Longboarding 101 Spring Term at PCC.edu

I am happy to announce the first Longboarding class of 2015 starting April 1st. This is my sixth year teaching at Portland Community College and I am super excited to continue the program! The class is once a week on Wednesdays at Mt.Tabor from 6-8pm. The location provides perfect conditions with smooth hills on closed roads. It's a hotspot for downhill skateboarding and a great place to learn to longboard safely.

Riders practicing on less steep hills learning how to take left and right corners.

Students learn the basics of longboard skateboarding and key techniques in controlling the board and speed in order to have the most fun while being safe. The things they learn from me and how to do them correctly greatly reduces their chances of getting hurt in the future. Learning the right way first is a big attraction for new riders who are not sure if they want to get into this extreme sport.

Specific techniques from the beginning include proper stance, pushing correctly, foot-braking, and falling the right way. Then we get into basics of downhill and all the techniques to maintain balance and control. Students are also introducing into world of sliding step by step using slide gloves. Some intermediate level students are then taught how to slide standing up with their hands off the ground.

Student learning how to stop quickly with a shut-down slide using both slide gloves on the ground.

The most enjoyable part to many students is learning and riding together. And taking runs down the hill together slowing building their confidence to ride together and into corners. Similar to skiing or snowboarding down the mountain having fun riding together. Longboarding is a social sport for many and the class really combines that aspect with safety and technique all in one. This allows students to come away with a good knowledge of how to longboard and how to do it with others. Some continue taking the class to learn new techniques, improve their skills, and skate with their friends. These returning students also help new students while progressing themselves. While others who finish a class then practice on their own and join other riders local and afar. Some students have even entered onto racing and competition making a name for themselves and attaining sponsors.

Students getting more comfortable riding together and having fun!

Student closely following my line into a left corner.

Students riding on the soapbox hill setup with gates to cross through and a uphill runout at the end of the run.

Closeup of a student in proper form giving the rider the most about of control at speed.

Students taking corners together on repeated runs down the closed to traffic roads. No cars anywhere on Wednesdays for our class.

Student learning to tuck downhill with the correct stance and balance.

So whether you just want to learn to slow down and stop to commute safely, or you want to get into downhill and sliding, this class covers it all. Take what you want from the class and have fun learning with others. Beginners to Intermediate riders 16 and over are welcome. Private Lesson available too if you prefer the one on one experience. I am a seasoned rider and a friendly credible teacher who's instructed over 300 students in the last five years. I would love to get to the chance to help you on your way down the hill as well!

Here's the basic info below with the link to register for the PCC Spring Term

Class Dates: April 1st - May 6th Times: 6-8pm Weds Rain or Shine

Meeting location at Mt.Tabor - http://goo.gl/maps/38Sc

Required Gear - Longboard skateboard, Helmet, Slide Gloves.

Highly Recommended - Elbow and Knee Pad, old pants shorts shirt hoodie.

PCC Longboarding 101 Spring Term 2015 – Register CRN 23818 - http://www.pcc.edu/schedule/default.cfmfa=dspCourse2&thisTerm=201502&crsCode=9SPR623M&subjCode=9SPR&crsNum=623M&topicCode=REC&subtopicCode=