What Are the Different Types of Longboards?

Skateboarding has assumed an important role in the youth sub-culture as an outlet for non-conformists and risk-takers. While skateboards are ideal for performing tricks, a longer and more stable version of the skateboard, known as the "longboard," has emerged and is used under several circumstances. The longboard's greater weight gives it more momentum, and this makes it easier for the longboarder to cruise along a street or a sidewalk when being utilized for transportation. Different types of longboards are used for racing also, as they can serve as a popular, faster alternative to skateboards.

  1. Slalom Skateboards

    • One of the more popular competitive racing events for skateboarders is the zigzag race, also known as "Slalom." The boards utilized, known as "Slalom skateboards," are a type of longboard made of Carbon Fiber. The lengths vary between 40 to 50 inches. The smaller versions are used for courses with sharper turns while the longer boards serve racers well on steeper courses with giant zigzags. International slalom competitions are held every year at various locations within Europe.

    Buttboard

    • As the name suggests, “buttboards” require you to sit on the deck of a buttboard to ride it. Buttboards are used in gravity sporting events like downhill racing. They are subject to stringent design restrictions for the competitions in order to keep the cost low and minimize the technological advantage. A good buttboard racer brakes with his feet while cornering and drafting.

    Cruising Boards

    • Cruisers are typically used for transportation and are the most common type of longboards. Being large, they tend to provide a comfortable cruising experience. These boards have been designed to resemble surfboards and tend to have shorter noses. The typical length ranges from 40 to 50 inches.

    Trick Boards

    • Trick boards have been designed for the extremely skilled longboard rider to showcase his talents. Although these boards are shaped just like normal skateboards, their larger size and weight demand substantial skill and strength from the longboarder. They are very similar in shape to skateboards but are much longer and wider. A trickboard is approximately 43 inches long in most cases.