How to Ride a Mountain Board

Mountain boarding, also known as dirt boarding, off-road boarding and all-terrain boarding, is an extreme sport that requires a considerable amount of supervised training and lessons. When learning to ride a mountain board, your first concern should be for safety, including how to descend a mountain or slope, and how to slow the board and come to a complete stop. Once these actions are mastered additional maneuvers and tricks can be added.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Helmet
Shoulder and knee pads
Hand and wrist guards

Step 1

Put on all safety gear including helmet, shoulder and knee pads as well as hand and wrist guards.

Step 2

Mount the board starting on a slight slope with a clear path. Begin your decent by placing one foot into the binding located at the rear of the board. Lift your other foot slightly and push forward as you place it in the binding located at the front of the board.

Step 3

Apply pressure to your toes and heels to turn the dirt board along the path. Both feet must remain on the board at all times. Pressure is applied by pushing the weight of the body forward so your feet can then control the direction of the board. Move your body into the direction of the turn. Sway the body to control each turn.

Step 4

Slow the board. When at running speed, push the weight of your body toward the front of the board. By pushing your body to the front of the board, you will slowly cause the back of the board to slide out to the side. The board will slowly reduce speed and come to a complete stop.

Step 5

Perform an emergency stop by bending your knees and pushing your weight toward the tip of the board. Reach down and grab your board with your trailing arm (which will be your right arm if you are mounted to the board with your left foot in the front binding) to come to a quick stop. Injury can occur during a sudden stop, so attempt to slow the board instead of coming to an abrupt stop whenever possible.

Tips & Warnings

While some standard instructions for riding a mountain board can be provided, it is always best to contact a professional trainer before attempting.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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