Learning to ride a Unicycle
Where to learn
Try to find a smooth flat area with a hand rail or low fence to hold on
to. An indoor hall or gym is ideal but tennis courts or school
playgrounds are generally good.
How high should the seat be?
When sitting on the unicycle with one foot on a pedal in its lowest
position your leg should be almost straight.
Getting Started
- Place the seat of the unicycle underneath you.
- Spin the wheel so that the pedal on your favoured side is near the
bottom between 7 and 8 o'clock.
- Put both hands on the wall, handrail or fence (or get some helpful
friends).
- Place your foot on the pedal nearest to you and step straight
upwards. The wheel will move backwards and underneath you.
- Place your second foot on the other pedal and pedal backwards about
¼ of a turn so that your feet are level.
- Holding on tight, lean forwards slightly and begin pedalling.
Handy Hints
- Keep as much weight as possible on the seat.
- Don't look down, look forwards.
- Try to pedal quite quickly. This will make it easier to balance.
- When you start to fall, let the unicycle drop and try to stay on
your feet.
- Enjoy with friends!
Styles of Unicycling
Freestyle - This style focuses on performing tricks in
a large flat open space. At competition a routine is devised to music
and performed for a panel of judges.
Trials - Trials riding is about overcoming various
natural, urban or man-made obstacles without falling off. This usually
involves a lot of hopping and can be very tiring but extremely
satisfying.
Street - As the name suggests this is urban riding.
Common tricks are Unispins and Crankflips. In competition riders often
use music and try to string tricks together to impress the judges.
Flatland - A derivative of street riding comprising
many of the same tricks but with more focus on Crankrolls and some
freestyle skills. Normally performed to music at competitions.
Muni - Mountain unicycling. Off road riding, just like
mountain biking but much harder but also much more fun. The bikers won't
believe their eyes!
Distance Riding - Usually on a 29" or 36" unicycle,
sometimes with a geared hub. Do 10km, a marathon or 100miles in 10hours,
just let the road take you.
Hockey & Basketball – Conventional sports on a
unicycle! A fast, furious and challenging way to get the adrenaline
pumping. Enjoy responsibly!
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