Pushing Mongo: What It Is and How to Fix It (2026)
Pushing mongo means pushing with your front foot. It isn't wrong, but it can make tricks harder. Here's why, and how to switch if you want.
What Is Pushing Mongo?
Normally, skaters keep their front foot on the board over the front bolts and push with the back foot. Pushing mongo is the opposite: your back foot stays on the board near the tail and you push with your front foot. It's different from your stance; you can be regular or goofy and still push mongo.
Mongo vs Regular Pushing
| Regular Pushing | Mongo | |
|---|---|---|
| Foot on the board | Front foot over front bolts | Back foot near the tail |
| Pushing foot | Back foot | Front foot |
| Trick setup | Quick: back foot goes to the tail | Slower: feet must swap positions |
| Stability | Weight over the front truck | Weight on the tail can lift the nose |
Is It Wrong?
Not really. Skateboarding has no strict rules, and some respected skaters push mongo. The downsides are practical: it can be slower to set up tricks, and with weight on the tail, the board can be less stable over cracks. If it feels natural and you mostly cruise, it's fine. If you want to learn tricks, switching usually helps.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Feels natural to some riders | Slower to set up for tricks |
| Can help when riding switch | Weight on the tail makes the nose wander over cracks |
| Fine for casual cruising | Turning and pushing efficiency can suffer |
| Some respected pros have done it | Many skaters see it as awkward |
Pros Who Push Mongo
Pushing mongo hasn't stopped some skaters from becoming legends. Surfertoday lists well-known names such as Eric Koston and Mark Gonzales among skaters who have pushed mongo. So it's a style choice, not a rule, but most skaters who want to learn tricks still find regular pushing easier.
How to Switch to Regular Pushing
- Place your front foot over the front bolts, pointing forward.
- Bend your front knee and keep weight over it.
- Push with your back foot, starting with small pushes on flat ground.
- Bring your back foot onto the tail, then turn your front foot sideways.
- Practice daily; it feels awkward for a while, then becomes natural.
Check Your Stance
Sometimes people push mongo because they're riding in the wrong stance. Try the other stance; see goofy vs regular.
Next Steps
Learn the basics in learn how to skateboard, then turning, stopping and the ollie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pushing mongo mean?
Pushing with your front foot while your back foot stays on the board near the tail.
Is pushing mongo bad?
Not inherently, and some well-known skaters push mongo. But it can make it slower to set up tricks and less stable at speed.
How do I stop pushing mongo?
Practice pushing with your back foot on flat ground, starting slowly, and consciously put your front foot over the front bolts.
Is mongo the same as goofy?
No. Goofy is a stance (right foot forward). Mongo is how you push.
Can I push mongo on a longboard?
You can, but standard pushing is usually more stable for longer distances.