Seeing a skater pushing mongo always makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Why do some skaters push their boards in this seemingly ambiguous way? Better yet, is pushing mongo a practical way to manhandle your board around town or at your nearest skatepark? Let me fill you in. Pushing mongo has its complexities that make it not just about style but a rather touchy subject in the skateboarding world. In this piece, we’ll decode this curious style of propelling a skateboard in its entirety. We’ll look at several skaters who pushed mongo, touch on the hate it sometimes draws, its benefits, and, of course, how to stop pushing mongo if you’re not a big fan.
What is pushing mongo on a skateboard exactly? It’s the style where a skater positions their back foot towards the middle of their board and uses their front foot to push. This method is not the most efficient or consistent, and many skaters are not big fans. Yet it’s a style that has been adopted by some skaters, old school and new.
Why is pushing mongo a big no-no?
Having your weight on the rear of your board, you’re likely going to wobble when going on speedier descents or carving tight turns. And hey, it’s not all about how it seems. Getting into a regular stance from a mongo push takes longer, reducing your reaction time if you’re trying a killer trick or simply cruising through people-dense sidewalks. Embedding this into your skateboarding routine can be like planting a time bomb—sooner or later, it’s going to mess with your stability and balance on the board.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
But isn’t there any good out of pushing mongo?
Absolutely, even if the benefits might seem to be overshadowed by the drawbacks. If you’re one for a varied skating repertoire, know that practicing this technique can improve your ambidexterity, allowing for improved skateboarding adaptability. Skaters who start out mongo might even have an easier time riding in switch stance (an alternate positioning of the skater’s feet). So in some aspects, it’s sort of a “two-sided coin” situation.
Want to transition away from pushing mongo?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for you:
- Find a smooth and hazard-free surface to practice. You don’t want to be dodging pebbles and cracks while you’re trying to concentrate.
- Start pushing the board normally, feeling your balance, and getting accustomed to the new foot placement.
- If, at first, balancing seems tricky, use your hand (right or left depending upon your stance) and lean on your knee. This might feel strange at first, but it’s a solid choice for providing some extra support.
- Be persistent in this transition. Every time you catch yourself pushing mongo, step off the board, get in the right position, and start again.
Remember to take it slow and chill. Always was, always will be — Safety first! Over time and with practice, you’ll start pushing normally when you shred, and I assure you, you’ll fall in love with the feeling, especially when you visit your local skatepark.
Who are some pro skateboarders that pushed mongo?
Funny as it might seem, some pros have been known to push mongo. Let us take a quick tour down the memory lane.
- Bill Danforth, aka the ‘Nomad,’ is probably the most infamous mongo pusher. Many old-school skaters refer to mongo pushing as ‘pushing Dan.’
- Randy Colvin‘s part in ‘Two World Industries Men,’ clearly shows his mongo pushing style. You don’t often see a high-level skater like Colvin ride mongo, do you?
- Yes, even Tom Penny started as a mongo pusher. Of course, Tom quickly switched up his style and is heralded as a skateboarding legend.
- Did I mention Chris Cole? One of the most influential skateboarders, known for his insane skills, started off as a mongo pusher, but he soon changed his pushing style for the sake of his career.
Does it matter if you’re pushing mongo?
Here we are, staring at the age-old debate that has made rounds in skateboarding circles for ages. Pushing mongo: Yay or Nay? While it’s definitely a personal matter and boils down to your skateboarding style or comfort level, I do have an honest opinion on this, and remember, with all things subjective, we might disagree, and that’s totally cool.
My take is, not being a big fan of pushing mongo myself, I say lean towards the traditional pushing style. Here’s the thing: we skate not just because we love tricks and speed, but also for the sense of freedom and expression it provides. If mongo works for you and feels natural, shred it! Just bear in mind the possible implications for your balance and style.
“Finding your style in skateboarding involves pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. It isn’t always about how you push, it’s about the ride.”
This is skateboarding, amigos! It’s about passion, creativity, and pushing boundaries. There’s no right or wrong way. So in the end, what matters is having fun and expressing yourself. Just remember, if you decide to push mongo, be prepared for a longer learning curve, some skepticism, and — let’s be honest — a bit of trash talk from traditionalists. Now, go shred it out!
Dos and don’ts of pushing mongo
Whether you’re for it or against it, pushing mongo is a topic of contention in skateboarding communities. But like any other skateboarding technique, it comes with its own set of dos and don’ts.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Do practice pushing mongo to improve adaptability | Don’t push mongo in steep or crowded areas |
| Do use mongo pushing to explore different skateboarding styles | Don’t hinder your skating career by pushing mongo |
| Do use mongo to easily adjust to switch stance | Don’t ignore the advantages of a traditional push |
Building on this topic, let’s delve into a bit of data that might add some color to our discussion.
Advantages and disadvantages of pushing mongo
Pushing mongo, much like any skateboarding technique, has its merits and its downsides. Let’s zero in on a few.
Pros of pushing mongo
This might surprise you, but pushing mongo isn’t all bad. There are some silver linings you might want to consider.
- It could improve your switch stance, making it easier to alternate foot placement while skating.
- If you’re used to pushing mongo, it might feel more natural and comfortable to you, allowing for a unique skateboarding style.
Cons of pushing mongo
Just like night follows day, there are some downsides to pushing mongo. I’d be remiss if we didn’t hash over some of these.
- Pushing mongo can mess with your balance. Your overall stability takes a hit as your weight is on the rear of your skateboard.
- It’s not the most efficient way to push. Transitioning from a mongo push to a regular stance takes longer, affecting your reaction time.
- Visually, it’s not the most liked style. It’s often criticized for being an ugly skateboarding technique.
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
From choosing the right push to selecting the best kind of skateboard for your particular style, there are many questions that beginners and even seasoned skaters often have. Here are a few frequently asked questions that might clear up some of the fog around pushing mongo.
Is pushing mongo bad for beginners?
While it’s not inherently “bad,” beginners are generally advised to avoid learning to push mongo. It’s not the most efficient way to push your skateboard for reasons we’ve previously discussed. Plus, it could lead to balance problems in the long run. Beginners should start with traditional pushing to cement a solid foundation from which they can build their skills and tricks[^/tricks-and-performance/tips-on-how-to-improve-your-skateboarding-skills].
Can you perform tricks while pushing mongo?
Well, the simple answer is yes, but with a catch. If you’ve mastered the art of pushing mongo and you’re comfortable with your stability and balance, you can perform tricks. However, since pushing mongo isn’t as efficient as the traditional push, it might take you longer to set up for tricks, especially those that require a quick stance reset.
Is it harder to transition to vert skating if you push mongo?
Transitioning to vert skating from street skating is tough regardless of how you push your skateboard. But if you push mongo, you might find the transition a bit more challenging because vert skating, by its nature, requires strong balance and control — something pushing mongo doesn’t provide as effectively.
What shoes are good for mongo pushers?
Your shoe choice should ideally not be influenced by how you push your skateboard. Instead, the focus should be on comfort, board feel, and durability. Skate shoes specifically designed for skateboarding would be a solid choice regardless of your preferred pushing style[^/accessories-and-apparel/do-you-really-need-skate-shoes-when-skateboarding].
Final thoughts
To push mongo or not; that’s a choice only you can make. Yes, there might be physical advantages to avoiding it (like better balance and quicker stance changes), but skateboarding, after all, is all about freedom of expression and personal spin. So while I personally lean toward the traditional push, I say if mongo feels good to you, go for it! Just be aware of its negatives and be patient with yourself. It’s all part of the journey, right? Now, the question remains: how do you prefer to push?
And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out the rest of my blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Keep pushing, keep exploring, and most importantly keep enjoying the ride.
Key takeaways
This article covered the art and debates surrounding pushing mongo in skateboarding. Here are some key takeaways:
- Pushing mongo involves pushing off with your front foot while your back foot rests near the center of the board.
- This method can lead to balance issues and may take longer to get into a skating stance, affecting your trick setup time.
- Some skateboarders, including a few pros, have been known to push mongo, although it’s deemed stylistically undesirable by many.
- Over time, with persistent practice on smooth surfaces and a brief period of feeling awkward, you can transition away from pushing mongo.
- If you enjoy pushing mongo and it feels natural to you, don’t believe the hype. Keep pushing your way!
