Pushing mongo is deemed as the ultimate sin in skateboarding.
But why? Is it really that bad?
Before I cover the pros & cons of pushing mongo, you might be wondering…
What Is Pushing Mongo?
Pushing mongo is when you push with your front foot instead of your back foot. If you’re regular, pushing with your left foot is considered mongo, and if you’re goofy, pushing with your right foot.
If you’ve been skating or longboarding for some time, you’ve probably encountered the notorious anti-mongo warriors that will take any opportunity to tell you how much you suck.
And I feel like the vibe has turned into “you suck if you push mongo” rather than, “well, if it makes sense for your style, it’s safe, and you’re having fun, who cares.”
Cons of pushing mongo
From a street skating perspective, pushing mongo has two obvious disadvantages.
Setting up for tricks
It makes it more challenging to set up for a trick.
Since you’re pushing with your front foot, it takes you longer to set up for flip tricks. When pushing with your back foot, your front foot is already on the deck, ready to throw down.
Hard to control
It’s harder to turn/control your board if your weight is centered over the back truck.
Those two reasons alone should make you want to avoid pushing mongo, especially if you’re into street skating. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, push through it because it’ll make your life easier in the long run.
What about other riding styles?
Something like long-distance pushing or downhill.
The first main disadvantage of not being able to set up a trick doesn’t apply. Within these styles, you’re not looking to throw a tre-flip, and the positioning of your front foot isn’t as vital.
Pros of pushing mongo
So what are the pros of pushing mongo? Are there even any?
I polled our Instagram followers and got some interesting feedback.
Rolling Over Debris
If you have less weight on the front, it’s easier for your front truck to roll over cracks/pebbles.
While I can see this angle, I don’t think it makes that much sense because if you hit a rock, it could easily change the direction of your board. Two ways to look at that one.
Long Distance Pushing
Another advantage was for long-distance pushing. If you can push both regular and mongo, it’s beneficial because you can switch back and forth, so you don’t fatigue.
If you’re going for 10 miles and only push regular, you’re bound to get tired. So being able to push mongo is an advantage for long-distance riders.
More Momentum?
Now, from a downhill perspective, a few people mentioned that they could get more momentum by pushing mongo.
I’m not sure how accurate this is, but I saw it mentioned a few times and wanted to include it.
Pushing Switch
And finally, if you’re used to pushing mongo, then pushing switch will be easier for you.
Bottom Line
For most riding styles, pushing with your back foot is the better option, especially if you’re just starting.
But I still wanted to highlight some advantages to mongo, so if you see someone doing it, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t know what they’re doing.
If you have no intention of doing tricks and you’re comfortable pushing mongo, I don’t think it’s a big deal. But only you can make that decision.
Do I think it’s beneficial to learn both? Of course, I’m not here to tell you how to live your life.
We’re riding a wooden board with wheels, it’s not that serious.
You do you.
