Everything you should know about longboards

A longboard is a type of rollerboard characterized by higher speed, increased stability and improved rideability. Unlike classic skateboards, longboards are less often used for performing tricks, sliding on different types of surfaces and jumps with spins. What peculiarities do longboards have?

Construction

Longboards come in different lengths and shapes. Longboard lengths are commonly measured in inches (″), but in some cases, the metric system is used. The average length of a longboard is about 40 to 42 inches, which is equal to approximately 100 centimeters. Longer boards can be up to 48 – 55 inches long or even longer. It all depends on what you want from your riding and what your goals are. Shorter boards’ length can vary from 35 to 38 inches.

There are more compact options, which length is no more than 28 inches. Longboards of this type are called “fish” because they resemble it. Their surface is too short and narrow, which makes it way harder to keep the balance, especially if you have never stood on a roller board before. And the position of the legs here is not quite full-fledged.

At the same time, a person can adapt to any type of longboard if they feel that it is necessary. Apparently, everything depends on personal preferences, since all models have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, these fish-like longboards weigh less and take up almost no space, in comparison to longer versions. They are easier to attach to the back of your backpack and carry them around the city.

The length is not the only indicator you should pay attention to when choosing a longboard. There is such a concept as the “Wheel Base”, which plays an important role in how maneuverable or stable the board will be while riding. For example, a 40″ board can have a 26″ wheelbase as well as a 28″ or 25″ wheelbase. A board with a wider wheelbase is more stable but less maneuverable and vice versa.

In addition, the wheels and the board can be attached to each other in different ways, each having its peculiarities and advantages.

Drop Trough is a type of suspension attachment to a longboard. Special notches are made in the deck, through which suspensions are then inserted. Drop trough boards have a lowered center of gravity, which makes them more stable. It also reduces the load on the legs during pushing off and braking.

Top Mount is a type of mounting a harness on a longboard. The hanger is attached to the board from below. This type of mounting is considered traditional. In fact, any longboard, which suspensions are attached to the bottom, can be called a topmount.

Flush Mount is another method of attaching the hangers to a longboard. They make special niches in the deck where they are attached to the board. This solution allows you to lower your center of gravity a bit and make your deck more stable at speed. It is also done to level out the angle and achieve precision.

Drop down is a type of suspension attachment, which is characterized by the base of the board lowered in comparison to the suspension mounts.

Types of longboards

In modern longboarding, there are several basic forms. Each form has its own advantages and disadvantages. And we’ll probably start with the most popular form, which is the pintail, often referred to as the pin.

The form is called the Pin Tail, because it has a pointed “tail”, something like a duck’s one. The “nose” of such longboards is very short, you might say it is almost absent. Such longboards are usually quite tall and narrow, often have a weight camber. There is not much space for the feet. The shape of the board is directional, which means that the ends are not symmetrical.

Since this type of longboard has minimal concave, it is necessary to grip the feet with the board instead of the usual sandpaper. Thus, some manufacturers use varnish-sand. This coating is more gentle on the shoes, and if you want, you can skate with a basecoat. All of these factors have a negative impact on stability while riding. Such longboards are more appreciated for their surf style and classic style. The average Pin Tail is 38″ – 44″ in length, although sometimes variations occur. This shape is mostly used simply for “walking” – regular riding or moving around.

The dancer is a really long board: the length of these longboards can easily reach 55 inches (140 – 150 cm). The shape is simple enough. The width of such boards is optimal for their size and is approximately  9.5 inches. These boards are very flexible and are made from bamboo.

The flexibility of the board comes from the fact that there is more than a meter and a half from one suspension to the other. The first time you stand up on a longboard for dancing, you realize how flexible the board is.  Such boards have a smooth and soft ride. Longboards of this length are used for dancing for a reason. A board of this length allows walking on it while moving, making different transitions from bow to tail. This, by the way, is called boardwalk. You can do tricks and pirouettes on the dancing boards.

The main disadvantage of these longboards is that their weight can reach up to 4.5 kilograms, and their length can vary from 140 to 150 centimeters, which makes them one of the least convenient options for moving around the city or travelling.

The fishtail boards are very similar to the pintails, but usually the deck is shorter and has a split tail that mimics the style of surfboards. Sometimes the end of the tail is curved for better rear leg positioning during maneuvers.

Styles of longboard skating

The main styles of longboarding are: downhill, slalom, dancing, freeride, technical slide, freestyle, circuit, slopestyle and slongboarding.

• Cruising is the most utilitarian way to ride: it makes it possible to get around the town, from point A to point B. This style does not require any special longboars. Actually, any longboard will do. The main thing you should pay attention to is that you must be satisfied with the controllability of the board. Moreover, the wheels must have a good roll and comfortable rigidity. If in addition to riding you plan to carry a longboard in the hand, choose a shorter and lighter longboard, and if you like speed, or you have a lot of high-speed sections on the way, opt for longer and stiffer models.
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• Carving resembles snowboarding or surfing: riders ride in a curve, making sharp turns to control their direction and speed. The boards used for carving are not rigid, their length must be around 40 inches. The wheels must be soft and wide.
• Downhill is a fast and controlled descent. Most of the time the rider accelerates and rides, taking the appropriate stance, he slows down only to enter a turn or bypass an obstacle in his path. Downhill decks are quite stiff, usually directional, without kickstands, with a pronounced concave. Downhill is a serious style of skiing, it requires sufficient training of riders who have already mastered freeride and carving, who can control the speed, turn and brake sharply with slides. Downhill requires the use of protection, gloves and helmet.
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• Freeride is a fast and aggressive style. There are many borrowings from other styles of longboarding. The rider moves at high speed, controlling his movement with slides and powerful carving. While riding, different functional tricks can be used (jumping on the curb, jumping off steps, etc.).
• Freestyle is a creative style of riding, where the rider does whatever he or she wants. Freestyle includes many technical skills, such as sliding, tricks, riding in a reverse stance and dancing. This style of skiing is suitable for beginners to improve board handling skills as well as for expert riders just for fun.
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• Dancing is a type of freestyle riding, where riders use the entire length of the board for turns, tricks, maneuvers with elements of the dance. They move on the longboard with the help of cross-stepping.

History

Longboards do not have a lasting history. Actually, they originated from surfing in the Hawaii in the early 50’s of the 20th century. Thanks to surfers who were always looking for an opportunity not to get off the board, a longboard appeared, as the ocean was often in storms. Because of the bad weather, surfers were looking for an alternative to their favorite activity, so people began to be seen on the streets riding homemade decks. Shapes and sizes of longboards were limited only by the imagination of the owner. The movement was further developed by the enthusiasts from Europe and the U.S.

All in all, longboard skating is a funny activity for people who crave speed and freedom. This sport can be practiced almost anywhere. The boards are affordable, and there are almost no limits.