Longboard Tips for Beginners

Learn to ride a longboard, a more eco-friendly and cost-effective way to travel over short distances. Many riders enjoy longboarding as a form of recreation and as a substitute to surfing. Longboards share many characteristics with surfboards, including their shape and soft, springy ride that turns easily with the slightest of movements.

  1. Longboard

    • A longboard is a type of skateboard that measures about 35 to 60 inches with soft wheels that range from 70 mm to 78 mm. According to MPORA Pure Action Sports, many riders compare longboarding to surfing and call it "surfing on concrete." This is because the longboard's big wheels and thin board allow riders to make quick turns and easy carves, just as with surfing. Longboards are used for transportation, cruising, sliding, downhill racing and slalom racing.

    Longboard Sizes

    • Longboards come in various sizes. Beginners should choose midlength boards because they offer the most versatility. Choose a shorter board if you like downhill racing or speeding down steep hills. Shorter boards are also more practical and convenient to carry around. Longboards with a length of 28 to 42 inches are suitable for transportation and slalom use. The act of riding in and out of a line in a zig-zag-like pattern is called slaloming. Decks with a length of 38 to 42 inches are also ideal for transportation as well as for downhill rides and sliding. Lengthy boards of 40 inches and up are best for racers and sliding. They also work well for transportation and downhill rides. Also wear protective items like helmets, knee pads and elbow pads.

    Shapes

    • Longboards come in two major shapes: pintails and flatnose riders. Pintail boards have a wider diameter that allows you to balance better. Some pintail boards have a camber shape, or a slight upward bend in the middle. This gives the board more bounce and allows it to turn sharper. In contrast, flat boards have a lower center of gravity which makes them more maneuverable and easier to make turns with. Try both shapes and different lengths to see which longboard suits you best. Consider factors such as your riding style and personal preference.

    Maintenance

    • Avoid riding your longboard when its raining outside. The bearings will rust and the deck will absorb moisture causing it to get soggy, damp and less responsive. Keep the bearings clean by brushing away dirt and grit every month. Expect the longboard to move faster and to cover more distance in comparison with a skateboard.