To choose the right longboard, consider your riding style and experience level. Then, choose a board with the appropriate length, shape, and flex to suit your needs.
Longboarding is a fantastic way to enjoy outdoor activities and stay active. Whether you are looking to bomb hills, cruise around town, or perform tricks, choosing the correct longboard is essential. With so many different shapes, sizes, and styles available, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect board. To begin with, you must determine your riding style and experience level. Then, consider the length, shape, and flexibility of the board. These factors play a significant role in determining the suitability of a longboard for your preferences and skill level. In this guide, we will go through everything that a beginner needs to know before picking their first longboard.
Credit: odysseyboards.com
Types Of Longboards
Longboarding can be an incredibly fun and thrilling experience. It’s no wonder why the sport has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, with all the different types of longboards available on the market, it can be challenging to know what kind to choose.
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of longboards, which will make it easier for you to pick the right one for your needs.
Cruiser Longboards
If you’re looking for a longboard to use as your primary mode of transportation, then a cruiser longboard might be your best bet. These longboards are designed for cruising around town, and they provide a comfortable and smooth ride.
- Deck size: cruiser longboards usually have decks that range from 28 to 32 inches. Larger decks are more stable, while smaller decks are easier to manoeuvre.
- Wheel size: bigger wheels will help you go faster, while smaller wheels will offer better acceleration and agility.
- Shape: cruiser longboards come in different shapes, such as pintails, drop-throughs, and kicktails. Each shape has its benefits, so it’s essential to consider what kind of riding you’ll be doing.
Downhill Longboards
If speed is your thing, then a downhill longboard is the way to go. Downhill longboarding involves riding down steep hills on a longboard at high speeds.
- Stiffness: downhill longboards are usually stiff, which provides more stability when riding at high speeds.
- Wheelbase: a longer wheelbase will give you better stability when riding downhill.
- Concave: a concave deck provides better foot grip and control when turning at high speeds.
Freeride Longboards
Freeride longboarding involves a combination of downhill riding and skateboarding tricks. These longboards are designed for riders who want to do more than just cruise around.
- Shape: freeride longboards come in different shapes, but most have a symmetrical shape that makes it easy to ride in both directions.
- Flex: a flexible deck will absorb shock when landing tricks.
- Wheel hardness: softer wheels provide better grip and are more forgiving when making mistakes.
Freestyle Longboards
Freestyle longboards are designed for riders who want to perform skateboarding tricks on a longboard. These longboards are often smaller and more manoeuvrable than other types of longboards.
- Deck size: freestyle longboards usually have smaller decks, which make them more manoeuvrable.
- Concave: a concave deck provides better foot grip, which makes it easier to perform tricks.
- Kicktails: kicktails allow the rider to pop the board, which is necessary for some tricks.
Dancing Longboards
Dancing longboards are designed for riders who want to perform stylish and graceful movements on their board.
- Deck size: dancing longboards are usually longer, with decks that range from 42 to 48 inches.
- Flexibility: a flexible deck will allow you to bounce and move freely.
- Concave: a concave deck provides better foot grip, which is essential when performing movements that require balance.
Choosing the right longboard can be challenging, but understanding the different types of longboards and their key features will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a longboard out there for you.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Longboard
Longboarding is an excellent way to explore the great outdoors while keeping fit. Choosing the perfect longboard, however, can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. With so many different types of longboards available, and each designed for a particular use, how do you know what’s best for you?
In this section, we’ll delve into the factors you need to consider when choosing a longboard.
Personal Preference
Everyone has a unique set of preferences, and longboarding is no exception.
- Deck shape: different deck shapes provide varying levels of stability and maneuverability.
- Deck size: the size of the deck determines how much foot space you have and how stable the board is.
- Board flexibility: flexible boards provide a smooth ride; stiff ones offer more control.
- Aesthetic: choose a board that appeals to your sense of style.
Riding Style
Your riding style dictates the type of longboard you should get.
- Cruising: choose a longboard that’s long and flexible.
- Carving: a board that’s medium-length, flexible, and with a sharp turning radius is ideal.
- Downhill: long and stiff boards with a lowered center of gravity provide the necessary control for high speeds.
- Freestyle: short and stiff boards with kicktails provide maximum maneuverability.
Terrain
The terrain you’ll be riding on plays a significant role in the type of longboard you should buy.
- Flat surfaces: boards with smaller wheels work best on smooth surfaces.
- Hills: large, soft wheels are essential for hill riding to provide better grip and control.
- Rough surfaces: boards with larger wheels and a flexible deck can handle rough terrain.
Level Of Skill
Beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders require different longboards.
- Beginners: long and wide boards provide stability and ease of use.
- Intermediate riders: medium-sized boards with a bit more flex and maneuverability offer the perfect balance between control and comfort.
- Advanced riders: shorter and stiffer boards offer more control and maneuverability.
By considering the above factors, you’ll be able to choose a longboard that’s tailored to your needs. Remember, choosing the right longboard will make all the difference to your experience, so choose wisely.
Best Longboard For Beginners? (Buyers Guide)
Longboard Components
Longboarding is a popular form of skateboarding that can be used for cruising, commuting, downhill racing, or even performing tricks. If you’re looking to get into longboarding, you’re probably wondering what type of longboard you should get. One essential aspect to consider when selecting a longboard is the components.
In this section, we will discuss the deck, trucks, and wheels aspects of a longboard to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
Deck
The deck is the wooden board that gives the rider a place to stand.
- Size: a larger deck provides more stability, whereas a smaller deck offers greater maneuverability.
- Flex: the level of flex depends on the rider’s weight and the type of riding they’re doing. A stiff deck is perfect for downhill riding, whereas a flexible deck is great for cruising.
- Shape: the deck comes in various shapes, including pintail, drop-through, and kicktail. These shapes determine the board’s turning ability and riding style.
Trucks
Trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck. They allow the board to turn, providing a smoother ride.
- Width: choose the width of the truck based on the width of the deck. Wider trucks are great for stability, while narrower ones are ideal for quick turns and maneuvers.
- Height: the height of the truck determines how far the board sits off the ground. Higher trucks are better for larger wheels, whereas lower trucks are better for smaller wheels.
- Baseplate angle: the angle at which the baseplate is attached to the deck affects the board’s turning ability. A higher angle provides greater maneuverability, while a lower angle offers stability.
Wheels
Lastly, let’s discuss wheels. Wheels are an important aspect of longboarding as they determine the speed, grip and comfort of your ride.
- Size: the size of the wheel affects the top speed and acceleration of the board. Larger wheels go faster, while smaller ones provide better maneuverability.
- Hardness: the hardness of the wheel affects the grip and comfort of the ride. Softer wheels provide more grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels are better for sliding and tricks.
- Shape: wheels come in square and rounded shapes. Rounded wheels are great for cruising and carving, while square ones are perfect for sliding and tricks.
By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the right longboard components that align with your riding style and individual needs.
Maintenance And Safety Tips
Longboarding is a thrilling activity that delivers a sense of freedom and adventure. However, owning a longboard comes with responsibilities that require maintenance and safety measures. Here are some tips to help you maintain and safely use your longboard.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your longboard is vital to its longevity and peak performance.
- Keep it clean: clean your longboard regularly to increase its durability. Dirt and dust can stick to the bearings and cause friction during a ride. Use a damp cloth to wipe off dust and dirt from the deck, wheels, and trucks.
- Check the screws regularly: as you ride your longboard, vibrations can cause the screws to loosen. Always make sure to check and tighten them before each ride.
- Proper storage: store your longboard properly when not in use to prevent damage or warping. Always keep it away from moisture and high temperatures.
- Replace worn out parts: if you notice any worn-out parts on your longboard, it’s essential to replace them immediately. Worn-out bearings, wheels, or trucks can cause instability while riding.
Safety
Longboarding can be a dangerous sport, so proper safety gear and precautions are vital.
- Always wear a helmet: a helmet is essential to prevent head injuries in case of a crash or fall.
- Wear protective gear: wearing protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and gloves, can reduce injuries from falls.
- Practice regularly: with practice comes experience and an understanding of how to handle your board while riding. Start slow and progress gradually to more challenging terrains.
- Pay attention to surroundings: watch for obstacles such as potholes, rocks, and cracks on the road. Skate in designated skate parks or areas where there are fewer people or cars.
- Avoid riding your longboard under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
By following these maintenance and safety tips, you can enjoy your longboarding activity while ensuring your safety and the longevity of your longboard.
Conclusion
Longboarding is an exciting and fun way to explore your neighborhood, coastal roads, parks, and more. However, purchasing the right longboard can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are new to the sport. Thus, understanding what type of longboard to get can be a challenge.
In this post, we have covered the basic types of longboards available on the market and their specific applications. The pintail, drop-through, cruiser, and downhill longboards are some of the most popular types of boards suitable for beginners, intermediate riders and experienced riders.
Ultimately, the type of longboard you choose should depend on your riding style, preference, and skill level. Consider the board’s size, shape, deck material, and wheel size to ensure you get the right longboard. Finally, we hope that this article has given you a good foundation and helps you make a well-informed decision when purchasing a longboard.
So, go right ahead and get the perfect longboard for you!
