The longboard and wave board are both modified versions of the street skateboard. While the longboard is simply an elongated version of the more compact skateboard, the wave board combines the designs of the skateboard and the caster board. Although avid skaters may consider the wave board as more of a novelty, it does require increased balance and board control.
Riding Style
Regardless of the fact that longboarders and wave boarders utilize a similar riding terrain, the riding style of the two boards is quite different. Many skateboarders utilize the longboard as a form of transportation. Thrill seekers use the longboard to hit breakneck speeds on a downward sloping terrain. The riding style of the wave board as be compared to that of surfers and downhill snowboarders. The two-wheeled design of the wave board enables you to execute wide sweeping turns across the pavement.
Construction
The longboard features a durable yet lightweight construction. The deck of the longboard is made of various sheets of paper thin ply. Top-quality longboards feature a maple or mahogany design. The wave board is made from a plastic composite material. According to Street Surfing, the wave board features an interchangeable deck plate that allows you to customize the graphics of your setup. The top of the deck plate is covered with a rubber-like grip tape for increased traction. Longboard decks feature grip tape that resembles sand paper.
Components
The components of the longboard and wave board vary slightly. As opposed to the flat deck of the longboard, the wave board features a front and rear platform. The two platforms can actually move independently from each other. Pushing the platforms in opposing directions will increase the momentum of the board. While the longboard features two metallic trucks that hold the wheels in place, the two wheels of the wave board are fastened into rotating hinges.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the longboard deck vary to accommodate the personal preferences of avid riders. Longboard decks generally range between 3 and 6 feet in length. The wave board has a similar length to the conventional skateboard, which measures in at around 32 inches. The wheels of the wave board have a diameter of 77 mm. The slender wave board wheel resembles the wheels features on inline skates. According to "Board" magazine, the largest models of the longboard wheel feature a diameter of around 90 mm.
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