Longboards

A longboard is a type of skateboard designed for high-speed rides and smooth cruising. Longboard riders use them for various riding styles like carving, downhill racing, or just cruising around town. The longboard deck is longer and more flexible than a regular skateboard, providing a stable ride and allowing for cool maneuvers like the Coleman slide, where riders put their hands on the ground and swing the board sideways. For a smooth ride, longboard wheels are larger and softer, helping you handle bumps and rough terrain like a pro. To maintain balance and control, longboard riders often place their front foot near the center of the board, adjusting their center of gravity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting, longboards are perfect for cruising at moderate speeds or embracing the thrill of downhill racing. Give it a try, and you'll see why so many people love these high-quality boards!

When I started to learn how to longboard, I learned that the most important thing is safety. Before riding your board, make sure you have the right safety gear: a helmet, elbow pads, and slide gloves for protection. This will help keep you safe while riding. Start by getting comfortable with your board on flat ground. Once you feel comfortable, you can try to practice turning. Bend your knees, shift your weight left or right, and push off with your front foot to start. This will help you gain speed and make it easier to turn. Next, learn how to shift your body weight for better control when going downhill. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, lower your center of gravity, and use your front foot to push off. This will help you control the speed and make turning easier. If you need to slow down, use foot braking or shifting your body weight. Foot braking is when you drag one of your feet on the ground to slow yourself down, while shifting your weight is when you lean back and move side to side. Be sure to practice these techniques in a safe area, like an empty parking lot, before you ride them on the street. Finally, get comfortable with your board so you can carve and speed down hills faster than you can run! Take it slow at first until you feel comfortable and then start cruising faster. With practice and the right protective gear, longboarding can be a fun and safe activity.

I love to hear that you're getting into longboarding! When it comes to choosing the right size longboard for your height, there's no strict rule. From my own experience, it's more about your riding style and comfort. When I was a beginner seeking stability and control, especially for longer distances, a longer deck was a good choice. A longboard for beginners tends to have a lower center of gravity, making them super stable and reliable. A drop-through longboard, with its drop-through trucks, can be an excellent option for both freeride longboards and downhill longboarding, especially if you're into high-speed rides. The lowered standing platform provides added stability and control. So, when I am choosing a longboard deck for a beginner-friendly cruise or opt for a drop-through longboard for high-speed thrills, I always consider what suits my ride best. Lace up your shoes, grab your longboard, and hit the pavement! Enjoy the ride!

Longboarding is a variation of skateboarding, but with a longer board, usually around 40 inches in length. The longer boards provide more stability and control, making it perfect for high-speed rides, freeriding, and freestyle. One of the coolest things about longboarding is the versatility in riding style it offers. There is freeriding and freestyle, where riders perform tricks and slides showcasing their skills and creativity. To keep your feet firmly planted on the board during freestyle longboarding, grip tape is essential. It gives you that extra grip you need for tight turns and flips. Longboarding, as a sport, offers a wide variety of options. Longboards can be used as a casual means of transportation. They are great for a leisurely cruise along the boardwalk with friends, or even a quick trip to the supermarket. Longboards can also serve as a tool to participate in the extreme sport of downhill racing or free riding. Downhill longboarders can travel at extremely high speeds while carving the pavement and doing slides to control their speed. Longboarding is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and have a thrilling ride, whether you're experienced or new. Buy a longboard and hit the streets - the possibilities are endless!

Let's talk about how to stop safely on a longboard, a question we get from beginner longboarders quite often. First off, I get my safety gear - elbow pads, knee pads, slide gloves, and don't forget, wearing a helmet is a must! Protective gear can save the day. Alright, let's get into it. A common method is foot braking. I start by cruising at a speed that's faster than I can run, but still feel comfortable with. I prefer to be on a slight incline just to make things easier. I keep my knees bent to maintain my center of gravity, shift my weight onto my front foot, and slowly lower my back foot onto the road. I am sure not to drop my foot abruptly onto the road - think of it like trying to pet a dog, not stomp on a spider! Another method I use involves shifting my body weight. I make sure to bend my knees and have gloves on, then I place one hand on the ground and lean into the direction I want to stop, while shifting my body weight backward. This will slow my momentum. Practice this in a safe open space, like a parking lot, before hitting the streets. Remember, longboarding is fun, but safety always comes first! So, take the time to practice these techniques until you really get them down and are ready to start rolling. Happy boarding!

Generally, the length of a longboard can vary quite a bit, typically ranging from 28 inches to about 59 inches. However, most longboards I encounter usually fall somewhere between 32 and 42 inches long. A longboard deck length can determine the style of riding I will be doing. Beginner longboards tend to be longer in length to give more stability. Remember, the longboard length plays a significant role in defining your riding style. If you're a beginner, you might want to start with a longer board because they offer more stability. This makes them great for cruising and carving longboards. almost like you're catching waves. Shorter boards, on the other hand, are more agile and better suited for tricks. In the end, the best longboard size for you is one that feels comfortable. So, don't be afraid to try out a few different lengths to find your perfect fit!

When it comes to choosing a longboard, size definitely matters and width is just as crucial as longboard length. A longboard deck can come in many shapes and sizes. Longer boards with longboard wheels are a great start for beginners. Now, the width of my high quality longboard should align with my riding style and shoe size. I'm into high speed rides or carving longboards, so a wider board - typically around 9 to 10 inches, is my go-to. These boards tend to be about 40 inches long. It offers more stability, essential for those high speed downhill rides. On the flip side, if I am looking for something more agile, like a skateboard, I would choose a narrow board. Remember, a shorter board can turn more quickly, but a wider board offers more stability. It's all about what suits my riding style best. As for shoe size, I want to ensure my feet fit comfortably on the deck, usually standing on the bolts when riding. If my shoes are bigger, I would want to consider a wider board. The key is to find a balance between comfort and control. I always refer to a longboard size chart if I am in doubt because size matters. Whether I'm rocking a pintail longboard or any other type of longboard, the right length and width will enhance my longboard ride.

Absolutely, longboards are a terrific choice for beginners. A longboard is a good choice for beginners looking to go long distances, or for a fun relaxing cruise. A longboard for beginners has a longer deck and larger wheels, making them more stable and easier to control than traditional skateboards. The larger wheels are better than skateboard wheels on a longboard deck because they offer more control and a smoother ride. I find this especially true for freeride longboards and downhill longboards. These longboards have a lower center of gravity due to their drop-through trucks. The drop through longboard design feature brings the standing platform closer to the ground. This makes the longboard more stable at high speeds over longer distances. A beginner-friendly longboard should have high-quality grip tape for added traction, and high-quality longboard wheels for comfortability.