Riding an electric skateboard can be an exhilarating experience, but to truly enjoy it, you need to set up your board for optimal comfort and control. From remote positioning and deck stiffness to safety gear, foot placement, and stance, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will explore these aspects in detail to help you optimize your riding experience.
Optimizing Your Remote Position
Proper positioning of your electric skateboard remote is essential for comfort, control, and safety. To optimize your remote grip, hold it like a game controller in a natural and relaxed position.
Curl your fingers around the sides with your thumb resting on the throttle trigger. For most remotes, this ergonomic hand position allows for easy actuation of all buttons and triggers while evenly distributing pressure.
You can also use a wrist or arm strap with the remote to minimize the risk of accidentally dropping it while riding. A strap keeps the remote firmly secured to your wrist, so you always have it within easy reach. This can provide added peace of mind, especially for skateboard beginners.
Choosing the Right Deck Stiffness
The stiffness of your electric skateboard deck can significantly impact your riding experience. More flexible decks offer more comfort, while stiffer decks provide greater stability at higher speeds.
Flexible decks absorb bumps and vibrations better, which makes for a smoother ride over uneven surfaces and cracks in the pavement. The deck flexes under your feet to cushion impacts, reducing jarring and fatigue. This flexibility makes nimble maneuvers and tight turns feel easier and more controlled.
However, flexible decks can feel less stable at higher speeds due to increased deck movement. The deck flexibility that provides shock absorption when going slow can turn into unwanted vibration and instability as your speed increases.
Stiffer decks, on the other hand, feel more stable at higher speeds since they dampen and resist vibrations better. There is less unwanted deck movement under your feet. But stiffer decks generally provide a firmer, harsher ride over bumps and cracks due to having less give.
Must Have Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is absolutely essential when riding an e-skateboard. At a minimum, you need a helmet, wrist guards, and knee/elbow pads.
A helmet is critical for protecting your head in the event of a fall. Choose a certified skateboarding helmet that covers your forehead, temple, and base of your skull. Adjust the fit so that it sits level and low on your head.
Wrist guards help save your wrists, which are frequently injured in skateboarding falls. Wear padded wrist guards that fully cover the back of your hand and wrist.
Knee and elbow pads provide vital protection for other impacted areas. Look for multi-impact pads with reinforced areas over the joints. They should fit comfortably without restricting movement.
Beyond the basics, you may also want to consider protective clothing like ankle guards, padded shorts, and even jacket armor for high-speed riding. But at an absolute minimum, properly fit a helmet, wrist guards, and knee/elbow pads each time you ride.
Adjusting Your Foot Placement
Proper foot placement on your electric skateboard can optimize control, balance, and comfort. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart for a stable base.
With your feet this far apart, position them so the heels are aligned under your hips. This distributes your weight evenly between both feet.
Next, bend knees slightly – around 15 to 30 degrees. This both lowers your center of gravity to improve stability and helps absorb shock from vibrations and bumps.
Balance most of your weight on the balls of your feet with your heels slightly raised. This engages the smaller muscles in your feet and calves, allowing for quicker balance adjustments while riding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few key elements to properly setting up your e-skateboard for the best riding experience. Properly positioning your remote control in a relaxed, ergonomic grip will optimize comfort and control. Choosing the right deck stiffness based on your preferred style and speed can balance comfort with stability. And wearing all essential safety gear like a helmet, wrist guards, and knee/elbow pads is absolutely critical for injury prevention. For your stance, standing with feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bent knees, and balanced on the balls of your feet provide a stable yet nimble foundation. Adjusting your stance width, foot angles, and knee bend based on the situation can further enhance control, balance, and maneuverability. Following these setup fundamentals will help ensure you are properly positioned physically and mentally for an enjoyable, safe ride every time you embark on an electric skateboarding adventure.
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