Things to Know About Longboards

A bridge between surfing and skateboarding, longboarding involves riding and performing tricks on a long skateboard. Longboards are typically 24 to 80 inches in length, and they resemble surfboards. They're used a little differently from the average skateboard; longboarders tend to ride as a means of transportation or for cruising down hills.

  1. Basics

    • Though longboards can reach 80 inches in length, the typical longboard is between 42 and 46 inches, according to the Daddies Board Shop website. The longboard’s trucks, which are found under the board and are attached to the wheels, tend to be around 7 to 8 inches wide. Longboard wheels differ slightly from those found on other skateboards. Longboard wheels are generally softer, allowing for smooth riding, and are larger than the equivalents on a skateboard.

    History

    • Longboarding has its roots in the sport of surfing in the 1970s. Longboarding evolved from the penchant of early skateboarders to race in empty swimming pools, for which longer skateboards were especially well suited.

    Riding Styles

    • Longboards are popular for a number of riding styles. These include cruising, in which the rider moves across the ground for a long time using just a few pushes. Cruising longboarders generally use the longest boards. More dramatic longboarding activities include slalom skating, in which the rider navigates an obstacle course constructed from cones. The idea is to ride down a hillside while making tight turns to go around the cones. Longboards used for slalom courses have softer wheels to provide a good grip. Downhill longboarding involves descending a steep hill at high speed, typically up to 40 miles an hour. Protective gear is essential for this riding style.

    Implications of Length

    • Longboard riders choose a board of an appropriate length depending on their needs. If the rider will be doing a lot of downhill descents, she'll want a medium-size longboard up to 46 inches. For milder hills and areas of flat ground, riders tend to choose a shorter longboard. These longboards are less than 40 inches long and, with a small turning radius, are quite maneuverable. Longboards over 57 inches have a larger turning radius, so they can't turn as well as shorter boards. They're best for performing surfing stunts such as the hang ten.