The longboarding craze is here, and people all around the globe are hopping on the longboard train! If you are buying your first ever longboard, or you want to upgrade your current board, there are a few things you should consider before spending your hard-earned money on a brand new longboard.
Longboarding is an awesome hobby, and a lot easier than skateboarding not to mention, easier on the body! The feeling of longboarding is similar to surfing, but you don’t need to rely on good surf conditions to enjoy it. Note that a longboard is not a SurfSkate – if you want to train specifically for surfing we recommend you purchase a SurfSkate over a longboard.
Skaters enjoy longboards because they tend to be faster and smoother than standard skateboards. Most people use them for cruising, while others take part in downhill racing. The sport is extremely dangerous, but that doesn’t stop the adventurous amongst us from giving it a go. The fastest speed ever recorded by a downhill racer is just under 90 mph! However, if you are at the beginning of your longboard journey, perhaps it’s wise to avoid hitting the hills until you have plenty of experience.
History
Unlike traditional skateboards, longboards are often a lot longer. They come in a wide variety of shapes, which longboarders use for different purposes. Although they have grown in popularity in recent years, they have been around for approximately eighty years.
They were designed as an alternative to surfboards, but the first longboards developed in the late 1940s proved dangerous. They were handmade by avid surfers out of planks of wood and standard roller skates. In the early days, longboarding was known as sidewalk surfing. The first manufactured sideboards burst on the scene just before the 1960s.
The Deck
Choosing a longboard might seem like a straightforward task, but before you spend a small fortune on the first longboard you come across, a little research will help. There are lots of different types of longboards out there. Some are designed for cruising, others for downhill racing, and some for freestyling.
The first part of the board you will want to examine is the deck. This is the largest part of the board, and it is where you are going to be standing while on the board. Don’t assume that all longboard decks are the same.
If you are looking for a board that lets you carve hard without having to worry about the board’s wheels making contact with the deck, you should consider buying a board where the tail and the nose are thinner than the rest of the longboard. Not only will these boards allow skaters to carve really hard, but also but they also look great too. These are probably the most popular longboards on the market at the moment.
If you plan on downhill racing at some stage, you will want to check out the grip tape. The grip tape is designed to help skaters stay on the board. If the board has a rough grip tape, it will help you keep your feet in position while racing down hills. However, if you plan on doing tricks with your longboard, you should opt for a board with less rough grip tape.
Wheels
Don’t forget to examine the wheels on the board before you invest in a longboard. The wheels will play a vital role in how the board handles.
You must also take into consideration the type of surface you will be riding on your board.
- Wooden surfaces: For those that use longboards on wooden surfaces will want to invest in a board with grippy wheels to avoid sliding.
- Cement surfaces: Just like wooden surfaces, you will need a board with grippy wheels. However, if the surface is rough, you won’t need as much grip. You can consider using friction-fire wheels instead.
- Asphalt: Whether the asphalt is rough or smooth, it’s recommended that you choose grippy wheels.
Boards with larger wheels are slower when it comes to changing direction. However, larger wheels allow for a longer roll.
Luckily, if you have already purchased a board and you’re not satisfied with the wheels, you can purchase them online or in traditional skate stores. You should have no problems finding the best longboard wheels for cruising or wheels designed for downhill racing.
Bearings
You will want a good set of bearings on the board. Quality bearings will allow skaters to move easily, so it is advised to purchase a decent set. Even if you have purchased a cheaper longboard deck, new bearings make a big difference.
Top notch bearings will allow the board to roll smoothly, and it will help the board roll for longer. You won’t have to waste all of your energy pushing the board because the bearings will do most of the work for you.
Downhill Longboards
Although expert skaters manage to hit speeds of 80-90 mph, those with little experience often find themselves going downhill at speeds of over 50 mph.
If you want to buy a board that allows you to hit such speeds, then stability is the most important factor. It must also turn easily because if you are unable to turn the board, you will end up losing speed. Find a board that offers plenty of foot space and one that provides a secure placement that lets you hit top speeds. Extreme longboarders often use smaller boards, but if you are starting out, it’s better to go with a bigger board so you can handle it.
Most boards that are designed for downhill racing often have extremely stiff decks. The wheels tend to have plenty of grip and hard edges so that it grips onto the surface of the road when you are riding at high speeds.
Carving Longboards
Carving is a fun technique that most longboarders enjoy. It is very popular among surfers because it is similar to surfing. It provides skaters with a feeling of freedom, but learning the different techniques can take a lot of time.
You can cruise with all types of longboards, and cruising was what motivated people to build the first longboard, however, the type of surface will play a role in the type of board you should get.
For relaxed cruising, you might want to consider buying a pintail board. A board that is over forty inches will provide you with extra stability. If this is your first board, then big wheels will give you the balance you will need to stay on the board.
Conclusion
Longboarding is a really exciting and fun hobby, but riders must be aware of the dangers involved. Wear protective skate gear at all times while riding your board, and if you purchase a board for your child, then keep a close eye on them to make sure they put on their helmet and other protective gear before going for a ride.
Longboards are used by many riders as a mode of transportation. Buying a longboard will cost you a fraction of the price of a car or motorbike. You won’t have a penny on insurance, and they don’t require any gas. However, when you are riding on a public road, you must be extra vigilant. Several people have died while longboarding, so avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially when you are learning the basic techniques.
