How to Switch Feet to Push Board - Skogging, the alternating one foot sidewalk-surfing dance

In 1975, I wrote a Skateboarder Magazine article "Cut the Jive and Jog" outlining the parameters of switching legs to push one's skateboard for long distances. ------------------------- video.google.com/videosearch?q=skogging --------------------------- www.skogging.com for more. ---------------------------- The word "skogging" roots from an idea of the words "skateboarding" + "jogging" ---------------------------- http://www.skogging.com/videonary.com/

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Skateboard
• Safety Equipment
• Various Learning Surfaces
• Desire to Evenly Work Both Sides of the Body

1. Pick out a board to learn on. Most boards can work. I think excess surface as well as a shortage can work against you. Try having at least 3 lenghts of your foot equal the length of the deck.
   As of October 2006, several skateboard manufacturers contributed skogging test equipment.
   Tracker, Original, Bennets and Seismic trucks. 3DM, Chaput Retro's and Poolking cement and asphalt wheels.
   All the boards used average 34" - 38". No flex recommended. Width, 8-10" with trucks that fill out the width of the board.
2. Flatland. If you've never attempted to switch pushing legs, I strongly recommend flatland/no board preparation. Being able to stand on one leg and gently bending at the knee and waist while imagining rolling is a good place to start. Then switch legs and do the same. The better you imagine yourself rolling while on one leg, the easier the next step is.
3. Carpet and Board. No Rolling in this Step. Set your board on the carpet and make sure if you fall, the board doesn't shoot in an injurious direction. Set your board on the carpet and go through the same movements as in Step 1. Practice for hours and perhaps a whole week before going on to the next step. The idea is to feel your balance evenly and come to terms that if you cant get by this step, you might want to take up another exercise.
4. Restrictive Surface. Carpet, a golf green, or something that will prevent a full rolling experience that one has on cement or asphalt. Attempt to push with both legs for 10-20ft. Alternate and feel the required balance as if you were one a smooth surface. Do this for an entire week at least a few hours a day. Watch the animation above and view the videos at http://tinyurl.com/felhs for guidance.

Tips & Warnings

• Every beginner should at least be able to stand stationary on one leg while making twisting motions and gently bending at the knee.
• A skateboard length at least 3 times the length of one foot. Size varies per age. Most longboards will work but the longer the length the easier for some to catch on. Most adults around 180-200 lbs can get away with a 40" x 9"ish. At times, the longer boards make it more difficult to to maneuver.
• Safety First! Equipment. Elbow, Knee, Wrist and Helmet strongly recommended
• Be ready to fall! Tumbling classes are recommended.
• Most skogging experts prefer boardwalks with the least amount of cracks. Cracks in both sidewalk and pavement can make miserable moments come alive. When going over cracks, attempt to shift your weight up and "hop" over while you clear them at an angle.
• On boardwalks, for some reason, many bikers think they own the road. Avoid them by giving them plenty of room. Some bikers think it takes a lot of talent to ride a bike which gives them the right to own the road. Most bikers can share the road.
• Keep an eye out for youngsters that like to make unnannounced turns.
• Watch out for bottle caps, rocks, and pieces of wood. These may teach you about the birds and the bees of skate braking where you may get stung. I have many scars from similar outtings.
• Many public sidewalks have an 8mph speed limit. You might want to keep your speeds down for a number of reasons. Water, oil and sand are not your friends!
• Avoid night skating unless you have good surface area lighting.