A longboard is yet another “long board” (a literal translation of the English word “longboard”) for performing intricate tricks or a type of skateboard, which has been growing in popularity—because deep down, we all crave some adrenaline! Don’t think that a longboard is something new. Far from it. These boards have their roots in the 20th century. For about two decades, they were popular until shorter boards came into vogue. In the 1970s, the longboard took a backseat. Its revival began around the year 2000. Since then, for some, it has become a small hobby, and for others, a second life.
A longboard differs from a skateboard in its greater length. However, that’s not the main difference. For instance, a mini-longboard can be 55–75 cm long, like regular skateboards, but it uses larger wheels and a more responsive truck. This makes it possible to ride and turn more smoothly on a longboard, as opposed to a skateboard, which is designed specifically for jumps and tricks.
The structure of a longboard is simple: a deck—a base to which the truck is attached, along with a non-slip surface and wheels. The most preferred material for making the deck is maple wood. You can buy a longboard in a store or even make one yourself.
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Types of Longboards
Hybrids. Boards for urban riding that reach high speeds and are designed for various jumps (the city has no shortage of obstacles for such tricks). You can also use them as a regular means of transportation on the street. Priced from $190.
Surf-Style longboards are for tandem riding or for dedicated longboard enthusiasts (ranging from 140 cm to 3 meters in length). These giant boards require maximum caution from their users and are mainly intended for smooth cruising. They are sure to attract attention wherever you go, and passersby, especially women, are unlikely to resist turning around for a second glance. Priced from $250–300.
Drop-through is recommended for those who are just starting to master this challenging art. It features highly adjustable settings and allows you to customize the board to your own preferences. Priced from $210.
Boards for skateparks and tricks. The name speaks for itself. This type of board becomes an extension of you, helping you better sense it and perform the most complex tricks. Priced from $190.
Slalom/Downhill is needed for practicing maneuvers, as the agility of these boards is impressive. However, you will have to hold back when it comes to maximum speeds, as braking on these boards poses certain challenges. Priced from $255.
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Depending on why you need a longboard, you should choose the right type to gain the necessary skills and experience waves of thrilling and enjoyable emotions. If you want to feel more confident, you should start with longer boards, as the larger the surface, the easier it is to balance on. However, if you’re drawn to the idea of refining your skills to extraordinary heights and dazzling others with your ability to perform unique tricks on a longboard, then you should opt for shorter boards. Also, pay attention to the wheels: larger and harder wheels guarantee higher speeds, if speed is what you’re after.
It is worth discussing safety separately. Often, the speed of a longboard far exceeds the speed at which a person can run, making it impossible to simply jump off. An athlete must always use protective gear and a helmet. One of the ways to brake on a longboard is by sliding with support from the hands. For this, you need to use special slide gloves designed for longboarding.
Longboard Manufacturers
Currently, the longboard market features several major manufacturers. There is stiff competition between them, meaning nearly all the models offered are comparable in quality. So, when purchasing a longboard, there’s no need to search for the best brand—you can simply focus on the design you like and choose any of the well-known names: Rayne, Madrid, Original, Riviera, Loaded, Arbor, Sector9, Sims, ALVA, Misfits, Vision, Palisades.
Since the requirements for the longboard deck itself are not too stringent, many enthusiasts manage to create their own longboards! Of course, you will need to purchase trucks and wheels separately. However, the deck can be made at home. On the internet, you can find numerous guides on this topic. For example: https://onboard.ru/article/1053/i
