Everyone will ride the Onewheel a little differently, and part of the fun of the sport is finding what works for you specifically. Although there are a few things that each rider may choose to tweak for comfort and control, there are few crucial aspects to the riding stance that you need to make sure are done right to make sure you are riding safely.
Foot Placement: The Onewheel will detect a rider based on the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive footpad. Before getting on the Onewheel note which footpad naturally is the one that is lifted in the air when the board is in the ready-to-ride position. Note this is the only pressure-sensitive footpad on the board, even if you change direction on your board. When placing your foot on the pressure-sensitive footpad, be sure that your foot is able to place weight on either side of the sensor. If your shoe is larger than your footpad, make sure the ball of your foot and heal are both firmly placed within the separate zones of the footpad so you are fully engaging the footpad.
Shoe Choice: Equally as important as where you place your foot is the shape and design of your shoe. Since the shoe you wear is a layer between your foot and the pressure-sensitive pad, specifically selecting the right shoe to make sure your foot is making good contact with the footpad will help make sure you engage the board consistently and ride safely. Always wear closed-toed shoes, and we highly recommend not riding barefoot. To get the most grip on the board a firm soled, flat bottomed shoe will have the most contact with griptape keeping your foot anchored in place. If your foot is larger than the footpad, finding a firm soled shoe with some form of arch can help make sure the weight from the ball of your foot and your heel are applying weight to both sides of the sensor.
Soft-soled shoes like athletic shoes or ones designed to be comfortable for long periods of standing may distribute your weight differently and can make engaging a Onewheel more difficult. If you are having trouble with your board detecting your weight, oftentimes a change of shoe type can make a world of difference.
Body Weight: When bringing the board from the ground to level you may need to shift more weight to your front foot, but once the board reaches level and the motor engages, shift your weight back to over the tire. In general, keeping your legs straight, roughly shoulder-width apart, and a slight bend in your knees, you will have more control over the board and stability
Relax: When you start out and are learning to ride or if it's been a while between rides, it is common to tense up while riding. It is good to try and catch yourself if you do this and try to relax. Keeping your feet, ankles, or knees stiff will tire out your feet and legs faster as well as cause you to wobble while riding as your body will overcorrect the board when you carve. Keeping your knees and feet relaxed will be much more comfortable and help you avoid cramping while riding.
We recommend you check out these videos on finding your stance and getting balanced.