pavedwave longboarding

wavechser · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

Hey everyone, first post on here but i've lurked it for quite some time and post on SF occasionally...

After LBing for about 2 years with some moderate DH and some sliding and a lot of crusin/commuting i've found myself bit by the LDP bug for sure. A few days back i got my LDP setup (galac LDP, 5.0/129, inheats, +15d in front -10d in back) and have put about 20-30 miles on it overall and am very happy with it i just have a few questions on dialing it in and pumping techniques...

As for dialing it in, I currently have my bennett set up with a blue khiro cone + white barrel on bottom and either an orange barrel or a 85a venom barrel on top. I've set the rts up with 90a venom barrels, 85a venom barrels, combos of both, red khiro barrels and red/yellow combo. I've mainly stuck with the 90a venoms in the back though. I should point out that I get wheel bite (even in the back) with most of these setups even with a 1/2" riser and 15/10 wedging. Do i just need more riser?

Can someone clarify where the most power is generated from in a pump? what the 'tacking motion' people refer to is exactly? Should I be setting up so that most of my rebound comes from the back or the front? Also, while i know it's something you just gotta feel to understand, can someone be as detailed as possible when describing an efficient pump. Ive been studying the videos here but its tough to replicate and out of the few LBers around nobody LDPs...

thanks in advance Smile

LDPanda · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 418 Location: Seattle, WA

When i think efficiency i think Barefoot Ted. From what ive seen and tried myself, this pump is really efficient. While pretty far forward on the board, use a short, quick pump. The less side-to-side motion you have, the more energy youre putting into moving down the trail.

stocago · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 227

You could experiment with slightly harder bushings, both front and rear. But adding an extra quarter-inch of riser couldn't hurt. You could compromise by adding just an eighth-inch.

Maybe you've seen this video, but I think it's a good one because of its length and varying pumps/speeds. http://pavedwave.myfastforum.org/about135.html

wavechser · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

Yea i have seen that vid, but it's a good one for sure. I def need to improve on my pump efficency, i don't think im using my core as much as i should and my legs fatigue quicker then they should..

Also, im kinda curious, after a good distance the arch in my front foot hurts like crazy, even to walk on it for a few min is tough. Is this something that will go away over time? a side effect of the flatness of a galac deck? time for new shoes? ive never had foot pain there due to pumping...

LDPanda · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 418 Location: Seattle, WA

The foot pain should go away eventually, you just need to build up the strength in your feet. Sometimes i notice that my toes are curling down to "grip" the deck more and i have to conciously uncurl them becuase that can be a big source of foot pain.

stocago · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 227

Yeah, it'll gradually go away over time. There are two schools of thought on the feet/biomechanics, you can either go barefoot/vibram fivefingers and build up strength or get good arch supports. Either way proper foot care is important. I'd recommend stretching your calves a lot. I've had plantar fasciitis in the past and it still flares up from time to time.

wavechser · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

Just feel like updating Smile

..Soooo I really have dialed in my pump a lot. Haven't messed with the bushings much but i shortened my stance and slid my front foot a few inches closer to the toe side edge and it's really improved the efficiency of my pumps- no longer straining so hard to keep moving Smile

. I realized i was curling my toes down and pumping with the ball of my feet which was causing me foot pain, fixing that changed everything.

Also, I discovered that there is a nike sport app for the iphone that functions as a GPS. Im not sure how accurate it is but it tracks your route as you go and gives you your speed and such. On a short 5 mile commute I averaged a pace of a 4:50 mile and pretty much stayed between 9-12 mph, 17 if i really pumped my ass off but i couldn't hold it there for more then a min or two.

I think it's official. I'm addicted.