Skateboarding has evolved so much over the years, from street skating to vert ramps, but one of the latest trends that has taken the skating world by storm is pump track skateboarding. A pump track skateboard is a specialized type of board designed for navigating pump tracks – a continuous loop made of dirt, concrete, or wood designed with rolling hills, banked turns, and jumps. If you want to master this exhilarating discipline and take your skateboarding skills to the next level, then keep reading for all the tips and tricks you need to know.
The first step to mastering the pump track skateboard is to understand the fundamentals of pumping. Pumping is the act of using your body weight to generate momentum on the track without pushing off the ground with your feet. To pump effectively, you need to bend your knees and move your body up and down as you ride over the bumps and transitions on the track. The key is to sync your body movements with the terrain to maintain speed and flow through each section of the track.
One of the best ways to practice pumping on a pump track skateboard is to start by riding around the track at a comfortable speed and focusing on your body positioning. Keep your knees bent, stay loose, and use your arms to help balance and guide your board as you navigate the track. As you become more comfortable, try to increase your speed and experiment with pumping at different sections of the track to build up your skills and confidence.
Another important aspect of mastering the pump track skateboard is learning how to effectively carve and turn on banked curves. Carving is the act of making fluid and controlled turns by leaning your body and board into the curve while maintaining speed and momentum. To carve successfully on a pump track, you need to anticipate the curve ahead, shift your weight towards the inside of the turn, and use your board’s edges to grip the surface and carve through the corner smoothly.
When carving on a pump track skateboard, it’s important to look ahead and plan your line through the turns to maintain a fast and efficient flow. Practice carving on both left and right-handed turns to improve your balance and agility on the track. Remember to stay relaxed, keep your weight centered over your board, and use your body and arms to guide your turns as you navigate the track.
In addition to pumping and carving, mastering the pump track skateboard also involves learning how to jump and catch air on the track. Pump tracks often feature small jumps and rollers that allow skaters to launch off ramps and perform aerial tricks. To jump successfully on a pump track skateboard, you need to generate speed and pop off the lip of the jump by compressing your legs and springing upwards at the right moment.
As you approach the jump on a pump track skateboard, crouch down and prepare to launch off the ramp by extending your legs and pushing down on the tail of your board. Keep your eyes focused on the landing and use your arms to help stabilize your board in the air. Once airborne, tuck your knees up and prepare to absorb the impact as you land back on the track with a smooth and controlled motion.
Mastering the pump track skateboard requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, pump track skateboarding offers a thrilling and challenging experience that will test your skills and creativity on the board. So grab your pump track skateboard, head to the nearest track, and start shredding like a pro today!