Longboarding is a hobby and sport that draws in people who appreciate smooth rides, fast speeds, and a unique sense of community. Whether I’m gliding down my neighborhood hills or cruising along a beachside path, longboards have brought a refreshing change to how I move and experience the outdoors.
With so many board shapes and riding styles, the longboard world feels big, but it’s not hard to jump in once I have a little background knowledge. I’ve put together this guide to share how longboarding started, why it’s different from skateboarding, and what boards I’d pick to shred and enjoy the ride.
Longboarding
Where It All Began
The story of longboarding starts in California during the 1950s and 60s. Surfers wanted something to ride when the waves were flat, so they attached wheels to wooden planks to mimic surfing on land. This “sidewalk surfing” quickly gained popularity among surfers looking to practice board control and balance away from the water.
From those early days, longboarding slowly built its own identity. The boards got longer and wider than traditional skateboards, making them much more stable for cruising and carving. The surfing influence stuck around, especially in the flowy riding styles and relaxed approach I see in longboarding communities today.
Unlike traditional skateboarding, which leaned more toward tricks, ramps, and street performance, longboarding went in several different directions. There’s downhill racing, easy cruising, dancing, and technical sliding.
The technology improved, too. Modern boards now utilize specific materials, such as bamboo and fiberglass, and wheels have become softer for smoother rides over rough terrain. This keeps longboarding fresh, allowing people to choose a style that suits them, whether they prefer a peaceful ride or a high-speed challenge.
The Difference Between Longboards and Skateboards
At first glance, longboards and skateboards might look pretty similar, but when I pick them up or ride them, the differences become obvious. Here are a few big distinctions that matter in everyday riding:
Board Length and Shape: Longboards are longer (usually 36–44 inches or even more), while skateboards are typically around 28–32 inches. This makes longboards more stable at speed and easier for big, flowing turns.
Deck Flexibility: Longboards often have more flex, which absorbs bumps and makes rides smoother. Skateboards usually have rigid decks for tricks.
Wheel Size and Softness: Longboard wheels are larger and softer, gripping pavement and rolling over cracks easily. Standard skateboard wheels are harder, which helps with tricks but isn’t as forgiving over rough terrain.
Trucks: The trucks (the metal turning parts under the board) are differently shaped. Longboard trucks are often reverse kingpin, which gives better turning and carving. Skateboards use traditional kingpin trucks that are steady for tricks and tough landings.
In short, I pick a longboard when I want an easy ride or downhill fun, and I use a skateboard when I’m heading to a skate park or trying technical tricks.
Riding Styles and What They Offer
Longboarding covers a variety of riding styles, each matched to different board types and setups. Figuring out my favorite way to ride helps me find a board that really fits my personality and goals. Here are a few of the top riding styles I’ve seen and checked out:
Cruising: This is the main style for most beginners and casual longboarders, including myself. It’s all about rolling along sidewalks, bike paths, or through parks, enjoying the scenery and the feeling of momentum. Cruiser boards are usually longer, use soft wheels, and often come in pintail or dropthrough shapes for easy handling.
Downhill: For those who love a jolt of adrenaline, downhill longboarding can be a real thrill. It involves racing down steep hills at high speeds, using special boards built for stability and control. Downhill boards are usually stiffer and wider, designed for serious grip and support. Symmetrical shapes let me handle slides and turns in any direction.
Freeride: Freeride longboarding blends speed, sliding, and tricks. I like freeride’s creative side because it lets me experiment with how I control speed and direction on steeper streets. Boards are generally symmetrical and use harder wheels for sliding, plus they may include foot pockets or slight bends for better grip.
Dancing and Freestyle: This is the most expressive style, blending smooth steps, spins, and tricks. It really is like dancing on the board. Long, flat decks with some flex feel best here, letting me walk up and down the board and pull off crosssteps or shuvits. Soft wheels and mild kicktails make tricks easier without sacrificing cruising comfort.
When I pick a style, I usually think about my favorite spots to ride, how fast I want to go, and whether I want to focus on carving big turns, going for speed, sliding, or even adding dance moves.
Quick Tips to Get Started
Starting with longboarding doesn’t require a bunch of fancy gear, but a few smart tips make the whole experience safer and more enjoyable. Here’s what helped me during my first few rides:
Pick the Right Board for Your Style: Job number one is figuring out if I’ll cruise, bomb hills, or start dancing. Matching the board shape and wheels to my riding plan keeps things simple.
Safety Gear: I always use a helmet and slide gloves, especially if I’m riding faster or learning new slides. Kneepads and elbow pads help prevent scrapes too.
Practice Balance and Turning: I started on flat pavement, learning how to push off, balance with one foot, and make easy turns. Taking things slow at first really helps when moving to steeper ground later.
Learn the Basics of Stopping: Foot braking and carving wide turns help slow things down. As I got better, sliding became a useful way to stop at higher speeds.
Respect Others and the Environment: I stay alert for bikers, pets, or pedestrians—sharing paths and being mindful means everyone gets to enjoy the ride.
Over time, these habits made shredding feel natural, allowing me to explore more challenging routes with ease. Connecting with local riders or watching online tutorials also gave me fresh tips and inspiration to level up my skills.
Common Longboarding Challenges
Learning to shred with longboards brings a few common challenges, but I found these can be managed with a little patience:
Rough Terrain: Longboards handle cracks and rocks better than traditional skateboards, but really rough or gravelly roads can still throw off my balance. Planning routes on smoother pavement keeps things fun and easy.
Board Maintenance: Wheels and bearings need to be cleaned for smooth rolling. I handle this with a soft brush or a special bearing cleaner. Swapping out worn wheels is worth it if my ride feels bumpy.
Weather Risks: Wet or sandy roads lead to slipping and bad falls. I check the weather before heading out and stick to dry days to stay safe.
Learning Curves: Wiping out during my first downhill runs, or losing balance while carving, happens to everyone. Practicing balance, controlling my speed, and starting on gentle hills have all helped build my skills.
Staying Safe While Longboarding
Safety is really important, especially as I get faster or ride in busy areas. Wearing a helmet is always my top priority. Head injuries are no joke and are mostly avoidable with good gear.
Gloves and pads offer extra protection, especially for slides and new maneuvers. I also check that my trucks are tight, wheels spin freely, and nothing odd is rattling underneath before every ride.
I learnt all this after coming off my board at about 40mph going down a steep decline and hitting a stone. I came off and scraped my chin, stomach and legs. A cop pulled up after being called and asked if I was ok. LOL, I said yep and waddled home.
Keeping Your Board in Great Shape
Looking after my longboard isn’t difficult, but it does help me ride smoother for longer. Cleaning bearings, checking for loose bolts, rotating wheels, and wiping grime from the trucks keeps things working nicely. I swap out bushings or wheels if they’re worn down or feel too hard, since this makes a huge difference in stability and ride comfort. A little care stretches out my board’s life and keeps my rides fun.
Longboards Worth Checking Out
After riding and researching, I’ve found plenty of longboards to fit different styles and budgets. When picking a board for beginners, I check if it fits my height, uses reliable trucks and wheels, and is made of quality materials. Here are a few types I’d recommend for shredding right out of the box:
Pintail Cruiser Longboards: Classic surf-inspired shapes make these boards stable and forgiving for relaxed rides and wide carves. Soft wheels soak up bumps, making them an excellent pick for beginners and chill rides.
Dropthrough Longboards: These boards are lower to the ground, so you get more stability and easier pushing. Reverse kingpin trucks provide smooth carving, and they work well for cruising and gentle downhill.
Freeride and Slide Boards: Symmetrical decks with crisp edges and medium flex let me slide, spin, and test out technical moves. Harder wheels are great for sliding, while foot pockets give a better grip for sharp maneuvers.
Dancer Boards: Super long, flat decks (48 inches or more) let me try steps, spins, and footwork with lots of space. Mild flex and big, soft wheels help keep tricking and cruising comfortable.
The best board for me comes down to how I want to enjoy my rides. Whether I want to relax, chase speed, or get creative with dance steps, there’s a longboard that fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do longboards work well for beginners? Answer: Absolutely. Longboards are usually easier for new riders thanks to their stability and forgiving wheels. Starting on gentle ground with a stable cruiser board is a great way to learn the basics fast and safely.
Question: Can I use a longboard for commuting? Answer: Of course. Many people use longboards to get around campus, to work, or just to explore town. They roll smoothly and handle bumps better than skateboards, making longer rides more pleasant.
Question: How do I pick the right longboard size? Answer: Most beginners do well with decks between 38 and 42 inches long. Shorter boards are nimble but less stable, while longer boards give a smoother ride. It’s all about comfort and matching the board to the kind of shredding you like most.
My Wrap
Longboarding is packed with opportunities for fun, adventure, and great outdoor experiences. Understanding its history, how longboards differ from skateboards, and picking a style that fits your personality makes shredding more rewarding from the start.
After picking out the right board, keep it in top shape, and follow key safety tips, that feeling of carving down a smooth road or dancing on a long deck is hard to beat. No matter how you ride, longboarding is about getting outside, having fun, and enjoying the ride, one push at a time.
Steve
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