Can You Ollie On A Longboard? How to Ollie?

So, are you someone who finds joy in doing ollies on a longboard? Or perhaps you’re just exploring this trick and unsure where to begin. If you’ve been scouring the internet for a helpful and informative article on executing this trick properly on a longboard, then worry not, my friend.

The act of popping the longboard’s tail off the ground and using that motion to jump into the air is what constitutes the ollie, which is considered a foundational trick in skateboarding. It is a trick that can be used to jump over obstacles, perform other tricks, or show off one’s skills. But what about longboards? Can you ollie on a longboard?

Yes, you can ollie on a longboard. However, the process differs slightly from doing it on a regular skateboard.

Composition of a longboard 

• Generally, longboards are larger and broader than conventional skateboards, with bigger wheels and a more balanced structure. The additional length and stability of longboards make them suitable for cruising, carving, and downhill riding.
• However, longboards’ larger size and weight can make them more difficult to manoeuvre and perform tricks on.

To understand whether or not you can ollie on a longboard, it is important first to understand the mechanics of the ollie. 

Mechanics of the Ollie 

The ollie is a trick involving using your back foot to pop the longboard tail off the ground while simultaneously sliding your front foot forward and jumping into the air. This motion creates a temporary platform in the air, allowing the skateboarder to jump over obstacles or perform other tricks.

So, can you replicate this motion on a longboard? it is possible, but there are certain restrictions to keep in mind. Because of the longboard’s longer length and larger wheels, ollieing on a longboard requires more effort and skill than ollieing on a traditional skateboard.

However, with practice and the right technique, it is possible to ollie on a longboard.

Challenges Faced While Ollieing 

• One of the main challenges of ollieing on a longboard is the board’s weight. Because longboards are larger and heavier than traditional skateboards, it takes more force to pop the tail off the ground. This means that you need to generate more power with your back foot to get the board off the ground.
•  Additionally, longboards have larger wheels and more rolling resistance, making it more difficult to slide your front foot forward and get the board into the air.

How to Ollie on a Longboard? Fundamental Techniques

To overcome these challenges, a few techniques can be used when ollieing on a longboard. First, using your back foot to generate as much force as possible when popping the tail off the ground is important.

This can be done by pressing down hard on the board’s tail and quickly snapping it up with a flick of your ankle. Additionally, it is important to use your front foot to slide forward quickly and smoothly, which will help to lift the board into the air.

Another technique that can be used when ollieing on a longboard is to use the board’s momentum to your advantage. Because longboards are designed for cruising and carving, they often move faster than traditional skateboards. This momentum can help lift the board into the air when ollieing. By timing your ollie so that it coincides with the forward motion of the board, you can use the speed and momentum of the board to help launch yourself into the air.

It is important to note that ollieing on a longboard differs from ollieing on a traditional skateboard. The larger size and weight of a longboard means that the technique and timing of the ollie will differ. Additionally, some longboards may not be suitable for ollieing due to their shape, size, or weight. Choosing a longboard designed for trick riding is important if you plan on ollieing or performing other tricks on your board.

Steps for achieving a perfect ollie

Foot positioning on Ollie

Proper foot positioning is one of the most important steps for achieving a perfect ollie on a longboard. First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure that your back foot is positioned in the middle of the tail, and your front foot is placed somewhere in the middle of the board, perhaps slightly closer to the top bolt.

It is essential to align both toes with the edge of the board to maintain a stable center of balance while riding. This balance is critical for the subsequent step, which entails establishing contact with the ground using the tail of the deck.

Snapping the tail on the ground 

The following step involves snapping the tail on the ground. To do this, you need to lean back on the back truck and get an excellent snap on the ground. After attaining this, the next step involves attempting to balance the tails of the deck and stand comfortably on the board. This step is essential for getting comfortable with the movement and setting yourself up for the next step.

Once you are comfortable standing on the board’s tails, the next step is to slide down and lift the deck from the nose again. Practice this step repeatedly until you feel confident with it. While snapping the tail on the ground, it is essential to jump at the same time. Combining all of these actions simultaneously is critical for the ollie to work correctly.

Perfect timing for Ollie

Timing is crucial when it comes to ollieing on a longboard. As soon as your tail hits the ground, you need to jump up and roll your foot up to the nose of the board to pick the board off the ground. This action levels the board out, and it is necessary to do this simultaneously.

How to Choose a Longboard for Ollie

Choosing a longboard for trick riding involves considering several factors.

• First, the size and weight of the board are important. A lighter board will be easier to manoeuvre and roll, while a larger board will provide more stability and a larger surface area for landing tricks. Additionally, the shape of the board is important. A board with a symmetrical shape and a kicktail will be more suitable for ollieing and performing other tricks.
• In terms of wheels, it is important to choose a set of wheels that are appropriate for the type of riding you plan on doing. Softer wheels will provide more grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels will provide more speed and durability. Additionally, the size of the wheels is important. Larger wheels will provide more speed and a smoother ride, while smaller wheels will provide more maneuverability and control.
• When attempting to ollie on a longboard, it’s crucial to consider the longboard’s trucks. The trucks are the metal components that link the wheels to the deck, and they’re responsible for turning and carving. For trick riding, choosing responsive and stable trucks with a medium to a high degree of turn is important. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the trucks are properly tightened and adjusted to provide the best performance and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, while ollieing on a longboard may be more challenging than ollieing on a traditional skateboard, it is possible with the right technique and practice. The key is to generate enough force with your back foot to pop the tail off the ground and to slide your front foot forward smoothly and quickly to lift the board into the air. Additionally, using the board’s momentum can be a helpful technique to launch yourself into the air.

It is important to remember that not all longboards are created equal, and some may not be suitable for ollieing or performing other tricks. Choosing a longboard designed for trick riding is essential if you plan on ollieing or performing other tricks on your board. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your longboard is in good condition, with a stable deck and secure trucks, to avoid accidents or injuries.