Waveboard Riding: A Beginner's Guide
Master the art of waveboarding! This introductory guide covers the basics of riding a waveboard, often referred to as a caster board or vigorboard.
Experience a thrilling and seamless way to glide through neighbourhoods without lifting your feet off the ground. Ideal for complete beginners or those aiming to enhance their balance, this guide provides the steps to confidently maintain balance, swivel, and navigate your waveboard.
Beginning the Journey: Initial Actions
- Choose a Safe Practice Spot - Opt for a smooth, even surface like a driveway, quiet sidewalk, or empty parking area
- Utilize Safety Gear - Essential gear includes a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads
- Board Mounting - Position your dominant (back) foot on the rear platform. Follow with your front foot on the front platform. Maintain bent knees and centred weight
- Balancing - Remain at ease, engage your core muscles, and keep your eyes ahead. Small movements of the ankles and knees assist with stabilization
Twisting: Essential for Movement
- Twist to Propel - Propel yourself with a hip-rocking, side-to-side twisting action similar to hula-hooping
- Weight Shifting - Slightly lean towards the foot corresponding to your twisting direction
- Increasing Velocity - Enhance the amplitude and rhythm of your twists
- Maintain Motion - Unlike skateboards, continuous twisting is necessary for staying upright
Executing Turns and Carving
- Smooth Turns - Gently lean and twist towards the desired direction
- Abrupt Turns - Deepen your lean and enlarge the twist
- S-Curve Carving - Combine leans and twists to form smooth S-curves, akin to pavement surfing
6 Vital Tips for Waveboarding
- Prioritize balance over tricks initially, taking it slow
- Engage in regular, brief practice sessions
- Bend your knees to cushion movements
- Focus on your intended path
- Maintain relaxation—tension complicates balancing
- Avoid traffic, steep inclines, and slippery or rugged surfaces
The Original Streetsurfing Instructional DVD
View the original Streetsurfing Waveboard instructional video below. It demonstrates riding techniques and offers useful tips.
Exploring the Waveboard
A waveboard features two wheels with rotating casters, allowing forward movement through a twisting action. Unlike traditional skateboards, there's no necessity to push off—just twist and enjoy the ride.