Longboards have quickly gained popularity for those who enjoy the cruising aspects of skateboards without the need to perform tricks. With the multitude of longboards available at every skate shop, it can be difficult to find the right longboard for your riding style and comfort level. The key to finding the right longboard depends on what you want to do with your board and your ability level, along with what feels right under your feet.
Types of Longboards
Although many longboards have similar properties, there are differences that need to be examined before you make your purchase. The most common type of longboard might be the lowrider, which is wide and features trucks near each end of the board. Another popular model is the pintail, which has riser pads that allow deeper, sharper turns.
Ability Level
The type of longboard you choose depends a lot on your ability level and your performance needs. Riders who are just beginning should opt for a lowrider longboard that is medium length and width, with trucks near the end of the board. Pintail longboards and longboards with additional length are more difficult to control for someone who is not an experienced rider.
Cost and Performance
An important aspect when considering the longboard involves measuring how much performance you want and how much you are willing to pay for it. Some of the more expensive longboards feature carbon fiber or fiberglass decks that are lighter than traditional wood and offer more speed and control than traditional boards. They are also able to better handle jumps and high speeds on multiple types of surfaces. However, if you are just a recreational rider, your best option likely is a traditional wood board to keep the costs down.
Finding the Right Longboard
After assessing what type of performance you want out of your longboard, you can begin to do some research online to see what types of boards fit your needs. Many skate and surf shops have online stores that give you the performance specifications for each type of board, along with accessories to get the board exactly the way you want it. After narrowing your search to a few specific boards, go to a skate or surf shop that carries the longboards and see how they feel on turns and at high speeds.
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