So you've heard about pump tracks but aren't sure where to start? We've put together a list of frequently asked questions, along with a few of our top suggestions!
- What is a pump track?
- Why skate pump tracks?
- Where can I find pump tracks?
- What is pumping?
- Are surfskates good for pump tracks?
- What kind of board do I need for pump track?
Here are six of our top picks for the pump track, or for a longer list of options take a look HERE!
What is a pump track?
A pump track is a flowing loop of tarmac with rollers (the lumpy bits) and berms (the banked corners).
With the right technique of extending and compressing (called pumping) over the rollers you can flow around the pump track without pushing pretty much indefinitely!
Pump tracks are one of the most enjoyable places you can take your board, and will help you to learn the fundamentals of pumping for speed and riding bowled corners, as well as being a great place to hang out with your board and meet likeminded people.
Why skate pump tracks?
Why skate pump tracks? Because they're so much fun! But also great for your body, balance, coordination, and an all round workout without feeling like you've had to do one of those horrible things like visit a gym or go running.
Pump tracks are also very social spots and a great place to hang out and meet like minded people to skate with!
If you're looking to take your skating into a park or bowl, the pump track will help you to dial in some of the fundamental body positioning and feel that you'll need to take with you on that journey.
Where can I find pump tracks?
This depends on your area, but pump tracks are springing up all over the place.
We're blessed here in Bristol to have loads of them, so if you're vising the shop give us a shout beforehand and we can let you know which tracks are en-route.
Wherever you are in the country, check out THIS MAP which should give you some inspiration. Some of these BMX tracks are gravel rather than asphalt, so always double check before making the journey.
What is pumping?
Pumping can mean a few things, and this sometimes leads to confusion. Surfskates and slalom boards are great for pumping for speed in a horizontal plane - turning left to right in order to generate speed.
This is very different to a pump track or skate park where you'll be compressing and extending over the tracks rollers in order to generate speed.
A board that pumps well on the flat can be more unstable in the pump track, especially if you're new to it, so its worth bearing in mind that a board 'good for pumping' might confusingly not be the best choice for a pump track!
Are surfskates good for pump tracks?
If you've got a surfskate right now, then theres no harm in giving pump tracks a go, but we'd suggest that opting for something more stable will give you an easier starting point.
It can be hard to pump the rollers of a pump track when your board wants to be squirriling from left to right!
That said, some people are more comfortable on thier surfskates than others and we have seen people shred the pump track on them!
What kind of board do I need for pump track?
Short longboards, cruisers, and oldshcool boards are all great options for skating pump tracks.
We wouldn't suggest taking a full size dancer like the Lush Legend around a pump track, but we have seen it done, and its better to have a go with what you've got than not skate at all!
If you're riding a dropped or drop through longboard, you'll likely find that it will 'ground out' on the pump track and will need some extra ride height to clear the rollers.
You can remove your trucks and topmount them to give this a try, but then you'll give up the low ride height of your drop through, which is what makes it so good fur cruising around, so its worth considering a second board at this point!
If you're looking for a new board to take to the pump track, check out six of our favourite options below.
Loaded Omakase Short Longboard
Short, fat, wide, and stable yet nimble. This little package has it all going on. Great for commuting, cruising, light freeriding and hitting the pump track, its super versatile, and being a Loaded board it is, of course, beautifully finished and built to last too.
The deck
Constructed using the renowned Loaded attention to detail and quality. A three-layer lightweight Bamboo core is securely pressed between two epoxy soaked fibreglass layers to make a super-strong deck that is feather-light and responsive.
Loadeds trademark wheel flares give great positional feedback and awareness, so you know exactly where you are on your board.
Wheels, Trucks, & Bearings
We offer multiple build options for the Omakase, built around high quality parts. For the pump track we'd really recommend the Elite or the Loaded Recommended builds as the longboard trucks allow you to really dig into your rails, and the bigger wheels will fly round the track!
How does it ride?
Large enough to be stable and confidence inspiring, but short enough to nip round a pump track, the Loaded Omakase is a great board for those looking to get started in the world of pumping!
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Landyachtz Tugboat
The Landyachtz Tugboat is the bigger brother of the super popular Dinghy model. At 30"x 9" it's 1.5" longer and 1" wider with a 0.25" longer wheelbase when compared with it smaller counterpart, making it a great choice for a pump track board!
The deck
100% Canadian Maple construction makes the Tugboat a solid board that will take plenty of use and abuse, and sanded wheel wheels allow more clearance to accommodate bigger wheels and looser truck setups, which you'll want for those tight turns on the pump track!
Wheels, Trucks, & Bearings
Like all Landyachtz boards, the Tugboats are set up with aftermarket parts by Hawgs Wheels and Bear Trucks.
Trucks and wheels vary across the Tugboat range, with the Jet Ski coming with 130mm trucks and wider Fatty Hawgs wheels, and the others being fitted with 155mm trucks and smaller wheels.
How does it ride?
One of the smaller boards on this page, the tugboat will be a nippy, agile pump track companion, and all round great cruiser, ready to rip!
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Lush Longboards Throttle Short Longboard
The Throttle is one very rad little package from Lush Longboards, and is a firm favourite for hitting pump tracks!
It hits the sweet spot between a smaller cruiser and a longboard, making it ideal for pump tracks, sliding and downhill, and just cruising around.
The deck
At 34" x 9.125" the Throttle is a whole lot of board in a small package. A kicktail and 20.5" wheelbase keep it manoeuvrable, and sanded wheel wells mean you can run loose trucks without fearing wheelbite.
Wheels, Trucks, & Bearings
For the ultimate pump track setup, you cant beat the Precision complete option. Built up with Sabre Forged Precision Mk3 Trucks.
These trucks give outstanding board feel, and give the Throttle unmatched stability and agility - not to mention strength and good looks. A higher spec or better feeling complete you will not find anywhere! Take it to the hills, take it through town, rip the pumptrack to shreds. This setup is really why its called the Throttle!
How does it ride?
The Throttle is a firm favourite both with ourselves here at Vandem, and a number of our local scene. It's the swiss army knife of longboards, and is ready for whatever you might want to throw at it.
| The Lush Longboards Throttle Short Longboard is good because... | A Lush Longboards Throttle Short Longboard might not be right for you because... |
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Landyachtz Rally Cat Kimono Short Longboard
The Landyachtz Rally Cat is a rad hybrid board creation. Think of it as an old school inspired shred sled.
The Rally Cat is ideal for the skater coming from a longboard looking for a more compact cruiser without being cramped up on a mini-cruiser. Likewise it's just right for the skater of shorter boards looking to move up a cruiser that's a bit bigger, smoother and more chilled out than their regular setup.
The deck
Double kicks, rocker, and an 18" wheelbase make the Rally cat a wicked all rounder, ready to go anywhere and do anything, including shred the pumptrack!
Wheels, Trucks, & Bearings
Like all Landyachtz boards, the Rally Cat comes are set up with full aftermarket wheels, trucks and bearings by Hawgs Wheels and Bear Trucks.
How does it ride?
Landyachtz describe the Rally Cat as a Swiss Army knife. Freeride, street spots, pump tracks... the Rally Cat loves it all.
| The Landyachtz Rally Cat Kimono Short Longboard is good because... | A Landyachtz Rally Cat Kimono Short Longboard might not be right for you because... |
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Oldshool, Reissue & Retro Cruisers
Originally designed for Park and Pool, these old school shapes make great cruisers and pump track boards. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, and wild retro graphics, so it's worth giving the collection a browse and seeing what floats your boat!
The deck
Ranging from 29-33" long and 9-10.5" wide, there's something for everyone in this category.
Wheels, Trucks, & Bearings
We offer all of the boards in this category with our 'Pro' and 'Elite' builds with quality parts from Sabre trucks and Cult wheels. either of these will be great on the pump track, but the larger wheels of the Elite will be faster on janky surfaces.
How does it ride?
Bigger, wider, and more directional than your classic 'popsicle' skateboard, these pool shapes are super confidence inspiring, and if you're used to a longboard will feel more familiar under foot.
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Lush Longboards Minnow Short Longboard
The Minnow is Lush Longboards smaller longboard, perfect for smaller riders and adults who want a smaller overall setup, this makes it ideally suited to pump track duties!
The deck
At 36" long its one of the longer boards on this page, but is well suited to the pump track as well as being a great cruiser, carver, and even slide board.
Wheels, Trucks, & Bearings
The Minnow comes in our Pro, Elite and Precision build options, giving you the opportunity to pick a board that meets your budget. Like the Throttle, we highly recommend going Elite+ for the RKP trucks that really allow you to dig into your turns which feels so good on the pumptrack and beyond.
How does it ride?
With classic surfy lines, the minnow looks good, and more importantly feels great under your feet, whether you're cruising the seafront or smashing out laps of the pump track.
| The Lush Longboards Minnow Short Longboard is good because... | A Lush Longboards Minnow Short Longboard might not be right for you because... |
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