Louise Mckie is an adventurous Scottish longboarder that reside in Glasgow (she doesn’t drunk skate if that’s what you are wondering!). She has been a loyal longboarder for over a year now and we had the opportunity to interview her. Anyone can skate, regardless of your gender and age. Louise has some interesting tips for the lady beginner longboarders. Instead of focusing on the techniques, she is here to share how healthy mindset is also crucial when you start (especially when you are starting) to longboard. It’s the best thing I’ve done in a long time.” – Louise Mckie

I started longboarding because I was surfing a bit but wasn’t getting in the water as much as I’d like (Author’s sentiment: every surfer that doesn’t live by the beach suffers from this but we found longboard in a waveless place), so I thought about longboarding. I YouTubed it and saw Kyle Chin drifting down a massive hill and I was sold! I love every moment I spend on my board and that’s what keeps me going. When starting to longboard, leave your image at the door and don’t give a damn about what anyone else says; beginning will not look or feel as cool and smooth as you want or imagined to be. You are nonetheless courageous enough to made the decision to try so be patient with yourself. Baby Steps – Take one step at a time. Maybe pushing will come easy, Maybe it won’t, Maybe dancing will be a doodle, Maybe it won’t… Go at your own pace and enjoy it. (We can all agree that’s what longboarding is all about can’t we?) Spend as much time on your board as you can. Just play. For me it was the best way to learns lots of stuff without even knowing what certain moves/tricks were called (Author’s note: momentum is everything. Practice everyday and there’s no way you wouldn’t be good at it). If you can do this with friends it’s much better – you’ll have more fun, get better quicker and have someone to share the awesomeness that is longboarding! (not to mention your friends can point out if you are doing it right, whether you are having a proper form which is very important, and vice versa)