How the hell do you pump?

[Justin A.]

I've started riding my longboard around campus this spring and for the life of me cannot pump the damn thing. I have the feeling that it would be alot nicer to cruise around pumping the board instead of pushing all the time.

School me!

[crote123]

what's your setup?

To start you need a very turny front truck and a fairly stiff rear truck. Your board shouldn't be too soft but less important than the trucks.

Otherwise technique is important. Check out these sites for pumping advice (more geared to LDP but still useful).

http://www.pavedwave.org/
http://www.gtcpldp.com/

There's also these forums where you can ask questions:
http://pavedwave.myfastforum.org/
http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/forum/longboard-cruisers-carving-commuting-long-distance-pumping-boardwalking/

[Skully]

Propelling Yourself With Turns; How to pump by Daniel Gesmer (http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=669)

[Neil Gendzwill]

If you've never pumped before, you might want to start with a shorter board. Longboards are way harder to pump.

[jetkin]

LDP is a fantastic discipline - - those folks cover huge distances, moving fast, and occasionally uphill, without ever setting foot to pavement. But the equipment is very specialized. If you're looking to incorporate pumping into general campus cruising, you probably don't want to go that route . . . yet.

Gessemer's article is a classic.

Shorter is easier too, but know that any setup that turns well at a slow speed can be pumped - - it's just a matter of efficiency.

I'd suggest you start on a slight grade, and practice sustaining a rhythm of tight cross-under turns. Then start to put more energy into it and feel how the turns add speed. Next take it to the flats, and try the same thing there (with a push or two to launch you).