This means they are a brilliant choice for beginners, as they minimize the chance of losing your balance, which can be a severe mental block in getting the most out of riding.įurthermore, while skateboards are a useful way of getting around town, most people ride them intending to learn tricks and hitting the local skatepark, or even anything they think they can grind along or ollie over. But why should this matter? Due to the length, longboards are easier to ride and control compared to skateboards, which are usually several inches shorter than the best longboard.

The most obvious difference is that, as the name suggests, a longboard is, well, longer than a skateboard. Still, most people will compare them to skateboards, and while there are similarities, they share a few key differences.

Despite this, their actual history is related closer to surfing, and they were developed as an alternative activity for when the waves weren’t good or exciting enough. They encourage tricks and sliding, but perhaps aren’t suitable for your everyday ride.Ī: Longboards skateboard models are extremely similar to the standard skateboard you used to ride to school or at the park imitating Tony Hawk. Finally, a Freestyle board allows you the most creativity. As for Freeriding, these are similar to Downhill but also offer the means to go off-road, up curbs, and sliding. These boards are specifically designed to make it stable and safe to ride down a steep slope. Downhill riding is exactly how you would expect it to be. The styles of riding for longboards are Cruising and Carving, Downhill, Freeride, and Freestyle.Ĭruising and Carving is about as close as you’ll get to an ‘everyday’ longboard. Style of Riding - Different people prefer different riding styles. They can, however, still slide once broken in, making them useful for cruising. This makes them excellent for freestylers, but they may not be stable enough for beginners.Ĭonversely, square lip wheels ensure increased road contact and better resistance. The edge is rounded, which means there is less traction when turning. Round lip wheels are the same as what you see on a regular skateboard. Wheels - There are two primary wheel shapes you will encounter: round lip and square lip. Stiff boards with little flexibility are stable when riding quickly, but they can be uncomfortable when riding on bumpy surfaces. Soft boards are good for shock absorption, while medium flex will provide stability when going fast. The flexibility you choose depends on your skill level and your riding style. As you’d expect, more boards mean it is less flexible. These materials are usually the cheapest, but if you are experienced with longboards, then investing in fiberglass boards will be your best bet.įlexibility - While the number of veneers will affect the weight, it can also affect flexibility. The number of boards, or veneers, will determine how heavy the board is, and the heavier the board, the most cumbersome it can be to ride. Material - Most longboards are constructed using maple ply, although there will sometimes be a hybrid construction that also uses bamboo or fiberglass. Longboard Buying Guide & FAQ Features To Look For In Longboards

Retrospect longboard