Types of Longboards

Longboards are skateboards designed for speed and for maneuverability. The enhanced maneuverability of longboards allows you to carve--to ride in an "S" pattern--with greater ease and fluidity than if you were riding a standard skateboard. For this reason, riding a longboard is often described as surfing on concrete. There are different types of longboards, because the board's size and shape contribute to the manner and style in which it may be ridden.

  1. Transportation Longboards

    • Transportation longboards generally range from 39 to 50 inches in length. These boards are used primarily for low-speed commuting and travel purposes. The length of the board allows for an easy gain of momentum, while the loosely set trucks (axles) allow for high maneuverability.

    Cruising Longboards

    • Cruising longboards are similar to transportation longboards in that they are generally ridden at lower speeds. These boards range from 60 to 80 inches long and are for those with a more relaxed riding style that is more akin to surfing than skateboarding. Cruising boards are good for "surfing" type moves, such as hanging-ten, and "dancing" type moves like cross-stepping.

    Slalom Longboards

    • Ranging from 25 to 35 inches in length, slalom longboards are probably the closest to standard skateboards in design. These boards, however, are typically wider than standard skateboards and, unlike standard skateboards, they often have a tapered "pintail" design that gives extreme maneuverability. The riding style of these boards is fast and highly maneuverable.

    Downhill/ Speed Longboards

    • Downhill longboards range from 38 to 43 inches in length and are used primarily for obtaining extreme speeds. They are made from stiffer wood and are far less maneuverable at low speeds due to tightly set trucks. As these boards are set lower than most longboards (to provide a lower center of gravity) and as they sometimes have shocks built into the trucks, they are safer for high-speed riding.