The basic movements of unicycling are mounting, riding and dismounting.Because of the intense balance required for unicycling, the steps below take a lot of practice to master.If you want to learn how to unicycle, you need to start with a plate of patience and an adventurous attitude.
Step 1: Place the unicycle parallel to the fence so that you can use it for support as you ride it.
You want the fence to be high enough for you to rest your hand at a comfortable height while riding.
Step 2: The unicycle's pedals should be positioned in a slightly offset, vertical position so that one pedal is in the 4 o'clock position and the other is at the same time.
If you know which foot is your front foot for sports like skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding, you will want the pedal in the 4 o'clock position to be on the side of your dominant foot.
Step 3: The seat of the unicycle rests between your legs if you tilt it toward you.
You can squeeze the seat with your thighs.
Step 4: Place both of your hands on the fence while squeezing the seat between your thighs.
The unicycle should be facing forward and parallel to the fence.
Step 5: In the 4 o'clock position with your dominant foot, step on the pedal closest to you.
The difference between this and a bicycle is that you have to step on the pedal furthest away to get forward.When mounting a unicycle, it will take a lot of practice to get used to moving backwards.Be patient and take your time.
Step 6: If you want to place your non-dominant foot on the pedal furthest away in the 10 o'clock position, give yourself a little push with your other foot.
To keep your balance, you will have to pedal.As soon as you mount the unicycle, you want the wheel to turn backwards.The pedals should be vertical once you mount the unicycle.
Step 7: Hold on to the handrail and pedal slowly.
To maintain your balance, lean slightly forward.
Step 8: Attaching and pedaling while holding on to a fence is a good way to get used to balancing on your own.
Depending on your abilities, this can take several hours.If you feel ready, you can follow the steps above without the help of a fence or handrail.Use your hands to hold on to the seat, or use your arms to help you balance.
Step 9: Put the weight of your body on the seat.
A common mistake while learning is to hunch your shoulders.Your legs and feet are light on the pedals.The pedals become more difficult to manipulate if you are heavy in your feet.
Step 10: The unicycle can be moved forward by leaning your entire body on it.
This motion will feel weird at first, but you'll get used to it.The unicycle and your body should be in one piece.If you bend your upper body forward at the waist, you will throw yourself off balance and fail to propel the unicycle forward.
Step 11: When riding at a normal speed, sit straight up.
Think of your back as an extension of the seat post.If you want to accelerate, tilt forward and apply more force on the pedals.To control the force on the pedals, sit up straight.When slowing down, be sure to keep your weight over the seat and not tilt backwards as this can be dangerous.
Step 12: You can pedal backwards by sitting up straight with your torso over your seat.
Don't lean back and lose your balance.It is more difficult to break a backward fall than a forward fall.
Step 13: Hold on to a fence or handrail for as long as necessary to practice pedaling forward and backward.
You can pedal without support if you let go of the handrail.
Step 14: Stand directly over the seat and steady yourself for a turn.
You should be prepared to use your body to guide the unicycle.
Step 15: The unicycle can be turned quickly to the right or left.
Most of your power for turning will come from your hips.
Step 16: You can swing your hips on the unicycle by guiding the pedals with your feet.
To keep your balance, this motion needs to happen quickly.
Step 17: When turning for the first time, hold on to a handrail.
As you get more comfortable, you can take your hands off of the rail and use your arms to support the correct direction.Wind up and swing your arms in a different direction.
Step 18: As you turn, tilt your body slightly to encourage motion.
Keep your weight over the seat by staying close to your center of gravity.
Step 19: Immediately after you turn, pedal.
When the wheel is stationary, it is more difficult to balance on a unicycle.
Step 20: The pedals should be in the same position as they were when you mounted the unicycle.
Make sure your dominant foot is higher than your non-dominant foot.
Step 21: The weight should be transferred to the foot on the lower pedal.
To maintain a grounded center of gravity, look forward with your gaze.
Step 22: Hold on to the handrail with one or both hands.
As you gain experience, you won't need a handrail to steady yourself as you dismount.As you step down, you will transfer your hands to the seat at the same time.The unicycle can be caught instead of falling to the ground.
Step 23: Step down with the highest foot first if you feel stable.
The weight should be on your foot the whole time.
Step 24: The first foot hits the ground as you step off.
It's important to time it right so that you don't lose your balance.