What Does Mongo Mean in Skateboarding? (Is It Good or Bad?)

Learn all about mongo stance in skateboarding, including its history, benefits, and tips for beginners. Improve your skills today.

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Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Mongo?” “Isn’t that just some kind of fruit?” No, we’re not talking about the fruit. Although, let’s be real, a little bit of mango could definitely hit the spot after a long day of skating. So, what is mongo?

In this blog post, we will discuss the mongo stance in skateboarding, a technique that’s been around for decades but is still misunderstood by many. You’ll discover why mastering this technique can take your skills to the next level and give you that extra edge you’ve been looking for.

What does mongo mean? Mongo is a stance in skateboarding where the rider pushes with their front foot instead of their back foot. It has a controversial history in skateboarding but is widely used by many skaters, particularly beginners.

What is mongo in skateboarding?

In skateboarding, mongo is a stance where the rider pushes with their front foot instead of their back foot. Skaters have had mixed feelings about this technique, but many skaters still use it.

The term “mongo” is believed to have originated from the word “mongoloid,” which was a derogatory term for people with Down syndrome and was used to describe the stance because it was seen as awkward and unorthodox.

…some people consider mongo pushing bad, as the technique is often seen as silly, unstylish, and uncool.

It’s worth noting that some people consider mongo pushing bad, as the technique is often seen as silly, unstylish, and uncool. However, others argue that the technique is perfectly valid and can benefit some skaters.

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What is the difference between mongo and regular stance?

The difference between mongo and regular stance in skateboarding is the foot used for pushing. While mongo involves pushing with the front foot, regular stance involves pushing with the back foot. Some skaters prefer to stick with one stance, while others switch things up depending on the trick they’re trying to do.

Why is it important to understand mongo for beginners?

Some skateboarders may prefer a regular stance, but beginners can benefit from learning how to push mongo. Understanding mongo and regular stances can provide a better understanding of the different techniques and approaches to skateboarding, which can be helpful in the long run.

Skateboarders who are just starting out can improve their skills and techniques by learning to push mongo. This can help them to become more adaptable and versatile riders, which can be especially important as they progress and take on more challenging tricks.

Image of a skateboarder wearing khaki pants and white converse shoes skateboarding on the street. Source: tima miroshnichenko, pexels
Image of a skateboarder wearing khaki pants and white converse shoes skateboarding on the street. Source: tima miroshnichenko, pexels

Common mistakes when learning mongo include placing the back foot too close to the board and not shifting weight properly.

Advantages of mongo

Mongo stance in skateboarding offers several benefits, including making it easier to learn certain tricks such as fakie or switch riding. Additionally, mongo pushing can provide a wider range of foot motion, which may offer more stability in certain situations and allow for faster acceleration in some cases.

Disadvantages of mongo

While there are some advantages to using mongo, there are also disadvantages. For instance, pushing mongo can make it harder to control the board and lead to temporary weight distribution imbalances, making it difficult to maintain speed and stability. Some skaters also view mongo pushing as uncool or unstylish, which may disadvantage those concerned about their image in the skating community.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Is Pushing Mongo A Crime?” from the Nine Club Clips YouTube channel.

A video called “Is Pushing Mongo A Crime?” from the Nine Club Clips YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about what “mongo” means in the context of skateboarding? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

What is the difference between mongo and regular stance in skateboarding?

Mongo is a stance where the rider pushes with their front foot, while a regular stance involves pushing with the back foot. Mongo is generally considered easier for beginners to learn but can limit some trick options.

Is the mongo stance frowned upon in the skateboarding community?

While the mongo stance has a controversial history in the skateboarding community, it is widely used by many skaters, particularly beginners. Ultimately, your stance is a personal choice and should not be judged by others.

Can I switch from a regular stance to a mongo stance or vice versa?

Yes, it’s possible to switch from a regular stance to a mongo stance or vice versa, but it may take some practice to get used to the new stance. Some skaters prefer to stick with one stance, while others switch things up depending on the trick they’re trying to do.

Conclusion

Well, my fellow skaters, we’ve reached the end of our mongo journey. From the history and definition of the stance to the tips and tricks for mastering it, I hope this post has given you everything you need to start incorporating mongo into your skating routine.

Mastering mongo may take some time and practice, but you can do it with the right mindset and determination. And don’t forget to have fun along the way! (Even if you’re falling all over the place, at least you’re doing it in style.)

So, are you ready to join the mongo squad and take your skating to new heights? (Are you feeling inspired to give mongo a try?) 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 my full blog for more tips and tricks on all things skating. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding! (Stay gnarly, my friends.)

Key takeaways

This article covered “what the word “mongo” means in skateboarding.” Here are some key takeaways:

  • Mongo stance in skateboarding involves pushing with the front foot instead of the back one.
  • Mongo has a controversial history in the skateboarding community but is widely used by many skaters, particularly beginners.
  • Learning mongo involves a few steps and requires practice to get comfortable with the stance.
  • Some benefits of using mongo in skateboarding include more stability and speed in certain situations.
  • Common mistakes when learning mongo include placing the back foot too close to the board and not shifting weight properly.
  • Tricks that work well with mongo stance include manuals and certain flip tricks.
  • Switching between mongo and regular stance is possible, but getting used to the new stance may take practice.

Helpful resources

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Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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