Many skateboarders start out pushing mongo, using their front foot to propel the board, but this technique is often frowned upon. While it might feel natural initially, it’s considered less efficient and can hinder progression. This article explains why pushing mongo is generally disliked and offers guidance on how to transition to a more conventional pushing style.
What Exactly Is Pushing Mongo?
Pushing mongo involves using your front foot to push the skateboard while your back foot remains on the board near the center. For regular stance riders, this means pushing with their left foot, and for goofy stance riders, it’s their right foot. This contrasts with the standard technique where the back foot is used for pushing.
A skateboarder demonstrating the mongo pushing stance, with their front foot pushing and back foot positioned near the center of the board.
The mongo push requires a more complex footwork sequence to get back into riding position. You need to bring your front foot back onto the board while simultaneously moving your back foot towards the tail. This extra movement can lead to a loss of balance and a slower reaction time, making it less efficient than standard pushing techniques.
Why Do Skateboarders Dislike Mongo Pushing?
The primary reason for the negativity surrounding mongo pushing is its perceived lack of style. In skateboarding, style is highly valued, and mongo pushing is often considered an awkward and unrefined way to ride. It’s often seen as a sign of inexperience or a lack of basic skateboarding skills.
The Few Advantages of Pushing Mongo
While generally considered a disadvantage, mongo pushing does have a couple of potential benefits:
- Easier Fakie Riding: After pushing mongo, your feet are naturally positioned for riding fakie, which can make learning to ride in that stance a bit easier.
- Less Awkward Switch Stance: If you’re used to pushing with your front foot, riding switch (opposite of your usual stance) might feel initially less awkward.
However, these minor advantages are generally outweighed by the significant drawbacks of this pushing style.
What Makes Mongo Pushing Inefficient?
The negative aspects of pushing mongo include:
- Delayed Tail Access: Quick access to the tail of the board is essential for performing tricks like ollies and kickturns. The mongo stance delays this access due to the foot placement.
- Reduced Reaction Time: With your back foot near the center of the board, it takes longer to react to obstacles or changes in terrain.
- Unstable Weight Distribution: Having your weight centered makes the board more unstable, especially when riding at high speeds.
- Difficult Direction Correction: The imbalanced stance can make it harder to steer or avoid obstacles.
- Aesthetically Unpleasing: As mentioned before, the style of mongo pushing is often deemed clumsy and awkward within the skateboarding community.
- Impact on Trick Timing: The inefficiencies of mongo pushing can throw off your timing when attempting tricks.
Breaking the Habit: How to Stop Pushing Mongo
Switching from mongo to regular pushing requires practice and patience, but the benefits are worthwhile. Here’s a step-by-step approach that can help:
- Find a Smooth Surface: Begin by practicing on a smooth street or pavement to minimize distractions.
- Start Slow: Focus on pushing with your back foot, which may feel unnatural at first. It’s common to feel a bit awkward initially, but this will pass with practice.
- Use Your Hand for Balance: As you become more comfortable, use the opposite hand (left hand for regular stance, right hand for goofy) to lean on your knee while pushing. This can help with balance and coordination.
- Be Consistent: The key is to force yourself to push correctly every time. If you slip back into pushing mongo, step off the board and get back into the proper pushing position.
- Practice Regularly: After a few days of consistent practice, you should start feeling more comfortable pushing the correct way.
Consistent practice is the most effective way to break the mongo habit. Don’t be discouraged if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Notable Skateboarders Who Pushed Mongo
While most professional skateboarders avoid mongo pushing, several notable figures have admitted to starting out this way:
Professional skateboarder Chris Cole, standing on his board.
Bill Danforth
Bill Danforth, also known as “the Nomad,” is perhaps the most infamous mongo pusher. His unique pushing style, combined with his pumping technique, was so distinctive that older skaters sometimes refer to mongo pushing as “pushing Dan.”
Randy Colvin
Randy Colvin, known for his skating in the Two World Industries Men video (1990), also pushed mongo. Despite his impressive skating abilities, his pushing style was noticeable and considered unusual.
Tom Penny
Surprisingly, even the legendary Tom Penny started out pushing mongo. Although there are no readily available videos of this, it’s been noted that he eventually corrected his stance.
Chris Cole
Chris Cole, a highly respected skateboarder, also initially pushed mongo. In the documentary Motivation 2, Jamie Thomas revealed that he encouraged Chris to switch to standard pushing to further his career.
Ignore the Haters
If you are comfortable pushing mongo and don’t want to change, that’s okay. Some skateboarders can be critical, but it’s essential to remember that it’s your skateboarding experience. Do what feels right for you. If you do decide to learn proper pushing, do it for the right reasons, and focus on improving your skill level.
Conclusion
While mongo pushing does have a couple of minor advantages, the disadvantages of this method are far more substantial. If you’re planning to progress in skateboarding and have any ambition to perform tricks, it’s best to learn to push in the standard manner. The improved stability, reaction time, and access to the tail make it a superior method. The skateboarding world is heavily influenced by style, and avoiding the ‘mongo push’ will enhance your overall look and skill.
Ultimately, it is your personal skateboarding journey, but learning to push with your back foot will significantly improve your overall experience.
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