The primary difference between a longboard and a classic skateboard or electric skateboard is the size and stability. A longboard is typically longer and more stable, making it ideal for cruising. If you’re looking for a board to help you get around, a longboard is a great option. Its larger wheels are designed to handle pebbles and other road obstacles with ease, providing you with great stability, smooth turns, and impressive speed. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, a best longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an easy and enjoyable ride.
HOW TO RIDE A LONGBOARD?
Before you start riding a longboard, it is important to invest in proper safety gear to protect yourself from injury. Here are some tips to help you learn how to ride:
Determine your steering leg: This is the first step in riding a longboard. Make sure you understand how to distribute your center of gravity correctly while riding.
Master the basic posture: Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart on the board, with one leg perpendicular to the direction of movement and the other (guide leg) slightly bent along the board.
Practice balance: Use your hands and feet to maintain balance while riding. Once you’re comfortable going straight, you can start learning different turns and tricks.
Develop your skills: Once you have mastered the basics of longboarding, you can continue to improve your skills and try new tricks. With practice and patience, you will become a pro in no time!
How to brake a longboard?
When it comes to stopping your longboard, there are several options to choose from. Keep in mind that the best option for you may depend on your own preferences and comfort level.
Jumping off: This is the simplest way to stop, but it is also the most unsafe. Jumping off the board while in motion can result in a loss of control and increase your risk of injury.
Foot brake: You can also stop your longboard by putting one foot on the ground. Lower your back foot onto the asphalt and gradually shift your weight from your toes to your entire foot to stop the movement. Keep your front leg stable on the board and slightly bent at the knee. This method is best used at low speeds.
Slide: If you are traveling at high speeds, the best way to slow down is to perform a slide. This technique allows you to brake suddenly and safely.
Longboard Tricks
Different tricks can be learned while longboarding. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:
Manual: To learn sculpture or other styles of longboarding, it’s crucial to master the “manual” trick. This involves tilting the board while riding. Start by positioning yourself in a standard stance, then move your back leg towards the center of the deck while placing your front leg on the nose of the deck. Shift your weight towards the front, slightly bending your knee. This will cause the tail of the board to lift off the ground, so it’s important to maintain your balance to avoid falling.
Pivot: A popular 180 degree turn can be performed on the front trucks. Place your front leg closer to the nose of the deck and your back leg roughly in the middle. Slightly bend your front end and shift your weight so that the tail lifts slightly. Make the turn by turning your shoulders first, then your body, and finally your legs.
Longboard Ball
Board Dancing is a unique style of riding that involves performing dance moves on a longboard. To do this, it’s important to have a suitable board with a length of at least 120 cm. The main skill in board dancing is being able to ride on two feet while both are on the platform. To learn this style, you need to learn how to change the position of your feet, also known as the rack:
Start by standing in the normal rack, positioned perpendicular to the direction of movement.
Place your back foot in the middle of the board and point your toes in the direction of movement.
Next, move your back foot to a position perpendicular to the direction of movement, with your toes pointing in the opposite direction.
Then, move the foot that was pointing towards the direction of movement to a position perpendicular to it.
Finally, turn your body in the opposite direction of your original position. Changing the rack is the foundation for other board dancing tricks.
LONGBOARDING VS SKATEBOARDING
The skateboard and longboard have some key differences that set them apart from each other. One of the most noticeable differences is the length of the deck – the skateboard has a shorter deck which makes it more maneuverable, while the longboard has a longer and more flexible deck.
Another difference between the two is the shape of the deck. The longboard has a straight deck, while the skateboard has a raised tail and a nose, making it ideal for jumping.
The suspension of the two boards is also different – longboards have a great suspension, while skateboards have a stiff and narrow deck, making them easier to maneuver.
Lastly, the wheels of the two boards are also different – longboards have wide and soft wheels, while skateboards have small and rigid wheels. These distinctive features make each board better suited for different riding styles and activities.
HOW TO CHOOSE A LONGBOARD?
When choosing a longboard, experts suggest trying out a few different boards or starting with a low-cost option and upgrading later, once you have a better idea of your personal preferences. The following criteria can help you select the right longboard for you:
Length: Choose a length that feels comfortable and manageable, as stability depends more on the stiffness and width of the deck.
Width: Pick a width that allows your feet to be comfortably positioned and not dangling. A 9-inch deck is considered a good average. It’s important to ensure the width of the deck with the wheels is the same.
Deck mounting: Longboards can have three different mounting options – Top mount, drop through, and drop. Top mount is considered the best option for experiencing all the board’s capabilities and getting a feel for turns.
Trucks: Experts recommend choosing trucks with a reverse pivot facing outwards and an angle of 50-52 degrees. Pay attention to the cushions (rubbers) and make sure they provide a smooth and deep turn.
Wheels: There’s a wide range of wheel diameters, widths, and stiffness to choose from. A popular choice for longboards is wheels with a 70mm diameter. Round edges are preferred as they don’t stop rolling. The standard hardness is 78A.
These factors can help you pick a longboard that fits your riding style and preferences.
HOW MUCH DOES A LONGBOARD COST?
The price of a skateboard or longboard varies based on several factors such as design, quality of components, brand, and more. If you’re just starting out, it’s recommended to purchase a budget-friendly model with a price range of $35 to $85. If you’re looking for a branded board, you can expect a higher cost starting at $170. If you want a longboard with an electric unit, be prepared to spend a significant amount, around $350.
LONGBOARD TYPES
Longboards can be divided into three main categories: classic, downhill, and all-around cruisers. Each category has different subtypes, such as:
Surfing style: These longboards come in lengths ranging from 40 to 300 cm, and are ideal for zigzag riding.
Cruiser longboards: These longboards have a length of 75 cm to 1.3 m and feature large wheels for maneuverability. This option is recommended for beginners.
Downhill: This type of longboard is characterized by stable movement during high-speed turns, due to a low center of gravity. The trucks can be adjusted to change the riding experience.
Hybrid: This longboard is a mix between a short and a long deck, and offers high speed and maneuverability. The length is 70-80 cm.
Slalom: This longboard is 60-70 cm in length and has increased stiffness for maneuverability and high speeds.
Air attack: This longboard is used for rapid mountain descents and can reach a length of 1 m. It features special trucks for stability and reduced vibrations.
Mini longboard
The fingerboard, a miniature version of a longboard, has become popular. It’s operated using only the fingers and requires skill and practice to perform tricks.
Electric longboard
This type of longboard is similar in design to a traditional longboard, but also has an electric motor and battery. It’s controlled by a console and the speed can reach 30-40 km/h. The average weight is 10 kg, and the battery can be charged for a range of 20-30 km.
FINAL WORD
Safety First. When purchasing a longboard, safety should be the top priority to ensure that your riding experience is enjoyable and does not end in an accident. It is important to wear protective gear such as a helmet and consider wearing gloves and knee pads.
Comfortable clothing is important for a comfortable ride. Wearing flat, sturdy shoes will give you stability and safety on the longboard.
Before using your longboard in public, practice on grass to gain confidence in your board. Try different maneuvers and techniques to get comfortable with the board. This will help you feel more confident and secure when riding your longboard.
I have been passionate about electric scooters and bicycles since they came on the market, but I really took to skateboarding when I was young.
I started with the skateboard at 7 years old when my dad taught me how to ride. Since then, I have mostly owned freestyle skates and longboards- even if they were difficult for some people in our town.
