Skateboarding tips and tricks

Question

i need help with manuals....i need to know how to manual longer...i think its the speed that really helps me....but i just cant keep my balance for that long. my longest manual was like 3 seconds...so please help me...anything would be appreciated, thanks!

Answer 1

You're right about speed. A moderately fast speed is usually easier than a slow speed for manuals. An important thing to remember about a manual is to keep your body balanced and centered, and control the board with your legs and feet, not your arms and shoulders. When I want a longer manual, I set a goal ahead of me and watch the spot where I decide to set down my front trucks. Sometimes, instead, I count the number of times I hit the dividers in the sidewalk.

Foot position could also be a problem. Your front foot should be either right behind or just barely over the first bolts, pointed forwards just slightly, and the back foot should be squarely across the back tail at a 90 degree angle. Keep your shoulders square and parallel to the board, lots of skaters make the mistake of starting to face forward.