What is Mongo Skating (Why is it Bad)

Skating mongo, also known as pushing mongo, is a term used in skateboarding to describe pushing the board with the front foot while the back foot stays on the board. While some skateboarders swear by this pushing style, others consider it a bad habit that can hinder a skater's progression and style. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of skating mongo, as well as the opinions of experienced skaters in the community. We will also provide tips and insights on how to improve your foot placement and control, regardless of your preferred pushing style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, read on to learn more about the debate surrounding skating mongo.

What is Mongo Skating?

Skating mongo, also known as pushing mongo, is a term used in skateboarding to describe pushing the board with the front foot while the back foot stays on the board. This pushing style is the opposite of regular pushing, where the skateboarder pushes with their back foot and keeps their front foot on the board.

Skating mongo can be done by placing the front foot near the tail of the board and then using the front foot to push the board forward while the back foot remains stationary. This technique is usually performed by skateboarders who find it more comfortable or natural than regular pushing.

However, there are some disadvantages to skating mongo. Pushing with the front foot can lead to a lack of control, making it difficult to maintain balance and stability, which can affect foot placement and make it challenging to perform certain tricks and maneuvers. Some skateboarders also argue that pushing mongo can limit a skater's ability to switch between stances, which can limit their trick repertoire and disrupt their style.

Despite these disadvantages, some skateboarders still prefer to push mongo, while others view it as a bad habit that can hinder a skater's progression and style. Ultimately, whether or not to skate mongo is a matter of personal preference, and it's important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about which pushing style works best for you.

You are skating regular if your left foot is in the front and goofy if the right foot is in the front; both stances are equally good, so you don't need to think about changing anything. It looks like you are skating goofy if you are riding switch regular, this is because skating switch is the same as going backwards and this makes the stance inverted.

Is it Bad to Skate Mongo

Skating mongo, which involves pushing with your front foot while your back foot stays on the board, is a matter of personal preference. Some skateboarders prefer to skate mongo, while others prefer to push with their back foot, known as regular pushing.

While there is no universal rule that skating mongo is bad, many experienced skaters argue that it is a bad habit that can hinder a skater's progression and style.

One of the main disadvantages of skating mongo is the lack of control it provides. Since your front foot is pushing the board forward, it can be challenging to maintain balance and stability. This can lead to poor foot placement, making it difficult to perform tricks and maneuvers.

Additionally, pushing mongo can limit a skater's ability to switch between stances. When skating regular, it's easier to transition from regular to switch stance and vice versa. However, when skating mongo, it can be challenging to switch between stances, which can limit a skater's trick repertoire.

Furthermore, many skateboarders view pushing mongo as aesthetically unpleasing. Skating is not just about performing tricks but also about style and form. Pushing mongo can disrupt the flow of a skater's movements, making their style look awkward and unprofessional.

However, it's important to note that skating mongo is not inherently wrong, and some skateboarders still prefer to push mongo. For some, it feels more natural and comfortable, while others may have learned to push this way and find it challenging to switch to regular pushing.

In conclusion, whether or not it is bad to skate mongo is a matter of personal preference. However, if you're a beginner, it's essential to learn to push regular to develop proper foot placement and balance. Once you've mastered regular pushing, you can experiment with different pushing styles, including mongo.

How to Stop Pushing Mongo

Skating mongo means pushing with your front foot instead of your back foot, which can make it harder to maintain balance and control while skateboarding. Here are some steps you can take to learn to stop skating mongo:

1. Identify which foot you feel more comfortable pushing with. Most people push with their back foot, so if you're pushing with your front foot, then you're skating mongo.

2. Start by standing on your skateboard with your feet in the proper position. Your front foot should be perpendicular to the skateboard and your back foot should be angled slightly towards the tail.

3. Practice pushing off with your back foot only. Push off gently and try to maintain your balance as you ride. It may feel awkward at first, but keep practicing until you feel comfortable.

4. Once you're comfortable pushing with your back foot, practice riding around and making turns. Keep your weight centered over the board and use your back foot to steer.

5. As you get more comfortable riding with your back foot, try to break the habit of using your front foot to push. Whenever you feel the urge to push with your front foot, remind yourself to use your back foot instead.

6. Keep practicing until pushing with your back foot becomes second nature. It may take some time and effort to break the habit of skating mongo, but with persistence, you can do it.

Remember to be patient and persistent, and don't get discouraged if it takes some time to learn. With practice, you can improve your skateboarding skills and stop skating mongo.

Professional Skateboarders That Skate Mongo

Most professional skateboarders don't skate mongo but there are a few famous skateboarders who which do, including:

1. Stevie Williams - Williams is a professional skateboarder who is known for his unique style and skill on a skateboard. He is famous for skating mongo and has been doing so since he was a child.

2. Andrew Reynolds - Reynolds is another professional skateboarder who has been known to skate mongo. Despite this, he is widely considered to be one of the most talented and stylish skateboarders in the world.

3. Paul Rodriguez - Rodriguez, also known as P-Rod, is a professional skateboarder who has won multiple championships and is known for his smooth style and technical ability. While he primarily pushes regular, he has been known to push mongo on occasion.

It's worth noting that while some famous skateboarders skate mongo, it's not necessarily an indication of their skill or ability on a skateboard. Skateboarding is a personal expression of style and creativity, and each skateboarder develops their own unique approach to the sport.

Summary

Pushing mongo means pushing with your front foot while your back foot stays on the board, is a controversial topic in the skateboarding community. While some skateboarders prefer to push mongo, others argue that it is a bad habit that can hinder a skater's progression and style.

One of the main disadvantages of skating mongo is the lack of control it provides. Pushing with the front foot can make it difficult to maintain balance and stability, leading to poor foot placement and making it challenging to perform tricks and maneuvers. Additionally, pushing mongo can limit a skater's ability to switch between stances, which can limit their trick repertoire and disrupt their style.

Despite these disadvantages, some skateboarders still prefer to mongo push. For some, it feels more natural and comfortable, while others may have learned to push this way and find it challenging to switch to regular pushing.

Ultimately, whether or not to skate mongo is a matter of personal preference. However, it's important to note that if you're a beginner, learning to push regular is essential to developing proper foot placement and balance. Once you've mastered regular pushing, you can experiment with different pushing styles, including mongo.

In conclusion, while skating mongo is not inherently wrong, it can hinder a skater's progression and style. Therefore, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about which pushing style works best for you.