevent this you can cut a notch into the bottom on the side that you want the tree to fall. Depending on the size of the tree will dictate how big the notch has to be. This notch will make weakness and cause the tree to snap there with pushing.

The heavy equipment method may not be the best way for everyone though. That is because if you don’t have access to machines, then they can be costly. Don’t worry though, there is a way to take down a tree against the lean with just your standard power tools.

What you need

So, what exactly will you need to take down a tree with a more affordable method than heavy machines? Well, you will need a saw, some wedges, and a helper or two. Also, safety gear such as goggles, and gloves are recommended, but not must-haves.

Method 2

So, now that you know what you need to fell a tree against the lean in a more affordable method we can get into details on how to do it. To get a tree to fall in the opposite direction of the lean, you will have to support it as you cut it. You are going to make the tree straight and reverse the lean with wedges and shims. To do this you will first have to calculate how much back, lean you will have to compensate for. This math is pretty simple.

The math required is not that hard. You will stand away from the tree and use a weighted string or ax as a plumb sight up to the tree at a 90-degree angle. Then note the position on the ground where the ax or string lies. The back lean is the distance from the noted point on the ground following a line along the intended direction of fall to the apex of the planned undercut. The apex is very important because it will be the hinge as well as the pivot point for the falling tree. In other words, the weight of the tree has to go over this point before it will fall.

After determining this line you will also have to find the diameter of the stump. This is easy to find. All you have to do is measure from the front of the hinge to the back edge of the tree. In other words, measure halfway around the tree. You use the stump diameter to determine how many segments are in the tree. A segment of a tree is equal to the trunks diameter. This means if the diameter of the tree is five feet and the tree is 50 feet tall, then it will have ten segments.

The number of segments is important because the effect of moving the tree up moves the top part forward a lot more than the bottom part. Using the 50-foot tree, if you move the bottom segment up 1 inch, it will move the tree forward 1 inch, but this moves the top segment 10 inches. That is a dramatic change and makes it so even a tree with a large back, lean doesn’t have to be moved up a whole lot. To overcome a two-foot back, lean with this example, you would have to lift the tree only about two and a quarter inches. One important thing though is you can’t forget to include the width of the saw into the lift calculation. A saw is 3/8 in thick, so you have to raise the tree that additional amount with the wedge.

So, how do you use this method to fell the tree? Well, first you cut a notch into the tree at the apex or hinge. Then you cut a notch out of the backside of the tree. The backside is the side it is leaning towards. Cut discs about a ½-inch in thickness from hardwood branches for the shims. Don’t taper them as this will make them weak. Use two wedges, side by side and hammer one in so there is a gap between it and the trunk of the tree. Place a shim in this gap till it is tight. Then drive the shim in by pounding the wedge. This will either fell the tree or cause the other wedge to come loose. If the wedge comes loose before the tree falls, then add a bigger shim in. Continue this process until gravity takes over and fells the tree.

Conclusion

So, as you can see this second method for felling a tree against the lean does take more work than the first, but it is a lot more cost-effective than the first if you don’t have heavy machinery available. Big machines are nice because they can just push the tree over, but you can do it the old fashion way with physical labor. Felling a tree against the lean isn’t hard when you know what you are doing. Luckily for you, you now know what is required to fell a tree against the lean, so if you have a tree that you need to take down that is leaning the wrong way, then you can do it.

What Does Down Fill Mean?

When looking at jackets there is the style that you have to look at, but you also have to consider how warm the jacket or coat is going to keep you. Depending on the type of jacket or coat, one of the measurements for warmth is down fill power. This looks at the down content of the jacket and tries to measure how warm it will keep you.

So what does down fill Mean? In this article we will talk about what down fill is. We will also talk about what down fill means. Lastly, we will cover down fill power. This way after reading this article you will know everything you need to know about down fill and what it is. That way the next time you are picking out a coat you will be able to pick the one that is best suited to you and your needs.

What Does Down Fill Mean

What Does Down Fill Mean

What is Down

Before getting into what down fill power is, it is important to first understand what down is and why we use it. Down is a fluffy material that comes from a bird. The most common type of down used comes from ducks and geese. The down is the soft plumage or undercoat of the feathers near the belly. The more mature the bird that the down comes from the greater the loft and higher fill power. We will cover these two concepts farther down, so stick with reading this article to learn what is meant by loft and fill power.

What does Down do

Before getting into what loft and fill power is though, we are first going to look at why we use down. Down is used as a type of insulation when it comes to coats and other things. The purpose of insulation is to keep you warm or more specifically to hold heat in. You use insulation in your home to keep the hot air out in the summer and keep the warm air in during the winter. The same concept applies to down in coats and jackets. Standard thermodynamics states that heat will always move from a hotter region to a colder region to achieve equilibrium. Normally your body is the warm region and the outside air is the cold region. Down will trap your body heat and keep it in near your body.

How is it used

So, you may be wondering how down is used in a jacket. Well, during production it is formed into clusters. The clusters are formed together by crisscrossing the fibers of the down. It also develops air pockets when the clusters are formed. The pockets of air allow for the down to trap heat while also allowing the jacket to breath. Since it is so compact it down fill offers great warmth to weight ratio. It also resist damage form compression allowing you to squeeze a lot of down fill into a small space. These factors is why down is such a great insulator and why some consider it the best insulator known to man.

What is fill power

So, now that you know what down is we can move onto the key three factors that you need to know about down. They are what is down fill power, what is fill weight, and what is down to feather ratio? The first one of these that we are going to cover is what is down fill power? The fill power when it comes to jackets is a measure of the loft of the down. In simpler terms fill power describes the quality of the down. The top quality loft occurs when the down is able to expand all the way. The down fill power is a calculation that looks at how many cubic inches an ounce of down can cover at maximum loft. So that means that a down with a rating of 300 can cover 300 cubic inches per ounce. The test is done by putting the down in a cylinder and compressing it with a weight.

One important thing to remember is that the test is done differently in the United States, than it is done in Europe. This means that depending on where the coat was produced the rating will be different. The rating can range from 300-900. However, even though there is that wide range most down rates between 400 and 500. This is low quality however and the down comes from immature birds. If you want a higher quality jacket you should find one with a fill rating of at least 550. This way it will be warmer and more comfortable.

What is Fill Weight

The next idea we will look at is what is fill weight? The answer to this should be pretty simple. If fill power is volume, then fill weight is weight. In other words fill power is quality, while fill weight is quantity. The measurement is normally given in ounces, so if you find a jacket with a fill weight of 10, then there is 10 ounces of down in the jacket. The fill weight is important because it lets you know how soft the jacket will be as well as how well it will compress. These things are important because the more down a jacket has the harder it will be to stuff it into a backpack if you need too.

What is down to feather ratio

The last thing we are going to look at is what down to feather ratio is. If the name hasn’t clued you in, it is the amount of down in the product compared to feathers. The number is normally given as a fraction and can look something like 75/25. The first number represents the percentage of down, while the second represents the percentage of feathers. Normally you want to try to find a product with a higher first number. This is because it should be of better quality. That is because down is a much better insulator than feathers.

Warmth

So, now that you know what the three key factors actually means, how can you determine how warm a jacket will be? Well, this can be hard because fill power and weight can vary each other if there is a difference from one jacket to the other. Normally though more down equals more warmth. This is not always the case though if the fill power is widely different. Also, the higher the fill power the warmer it will be. For example if the weight is the same a jacket that has a fill power of 500 will be warmer than one of 300. The key is to try to find a jacket with high fill power and as much down as you need for weight.

Conclusion

So, now you know everything you need to know about what down is. You also know what down fill power is, what down weight is, and what the down to feather ratio is. The next time you are shopping with something that has you should be able to make an informed decision on what is best for your needs. Just remember that the more down the better, especially if it is top quality down.

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10 Tips For Your Solo Camping Trip

Have you ever gone camping by yourself? Most people probably haven’t because a lot of people find camping with others to be more fun. However, since you are reading this article you might be considering camping on your own. Well, in this article we are going to touch on reasons why one might want to camp by themselves.

More importantly, though we are going to look at tips to remember when going on a solo camping trip. Solo camping can be just as fun and even more enjoyable than a trip with others to some people. The important thing is to stay safe though. With these tips, you will be able to stay safe on your solo camping trip and get the best experience from it.

10 Tips For Your Solo Camping Trip

10 Tips For Your Solo Camping Trip

Why

For some, they still might be wondering why you would want to go camping on your own. They may ask, “Wouldn’t it be boring being out in the woods by yourself?” Well, for some solo camping may not be the thing for them. For others, however, it is the best way to camp. That is because on a solo camping trip you can go on your own pace. You don’t have to worry about doing things on other people’s schedules. You can do what you want, stay where you want, and take your time enjoying nature. Also, it is quite going by yourself and this can give you time to think and refocus.

Tip 1

The first key thing to do though before a solo camping trip is a plan. That is why the first and most important tip is to have a plan. This will keep you safe in case something goes wrong. It is best to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. That way you are ready if something comes up. Also, tied in with planning is letting someone know your plan. That way if you don’t come back when you say you will or they don’t hear for you, they know where to look for you at. At the least, the person should know the day you are leaving when you are coming back, and where you plan to be at each day.

Tip 2

The second tip is to have a backup device. Your cell phone may not have service where you are going, so it is a good idea to have another means of contact with you. A satellite phone works the best because then you can get calls out in an emergency. Also, since your phone might die and then the GPS locator won’t work, it is a good idea to take along a personal locator beacon. That way if something does go wrong you can be found more easily. This is especially true if you end up off the trail and not where you told the people you would be.

Tip 3

Are you need to be confident about your camping skills. You need to know the basics of sitting up a tent, building a fire, understanding weather, how to navigate, how to purify water, how to deal with injuries, and how to deal with wildlife. If you can’t do these basic things, then you might want to go camping with others a few more times before going alone. You need to be confident about your skills when solo camping. That is because you are the only one out there and you are responsible for everything. It is better to have the skills and not need them, then to need the skills and not have them.

Tip 4

This next tip ties into the previous one and that is if it is your first solo camping trip, then you should go somewhere close. That way if you run into an issue you can get ahold of someone and they can help you. It is also to really plan out your first trip in case of an emergency because the less experienced you are the more likely their is something that you can’t handle might happen. As you get more practice solo camping though you can start going farther and also going longer.

Tip 5

We just touched on tip 5 some and that goes for more than a couple nights. Even if it is your first solo trip you should try to go for three or four nights. That is because you don’t get adjusted to sleeping in a new place until you have been their a few nights. To get the full experience of a solo camping trip you need to go for longer than one or two nights. After your first few trips, you can start to go for a week or two long trips and these will really give you the stress relief that solo camping can come with.

Tip 6

This tip is going to look back at the planning stage and how important it is. The 6th tip is to make sure to pack everything you need, but also pack light. You want to have all the basics and things that you might need for an emergency with you. However, you don’t want to over pack because you are responsible to carry everything with you. You want to pack your backpack efficiently so you can enjoy hiking and have an easy camp to break down and set up. If you don’t know what all you might need, then you can look up a list of things to take when solo camping. The key things are a tent, food, fire starter and matches, a rope, a tarp, first aid things, and cloths. This is just a simple basic list though and there might be other things that you want or need.

Tip 7

When you actually get out camping you want to pick your campsite carefully. You want one that won’t hold water, has good cover, and soft ground. If you can find a solo campsite that has a ranger on duty that is even better. That is because they can check on you and you can leave a schedule with them for emergencies. The key to solo camping is being safe and being able to relax.

Tip 8

Talking about relaxing you might have to learn how to relax. When solo camping you should block out the rest of the world. Try to avoid emails and “real life” things. You are out and nature and should enjoy it. Go out and see beautiful sites and landscapes. Enjoy the animals you are seeing and the sounds you hear. Also, enjoy the smells of being away.

Tip 9

However, don’t be afraid to sleep in and relax. Your solo campout is on your time. You shouldn’t feel like you have to constantly be doing something. You don’t have to spend the whole time hiking, or doing things. You can sleep in, read, focus on meditating, and other fun things. If you enjoy photography then take pictures of all the cool things. If there is a particular picture you want, then take the time to get that picture. The joy of solo camping is being on your own schedule and doing what makes you happy.

Tip 10

Lastly, stay positive. If something goes wrong during your solo camping trip, don’t let it get you down. Unexpected things are going to happen. What makes a good solo camper is how they deal with it. The more experience you get and have the better you will get at dealing with the unexpected. Don’t let one bad thing ruin your whole trip though. Deal with the problem, understand that it is a moment, and get back to enjoying the trip. Living your life this way can make it better, but it is especially true when solo camping.

Conclusion

So, keeping these 10 tips will help you have the best solo camping trip possible. The key is to remember to plan well. This means knowing where you are going, packing everything you need, and letting others know where you will be and when. Outside of planning though it is also very important to be confident with your camping skills and know the basics such as how to set up a tent and start a fire. For your first trip, it is wise to go somewhere closer and not as long. However, you still should go longer than a couple of nights so you can get the full experience of solo camping. The joy of solo camping is being on your own time and schedule and being able to relax. With these solo camping tips, you will be able to do just that and build up to longer and more adventures solo camping trips.

How To Find Good Fishing Spots?

When fishing you have to be in the right spot at the right time to have the best chance of catching anything. It doesn’t matter how long you have your bait and rod in the water if there are no fish around. Luckily for you in this article, we will talk about the best ways to find the best fishing spots.

That way you won’t be waiting around for bites when there aren’t any fish around. We will cover the top secrets to locating the best fishing locations. This way you will be able to find the right spots fast and catch fish all day long.

How To Find Good Fishing Spots

How To Find Good Fishing Spots

Type of Fish

The first thing you need to know about is the type of fish that you are going to be fishing for. This is key because each kind of fish likes certain things and behaves in a certain way. If you know the type of fish you want to catch, then you could study their behaviors and this will help you figure out the best spots they will be located.

Key factors of finding a good spot come from knowing the kind of fish you are going after. For instance certain fish like certain temperatures of water. Also, they like certain vegetation to be around for cover. Also, some fish swim at lower or higher depths than others. All these things are key factors in finding a good spot and knowing what things the fish you are going after likes will help you find the best spot.

Research Area

This next step plays into the fish’s behavior and is very important if you haven’t been to a particular area to fish before. That is to research the area you are going to ahead of time. It is important to look up things such as the weather for the region. The weather factors in the season that the area is in and will help give you an idea of the type of temperatures to expect. By knowing these things and combining it with the fish’s behavior you will be able to locate a good potential spot faster.

Once you are at where you will be fishing the next research to do is scope out the area. Don’t just pick the very first spot you come to. Instead walk around and look to see which area looks the best. Pay attention to brush and the surrounding area. Also, try to notice the depth of the water. Lastly, see if you see any birds or other animals around. This can be an indication of if there is any baitfish in the area or not depending on what you are going for.

Use a Tool

The easy way to scout an area though is to use a special tool for the job. You can a small fish finder that you can cast out into the water from the shore. Then, you just have to open the app and read the information. The tool can measure the water temperature as well as the depth. These two things are probably the most important as it affects the kind of fish that will be in the area the most. The tool can let you know a whole lot more than that though. It can let you know if there is any vegetation under the water as well as if there is any structure on the bottom. This is important because of fish like hiding in both these things.

Lastly, the tool can even register if any fish are swimming around. This is nice because that is the easiest way to tell if it is a good spot or not. One key thing to remember when scouting spots is that it is okay to get close to the shore. While fishing you don’t want to be by the bank because that will scare the fish, but when scouting it is okay. That is because you want to be able to see everything possible. Sometimes it can actually be a benefit to get close to the bank. That is because you might scare fish out of where they are hiding. This can be useful information if you come back to that area and decide to fish there because then you will know where to cast your rod.

Pay Attention to Structure and Vegetation

This tip has already been touched on, but it is a very important one. Fish like areas where they are protected and structures and vegetation provide that. A structure is an object that a fish can get under. This means that it can be a dock, a ledge, or laydowns. A ledge is when the bank goes out over the water and allows the water to come under the land. A laydown is a log or tree that has followed into the water. Certain species really love different structures. Bass love docks and laydowns, while Walleye and Musk love ledges. Knowing what things your target species like is really important when it comes to structures.

For vegetation, there are a few in particular that are really worth targeting depending on the type of fish that you are going after. Certain species like certain things, so it is important to know what they are and if you find that kind of vegetation, then it is a good idea to fish near them. The first kind of plant to pay attention for is hydrilla. It is also called the bass magnet because bass loves it. Hydrilla is an invasive species and looks kind of like a leafy pine tree. The next thing to pay attention to are lily pads. Most people know what they look like, but if you don’t they look like giant leaves floating on the water. The last kind of plant we will mention here is hyacinth. It is free floating like a lily pad and has medium size waxy looking leaves. It is another one that is great for bass cover.

Even though we only touched on three common vegetation here there are a lot of other ones to pay attention for. This is especially true if the fish you are going after likes a certain type. Some fish don’t just use vegetation for cover, but they also use it for food. This means that if you can find the type of vegetation your target fish likes, then it is a good idea to fish by it. Fishing by vegetation is a good way for anyone new to fishing to be able to catch fish, so try to find tall grass or anything you can to fish near.

Conclusion

So, now you know some of the top secrets to find the best fishing spot. You know the best way to find the best spot is to know what your fish likes. Learn the species behavior characteristics and you will be well on your way to finding a good fishing spot. You need to learn what kind of temperature the fish likes as well as how it acts in different temperatures.

You also need to figure out the structures and vegetation it likes. Once you know these things it is easy to find a spot out on the water that matches this. The key when on location to find a good spot is to take a good walk around and look at everything. Once you have done this if you have a tool you can scan the water. If not, then pick the spot that looks the best after walking around. If you are new to fishing, then the best tip is to fish near vegetation or a structure. With these secrets and tips, you will be well on your way to catching a large fish.

How To Ride A Penny Board In The Right Way

Learning to ride anything can be hard at first. This is true for a bicycle, skateboard, and even penny boards. Luckily you are in the right place to learn the tricks and tips for riding a penny board. We will cover everything you need to know from what kind of shoes you should wear to how to stand. Then we will move into more advanced things like picking up speed and stopping. Read on to learn how to ride a penny board fast and easy. With the tips we provide you will be riding a penny board in no time, even if you don’t have any experience.

How to Ride a Penny Board

How to Ride a Penny Board

What is a Penny Board

So, before getting into how to ride a penny board we will first briefly cover what it is for those that don’t know. A penny board is in the skateboarding family. It is a board of various shapes with four wheels on it.

You can get them made out of all kinds of materials and all kinds of different ways that is too much to cover here. What you need to know though is that a penny board is just a skateboard that is shorter than a normal skateboard. Original penny boards are 22 inches, but now you can get variations on this.

Read this article if you are confusing between penny board and longboard.

How to Ride

Before going into exact detail on how to ride a penny board we are first going to provide a breakdown of what we are going to cover. That way if you are a little more advanced or have a specific question you can jump to that section. The topics about how to ride a penny board that we are going to cover are

  1. Footwear and Positioning
  2. Balancing
  3. Gaining Speed
  4. Turning
  5. Slowing and Stopping

These categories are the main things you need to know and the order that we are presenting them is the most common order to learn them. That is because you don’t need to know how to stop if you can’t get going and you don’t need to learn how to go if you can’t balance and stand on the board. So, if you are just starting out we recommend reading the article in order and then breaking it down as you practice.

Footwear and Foot Positioning

Before you ever get on your penny board you first want to make sure you are wearing the right shoes. This is because you might get hurt if you are not wearing the right shoes. The best shoes to wear are closed toe shoes that have a flat sole. Having a flat sole helps you get a good grip on the board. Shoes such as Vans or Chuck Taylors that you see a lot of skaters wear work great which is why skaters wear them. If you don’t have a flat sole shoe that is okay. A good pair or tennis shoes will work. The key is to just make sure they are closed toe.

Once you have the right shoes it is time to put your feet on the board. There is no right way when it comes to which foot is in front. It is best to just do what is comfortable for you. If the right foot is in front this is called goofy position and if the left is in front it is just called regular, but it doesn’t matter. The key when placing your feet on the board though is to have the board on a flat surface. This way it won’t start rolling when you get on. When stepping on the board take whichever foot you want in front and put it on the board near the front at an angle. Keep your other foot on the ground till you are balanced. Once balanced you can place it behind the other foot at the same angle.

To know if you have your front foot in the right spot it should be between the four screws that are holding the trucks on. Once you have been riding for a while and are experienced though you can move the foot to wherever is comfortable. The great thing about skateboarding and riding penny boards is that you can do whatever works for you. The art of riding a board is all about what is comfortable for you and for you to be one with your board. Take the best longboards will help you learning easier.

Balance

The next thing before you even start moving is to get your balance right. The most important thing when riding a penny board is the balance. You want your feet to be in line with your shoulders to help you balance. Also, to help you balance it is best to have more of your weight on your front leg. You can do this by bending your knees and leaning forward a little. This is especially true when going around corners. If you are still struggling with balance, then you might have to use your arms to help you balance, but this can be a double edge sword because using your arms can also cause you to lose balance.

Balance comes down to feet position normally though. If you are still struggling with balance and are bending your knees and keeping the weight towards the front, then you might have to reposition your feet. Since people are different heights there is no one right foot position. For some, the back foot needs to be more horizontal than the front to help it fit on the board. If you notice your feet changing position and your balance getting better, then stick with that position. The key is to just take it slow on a flat surface such as your driveway until you figure out what balance method works for you.

Gaining Speed

Once you have the balance down it is time to start gaining speed and riding around on your penny board. The way you gain speed is you push with your feet. Most people use the back foot and they lift it off the board and then place the ball of the foot down on the ground. They then do a kicking pushing motion to build speed and then place the foot back on the board to cruise. You might have to do this multiple times at first to get speed or going uphill, but once you have speed you won’t have to kick or push as much.

Some people don’t use their back foot though and instead use the front. This front foot pushing method is called gonzo. Either method of pushing and kicking is fine. Again, it just comes down to whatever is comfortable for you. You can even gain speed going around curves without kicking. This is because your body’s momentum can be converted into board speed. We will cover this in turning next.

Turning

So, we mentioned that you can gain speed turning, but the main reason for turning is important is so you don’t crash. There are two main ways to turn. The most common way is leaning and changing your body position. This way is the easiest for beginners. If you want to maintain speed though when you turn, then you will have to use the other method which is with the kicktail. We will break down kickturns first since they are harder and then explain basic leaning turns.

For a kick turn, you put your back foot on the kicktail at the end of the board. You then press down on it hard enough to lift the front wheels off the ground. You then just swivel the board around the turn. This can be hard and takes practice. The best way to practice is in a stopped position and then slowly build up speed. Once you get good at it you can start turning this way faster and faster.

Until you get good at kick turns though you should do basic turns. Basic turns are done just by leaning whichever way you want to turn. You can push your toes into the board to help you keep your balanced. If you want to turn the opposite way you are facing, then you lean back. If you want to turn the way you are facing you lean forward. The leaning method is pretty easy to get a hang of especially if you have good balance.

If you are having trouble turning, then your trucks might be too loose or too tight. At first, you probably won’t know how you like them, but as you ride you will learn what feels good for you. If your trucks are loose it will be easier to turn and if they are tight it will be harder to turn. Don’t make them too loose though because then your board won’t be stable. Don’t make them too tight however either because then you won’t be able to turn.

Stopping

So now that you have ridden and turned down the last thing to learn is how to stop. The first method of stopping which you might have found out by now is jumping off. This is not the best method because it can’t work if you are going fast. However, at slower speeds, it is an effective method. The next method that is a little more advanced is foot stop.

With foot stopping like the name implies you use your foot to stop. The foot you use is the one you push with. You take your foot and put it all the way down on the ground gently. You then just let it slide along. The friction will slowly slow you down. You don’t want to push too hard when foot stopping for a couple of reasons. One is you don’t want to damage your shoe. The other reason though of not pushing too hard if you don’t want to wreck. If you push too hard when foot stopping the board could stop suddenly sending you flying off.

If you need to stop faster than the footbrake method allows, then there is another method besides jumping off. That is stomping. With stomping, you use the same foot as you would with foot braking, but instead of dragging the foot you stomp it on the ground. You let it rest on the ground for a half a second before picking it back up and then smashing it down again. The stomping method is similar to foot braking, but it stops you faster without the risk of flying off the board.

Conclusion

So, now you know all you need to know for how to ride a penny board. You know all the tips and tricks to get you riding like an expert quickly. We covered what kind of shoes to wear and how to stand. We also covered how to balance on the board. After that, we covered on to get moving, how to turn, and most importantly how to stop. After reading this article you should be well on your way to riding a penny board. The key is that everyone starts as a beginner and you only become a master with practice. Also, remember that there is no one way to ride a penny board. The best advice is to just follow the tips here until you find a method that works for you. Without much time you will find the best way for you to ride a penny board.

How Often Should You Change Fishing Line?

When fishing one of your key tools is the fishing line. Yes, the rod is important and the hook and other things, but the fishing line is very important as well, and sometimes it gets forgotten about.

However, you shouldn’t forget about your fishing line because if it breaks when you are trying to reel in a fish, then that fish will be gone along with your hook, lure, and whatever else was on the end of your rod.

That is why it is important to change your fishing line on occasion. In this article, we will look at the question of how often you should change your fishing line.

We will look at the different factors you should consider when trying to decide if you need to change your line or not and also give you a recommendation of how frequent you should change each type of fishing line.

How often should you change Fishing Line

How often should you change Fishing Line

Factors

So, before going into each type of fishing line and how often you should change it, we will first look at some different factors that can affect how long your fishing line last. The first thing that can affect how long your line can last is how often you are using it. The more you use the fishing line, the faster it will get wear. This means you will have to change it more often, but more useful isn’t a bad thing because it means you are getting used out of it and getting to go fish which is a good thing.

Another big thing that can affect how long fishing line last is how it is stored. For example, if you store your line wet, then it will break down faster. This is because the water will react with the line and weaken it. That is why it is a good idea to dry out your line before putting the rod into storage. Also, try to store your rod out of sunlight. The reason you don’t want to store your rod in sunlight is the UV rays from the sun will break down the line. This is especially true for certain kinds of line. Proper storage can help your fishing line last longer, but improper storage can really degrade your line.

The last thing that can affect how soon you need to change your line is the type of water fished and also the type of line you have. We will go into more detail about the types of line in a second, but first depending on if you fish fresh or salt water will affect how quickly your line breaks down. Saltwater fishing will lead to you needing to change your line sooner.

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Types of line

So, now we will start going into detail of the factors of different types of line, and then we will get into recommendations of how often to change each type of line.

Some of the other factors that affect how long a line will last are the lines abrasion resistance, and line thickness.

Lines that handle abrasion better or are thicker will last longer. Also, line flexibility and stretch can affect how long a line will last, and a line that is more flexible and stretches well will last longer than a stiffer line.

So now we will look at the three main materials of line, and that is monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line. We will describe each one and then give recommendations on how often to change each type.

Monofilament Line

Monofilament line is made with one strand of nylon hence the name and is cheap to make. It is also cheap to buy just because it is cheap though doesn’t mean that it won’t last a good amount of time.

Monofilament line comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses. It also has a good stretch. The biggest weakness of the monofilament line is that it is weak to UV light. This means it is very important to store it in a dark place.

Also, it can behave differently when wet which is key to remember outside of its weakness to UV light through monofilament line and strong and resistant to abrasion.

For most people depending on their amount of use of the line, monofilament line can last a full season. It is best to spool on a new line at the beginning of every fishing season, and then you will be good to go the rest of the year.

Fluorocarbon Line

Fluorocarbon line is also one strand of line, but it is made up of fluorocarbon instead of nylon. Dont know what is fluorocarbon line and when to use it? Click this article.

Fluorocarbon is not weak to UV light which means storing it is easier, and it is even more abrasive resistance than monofilament line. This means it will last even longer than monofilament, but it also cost more.

Most people can get a few seasons out of their fluorocarbon line. It is also a heavier line which gives it more strength, but it is less stretchy so that it can snap from shocks.

Braided Line

The last kind of line is the braided line. Like the name implies it is multiple strains of a line which are wrapped together and welded or molded to form one line. It is very strong because it is multiple fibers, but it has no stretch from how it is made.

Most are resistant to UV light, but some isn’t depending on the material braided together. The biggest weakness of braided line, however, is it has poor abrasion resistance. This means if it rubs against something it can get easily damaged. Most people can still get a few seasons out of their braided line.

When to Change your fishing line?

So, how can you know when it is time to change your line?

Well, the best way to know when to change your line is by looking at the condition of the line.

If the line is frayed or has rough spots, then it is time to change it. Also, if the line looks cloudy and not clear anymore, then it is time to change it as well. This is because a cloudy look can indicate UV damage or just weakens from old age.

A tip though when it comes to changing your line is put more line on the reel then what you need. This way if the end of the line starts to go bad you can just cut it off and then retie the hook and things back on. That way you don’t have to change your line all the time completely. Then you only have to change the line when you don’t have enough line left on the rod.

Conclusion

So, the question of how often you should change your fishing line is a hard one to answer. This is because a lot of things can affect how long the line will last. The biggest thing is the type of line you have, but also how often you use the line and how it is stored are other big factors.

The simplest answer to how often you should change your fishing line is once a season, but fluorocarbon and a braided line can normally last longer than that. That is why the best answer is to change your line when you need more or when it is worn out.

You can tell if it is worn out by if the line is cloudy or fraying. If it is cut the bad part off and retire or change the line. Now you know better on how to determine when you need to change your fishing line and also a rough recommendation of how often you should change your fishing line for each type of fishing line you might be using. If you take care of your fishing line and store it properly though, it can last you for a while and longer than you might have realized, but don’t forget to take care of it because your fishing line is a key part to your fishing experience.

What Are Skateboard Bearing Spacers And Why Are They Needed?

A skateboard has a lot of parts, and one of the great things about skateboarding is that you can customize your board to make it your own. This is nice because you can create a board the suits your style of riding.

One of the components that you can add to your board is bearing spacers. Read on to learn the purpose of bearing spacers and what they do. Learn what they help prevent and the benefits to help you decide if bearing spacers are right for you.

What Are Skateboard Bearing Spacers And Why Are They Needed

What Are Skateboard Bearing Spacers And Why Are They Needed

Bearing

This article is going to go in-depth on what a bearing spacer is and what it helps prevent, but before you can understand a bearing spacer, you need to have a brief understanding of a skateboard wheel and the bearings.

In a skateboard wheel, you have the outer ring, and that is what the wheel is connected too. This outer ring spins around the inner ring.

The inner ring does not spin and is what is connected to the axel. Another name for these rings is the outer and inner race.

Inside the outer ring is a crown or cage. This is a metal piece that is used to hold the bearings in place. The bearings are little metal balls. Normally there are seven, but some wheels only use six. These balls sit between the outer and inner race and are what the outer race spins on. Lastly, there is a shield or seal that goes on the outside to help keep dirt and debris out.

How Bearings Work

Now, that you know how bearings are made up, we can look into more of how they work.

The outer race sits on the bearings, and the bearings make contact with the inner race. As the outer race spines the bearings spin with it, and since they are balls, they can move in any direction.

The point of the bearings is to prevent friction, but also make sure the outer race keeps spinning in a smooth motion. This is why you use bearing oil to oil your bearings to make sure nothing sticks. let take the best longboard for beginners if you are newbie in here.

Bearing Spacer

Sometimes things come out of alignment, and that can cause sticking. To prevent this that is where bearing spacers come in.

The bearing spacer goes between the inner race and the axel. This ensures that the inner race is aligned properly to the axel. If the inner race is aligned off, then there might be a wider space at one point between the inner and outer ring and a narrower point at another spot between these rings.

The bearing spacer makes sure space even and it does this because with a bearing spacer on the only way the inner race can go on is the proper way. If the inner race is aligned correctly, then, in turn, this will force the outer race to be aligned correctly and allow for a smoother ride.

A bearing spacer will also help when you go to tighten the axle nuts because it transfers the pressure thru the bearing and spacer and makes sure things are aligned right.

This gives you the tightest fit and reduces all the unneeded friction. The bearings will be aligned perfectly on the axle creating the fastest spin possible.

Effects of No Spacer

So, what can happen exactly if you don’t have a bearing spacer and things aren’t aligned properly? Well, the worse thing that can happen is a bearing explosion. This is like the name suggest. The bearing explodes into pieces. The rings come apart, and the balls go wherever. This can happen when riding and is a bad thing. The main time this will happen is when there are excess side loads. The side loads tend to get too much when you are in a slide and when you are in a slide you don’t want your wheel falling apart.

Another thing that can happen when you don’t have proper spacing is unneeded friction. We have talked about this a little with how your wheel might not be rolling in a uniform round motion. This will cause your wheel speed not to be able to reach its maximum. Bearing spacers help keep your wheels spinning parallel within the wheel. Another thing is your wheels could all be spinning at different rates without spacers, and this could lead to you wrecking. Chattery wheels is another similar problem, and that is when your wheels aren’t tightened all the way. You might think they are tightened down, but then the riding can jar them loose because they aren’t spaced right and aren’t tighten all the way. Chattery wheels are called this because they can make some noise and this noise comes from the wheel being loose and shaking side to side. This normally happens during sliding but can happen during riding. Outside of the noise chattery wheels will also make vibrations that can shake you off.

The last thing that not having spacers can do is make the bearings loud. The inner race can have more pressure than it is supposed too and this will cause noise. Also, if the wheel is not on perfectly parallel all the way around, then the extra space in spots can give the balls room to move around. You don’t want the balls inside the bearings moving side to side you want them to be spinning, and you want them to spin the same way all the way around.

Types of Bearing Spacers

There are a couple of types of bearing spacers. The first is the pre-installed spacers. Some boards now are coming with half spacers and speed rings built in. These are nice because it makes charing wheels easy and it is fewer parts for you to have to deal with. The downside is that they only work with wheels designed to work with them and if you want to change to a different type of wheel, then it might not be compatible.

The other type is aftermarket spacers. These are nice because you can find any spacer to work with any wheel. The downside is that it is more parts you have to install yourself and if you like changing the style of wheels, then you might have to change the spacers too. Bearing spacers are not one size fit all. They come in a variety of sizes and are measured by axel diameter and spacer width. You have to find a pair of spacers that meets both your requirements. The first number is the diameter of the axel and the second number is the overall width of bearing. This is important to remember when shopping, so you get the right ones that will work with your board.

Conclusion

Bearing spacers help prevent a lot of bad things. The noise that they stop is nice, but they also reduce the chance of wrecking from wheels that are not installed right. They prevent wheel shaking and bearings exploding. This makes them an important part of a skateboard and something any rider should consider. You can get bearing spacers to go with any set of wheels, and you will see improvement in wheel speed when installing right. That is because bearing spacers make sure everything in the wheel is aligned right and allows the outer race to spin freely around the inner race. This reduces friction and makes for a faster and safer ride

What Kind Of Wood Are Longboards Made From?

Longboards can be made out of a variety of different kinds of material and as time has gone on the preference to what type of material to use has changed.

Some of this is due to technology because specific materials that are available now weren’t always available or not widely available.

What your deck is made of is one of the significant factors that affect the cost, but the material doesn’t just change that.

What Kind Of Wood Are Longboards Made From

What Kind Of Wood Are Longboards Made From

The other big thing that the material concerns are the weight of the board. The conventional materials for longboard decks are wood, bamboo, and carbon fiber or a composite material.

This article is just going to focus on the wood materials though, as there are enough options with only those to fill up an article.

What Kinds Of Woods Are Used For Longboards?

Two main kinds of wood are used, and those are birch and maple. Then there is also bamboo which some people consider wood even though it is technically a grass, but we will discuss it here as well.

The wood can also be used in two forms. You can use a solid piece of the wood, or you can use plywood. Plywood is thin veneer pieces of the wood glued together and the thickness can number of layers can vary.

The advantages of using a solid piece of wood are that it is stronger and you don’t have to worry about the glue that holds the plywood together coming apart.

The downside to a solid piece of wood is that it cost more and also is heavier. This is why most people opt for plywood ranging in some lawyers from 5ply to 12ply usually.

The plywood also has a bit of flex, which is good where a solid piece is too strong, and flexing can lead to the board breaking.

Maple

Now that you know the three basic types of wood and the forms you can choose between a solid piece of plywood, we will take a look at the qualities of each specific model.

Maple wood is a hardwood and is heavy and sturdy. The decks made of these are most often used for downhill riding.

Depending on the shape and style of board, maple boards can pick up a lot of speed. Freestyle riders also like them.

Since maple is a dense wood the board is ordinarily 5ply-10ply and they usually alternate bamboo between the layers. This alternating helps cut down on the weight because an all maple board would be cumbersome.

The advantage to a maple board is that it will last for a long time. Also, you can do slides without any rattling or vibrations going thru the board because it is strong.

The downside is maple is massive which some people may not like. This is especially true if you are using your board for cruising and have to carry it some because even with the bamboo layers, maple is still more substantial than other options.

Bamboo

How To Choose The Right Type Of Longboard Of Perfect Shape And Style

How To Choose The Right Type Of Longboard Of Perfect Shape And Style

Next, we will take a look at boards made from solely bamboo.

These boards are light and typically consist of 5ply to 9ply. Even though they are light, they still have decent strength, but because bamboo is more of a grass than a wood board made of it offer a lot of flex.

This flex makes it great for absorbing bumps and rough ground. This makes this options an excellent option for cruising because the ride will be even smoother than a cruiser board made of another material.

Also, the lightweight is excellent for a cruiser because when you have to carry it, it isn’t a big deal.

Bamboo boards are also great for low-speed riding and recommend for that.

If you ride one at too high of a speed, you are likely to get wobble which can cause wrecks.

This is why if you want to do downhill riding you should look into another board material option. Lastly, though bamboo boards are excellent for turns.

The flex allows you to lean more in-depth into the corner and that helps make it crisper. So for casual cruiser or freestyle riders bamboo is a great option.

Birch

The reason we saved birch for last is that it is a hybrid type option.

It has some of the qualities of both maple and bamboo. The conditions it gets from maple are the strength and weight, but it gets the flex of bamboo. It is an in-between board material.

Normally boards made of birch use 9ply to 12ply. The reason that it is so high is you need a lot of it to get it stable and sturdy like maple.

Birch is more flexible than bamboo when it is in single layers. Also, birch is usually the cheapest option. Some people even make their maple boards at home because it is easy to work with using basic hand tools.

Since birch has a mix of qualities between maple and bamboo, it can be used for pretty much any type of riding.

The flex that it offers help it absorb bumps and take turns easily like a bamboo board so that you can use a birch board as a cruiser.

The extra strength though from all the layers makes it have some weight to it as well though so you can use it as a downhill board as well.

Depending on how you are going to use your birch board, you can set it up with wheels and trucks that compliment that type of riding. That makes birch boards very versatile.

Which Material For Your Board?

The material you pick for your best longboards depends on what you are going to be using it for the most and also your riding style. The best way to find out which material you like is to try out all three kinds of wood. One of them will feel right to you and met your needs,

Conclusion

The thing to remember when picking out a wood longboard is the strength flex you need, and the riding you will be doing. Maple, birch, and bamboo all have good qualities about them and bad. The key is to maximize the good and minimize the bad with how you use your longboard.

What Is Different Between Skateboards Vs Longboards?

Whether you like it or not, skateboarding and longboarding have something in common and they also have something distinct to each other.

While the debate lingers on about the difference between the two exciting outdoor active sports, skateboards and longboards are both types of recreational equipment that still rule skate parks and the streets.

With enthusiasts and avid users increasing every day at a tremendous rate, anybody is free to express their desire in exploring the streets and any other terrain riding these exciting boards

What Is Different Between Skateboards Vs Longboards

What Is Different Between Skateboards Vs Longboards

 

Interesting facts about skateboards and longboards

Skateboarding became popular in the 1950s among the young surfers of California who want something to do when “the waves were flat”. Using a skateboard (also called shortboard), riders can do tricks and dangerous maneuvers which become more elaborate as years went by.

The longboard, on the other hand, became more popular in the early 1960s which experts believed originated in Hawaii in the United States.

Surfers on this island state wanted to take their surfing hobby on land “when the waves were too small to surf”.

Modern longboards (also called surfboards) come in various sizes (definitely has wider deck than a skateboard) and with larger wheels which can reach speeds exceeding 50mph for some riders.

In this article, you will be able to determine the distinctions between a skateboard and a longboard as we present to you some of their differences. In this instance, first-time practitioners of this extreme sport may choose between getting a longboard or a skateboard to hone their skills.

How skateboard and longboard differ from each other?

For an untrained eye, looking at a skateboard and a longboard at the same time may find the two boards very similar. But the truth is, they have considerable differences which prospective hobbyists might contemplate before deciding on what to buy.

Here are 6 of the most noticeable distinctions between a skateboard and a longboard which you might only know now:

Shape

Since a longboard is a particular type of skateboard, it comes in various shapes. Longboards may be shaped like a flat nose, as pintails, a water surfboard or a longer skateboard.

Unlike curving ends like a shortboard, a longboard has two narrow strips at every tip which makes the board easily balanced and make cruising effortless.

On the other hand, a skateboard has unique shape which usually curved outwards on each tip. These curves make the board easily flipped and enhanced its ability to perform other tricks; such as varial kickflips and heelflips, grinds, ollies, and backside and frontside pop-shove-it, among other maneuvers.

Size

A skateboard has a smaller length than a longboard. The latter varies from 35 to 60 inches long while the former typically has a length of 28 to 34 inches. A longboard has a width of 9-10 inches while a shortboard has about 7-9 inches.

How to Build Your Own Longboard

How to Build Your Own Longboard

Most riders prefer the surfboard as their initial board because it can be easily utilized for transport where balancing is easier. The wider deck of a longboard is more conducive for beginners where they can balance on easier than a skateboard.

Lightweight and cruising

Skateboards are lighter than longboards which are well-suited for rough terrains such as parks and ramps. As the longboards are designed to mimic a water surfboard, most riders used this board for downhill cruising where elaborate tricks are not required.

Shortboards are not suitable for downhill rides as their short length make the board less stable and inconvenient.

Moreover, shortboards are built for tight turns, curves, and other difficult obstacles which the longboard has a pitfall. On the contrary, a longboard may take you long distances cruising across town or within the city in smooth sailing.

Tricks

Using a skateboard, a rider can flip, roll, barrel through hard objects, slide down stairs, ramps, grinding on curbs and rails, and do other difficult tricks that a longboard can’t do. Some of these tricks might be done on a longboard depending on the skills of the rider, but the execution is slow and awkward compared to using a shortboard. The bigger wheels of a surfboard make it more difficult to do maneuvers which a skateboard can easily do.

Wheels and trucks

While skateboards are built and designed to do tricks, the longboard is outlined for a more comfortable cruise and the significant flexibility to go tighter and larger turns easily. Longboards have softer and bigger wheels (and looser trucks) compared to shortboards, that is why they are more stable when you hit cracks, crevices, and other obstacles along the road. Longboards are also perfect for downhill cruising which a skateboard has a difficulty to do.

The smaller wheels of skateboards make it more adaptable to perform various tricks aside from having different tip shape than a longboard. Having smaller wheels and shorter board make the skateboard ideal for grinding, in doing ollies, and other tricks at the skate park.

Thrusting and Pumping

In skateboarding, one foot is used to move the board off the pavement for thrust which is not possible for the best longboards when cruising downhill on high-speed. The longboard is built instead to “pump” the device by sliding the weight of the rider across the board back and forth. However, techniques such as “gyrating” and “power-turning” can propel a longboard to move without a foot touching the ground.

Got it?

Skateboard vs longboard, now you know how they differ from each other, you can decide what type you should buy to pursue your longtime aspiration. While longboards are primarily designed to “surf” on land, so does the skateboard but with a different twist. Two things are sure about these two boards: a different feel and a different style with a varying desire to make life more exciting!

Health Benefits of Skateboards and Longboards

1. Skateboarding

Burn calories

Who knew that burning calories could be that enjoyable? Despite of being a thrilling sport it even helps you to maintain a slim – fit body. Skateboarding just for 30 minutes can burn you up to 350 calories. This sport is worth adding to your daily schedule.

Relieves stress

You might be wondering how this can relieve stress? Well, skateboarding is one of those sports which need your attention to do the tricks, so you just can’t keep any other thoughts and stuff in your mind while practicing this sport. It gives your over thinking a break and makes your mind and body feel fresh. And other thing is it makes you more confident about yourself.

Works as Internet De-addiction

Day by day the use of technology is increasing which is making us humans stick to all those screens, whether it’s laptop or TV. We are so much into the technology that we don’t even know what’s happening around the world. So sticking onto this amazing sport will push you outdoors and make you core active and energetic. And will eventually, make you forget about your virtual world.

2. Longboarding

Muscle building

Exercise is something you need to spare time for but in today’s busy lives it is partially not possible. But you don’t have to worry about all that if you know longboarding; you can simply switch on to Longboards instead of other vehicles to go to your schools, colleges and workplace. It will automatically accomplish you exercising. It helps in muscle building making them more stretchable giving your body better flexibility.

Decreases your cholesterol level

Having cholesterol more than required is the major problem faced by different age groups across the world. Every 3 out of 5 people have high cholesterol which is dangerous for one’s health. That fatty deposits under your skin and nerves can give you heart stroke and can even choke you veins as it decreases the space for flow of blood. Longboarding is one such sport which will burn your unwanted fat deposits causing you sweats in relatively less time.

Building strength

Longboarding is also beneficial in building strength of your body. This sport uses the maximum parts of your body including your spinal cord, arms and legs which makes your body more flexible and strong. Doing it daily will boost your stamina providing you more energy for everyday tasks. In short it’s a complete gym.

Do’s and Don’ts skateboarding and longboarding

how to clean a longboard

how to clean a longboard

Do’s

  1. Practice long enough to ride with traffic, follow all the street signs and also stop when it’s red light. It’s suitable for decent traffic.
  2. Always be alert; pay more attention while taking U – turns as you can bump into someone’s car’s gate if not paid attention.
  3. Always ride with groups as people will pay more attention which will decrease the chances of accidents to a greater level.
  4. Always wear knee and elbow pads and helmets are must. It’s better to wear all these safety gadgets to avoid breaking your bones as injuries is a crucial part of sports. You can’t avoid injuries but you surely can reduce the chances of getting them.
  5. If you are a fresher I advise you to ride on streets before venturing into roads full of traffic as you need to follow all those rules and regulations which a car or bike driver follows.

Don’ts

  1. Don’t wear tight fitting clothes or shorts while practicing these sports as it will not allow your body to move and you can fall down.
  2. Don’t try to do skateboarding or longboarding barefoot, you won’t be able to make balance and the sweating can make you slip and fall leading you to dangerous injuries.
  3. Don’t ever wear headphones or earphones while skateboarding and longboarding as it can decrease your attention and you can meet with an accident eventually.
  4. Never try to take help of other vehicles by tying a rope between your boards and vehicle. You can bump into the same vehicle when applied breaks and also it will trigger the centre of gravity and your inertia will make you fall either side of the road.
  5. Don’t ever be that stupid to try these sports on steeper hills, as you will go down the hill your speed will keep increasing and it will make you lose control over the skate and longboard. This can make you stumble down the hill and will make it impossible to stop and the only way to stop is to fall getting painful injuries.

So, now u must be aware of all the major differences between these two sports. Skateboarding and longboarding is not just a sport, it can be your daily overall body exercise, your transportation solution and much more.

However, these two sports need a lot of practice and skills to be mastered. Nothing comes overnight, you need to practice a lot to master this art, after all “practice makes a man perfect”.

Make sure that you always keep a water bottle with you while practicing them as it is really important to stay hydrated during such sports.

You must have an energy giving meal right after doing skateboarding or longboarding, as your body need energy after burning out so much of calories.

Don’t ever try this sport on the running road if you are a fresher, you might meet with a dangerous accident which can even lead to death as on a road full of vehicles it’s hard to locate a single person, so it is very important to learn all the rules and tricks to stop and take turns in this sport.

It is one of the most desirable sports of this generation.

Whether adults or the teens they both are equally in love with it. You will witness more number of skateboarders and Longboarders in the future as the thrilling sport is taking its turns to various destinations making people fan of it.

Then what are you waiting for? Just get body and mind ready and start mending your way to the thrilling world of skateboarding and longboarding. You will never look back to the boring indoor video games and you will become healthier, fitter and active than before.

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