What’s The Best Longboard For Beginners?

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The Best Longboard For Beginners

If you are a beginner looking for a longboard, there are a few things you should consider before you buy. The size and shape of your board are two things you want to pay attention to. Another thing to consider is how durable the board is.

Carving longboards

Longboards can be an ideal vehicle for carving because of their large wheels and range of motion. To master the art of carving, practicing and learning from your mistakes is necessary.

Carving on a longboard involves pressing into the rails to rotate your wheels. It also entails pushing your feet against the deck to get the board to flex. A correctly implemented carve will give you better control over your speed.

Although carving has many benefits, it can be dangerous if performed incorrectly. For example, you may fall off your board if you lean too far or too deep into a turn.

To properly perform the toe carve, you must be able to transition from toe carving to heel carving. It is also possible to combine the toe carve and heel carve into one.

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Cruiser longboards

If you’re looking to get into longboarding, you might wonder how to choose the right cruiser longboard. While these are not the fastest longboards, they are great for beginners and can help you pick up speed quickly. You can also choose from a wide variety of models, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your riding style.

Generally, cruiser longboards are designed for stability and flexibility. They’re also easy to carry. They can be used for commuting and everyday skating. Compared to the standard longboard, they’re shorter and more lightweight. The wheels are also soft and softer, making them easier to roll over bumps and cracks.

Some of the best beginner cruiser longboards include the Loaded Boards Dervish Sama Bamboo, the Landyachtz Drop Cat Complete Longboard, and the Summit Board Co’s Short Longboard. Each comes with top-quality parts and is designed to fit a variety of styles and abilities.

Drop down or drop platform longboards

Drop-down or drop-platform longboards are a type of skateboard usually made with more layers of wood, making it a very sturdy board. These boards are very popular and are designed for all kinds of riding. They are also great for beginners.

Drop-down longboards feature a curved, lowered deck. The lower deck allows the rider to be more stable, which makes them a great choice for both freeriding and cruising.

Unlike most skateboards, drop-down longboards have trucks mounted through the deck, rather than on top. This makes them easier to push. Another benefit is that they are easy to learn on. However, they may not perform as well at higher speeds.

In addition to being a good choice for beginners, drop-down longboards are great for downhilling. These boards provide excellent stability and traction, and offer a forgiving ride. Some models even have double drops, which add to their stability.

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Durometer and diameter of the board

When it comes to choosing a new longboard, the size, weight and shape are just a few of the things to consider. The diameter of your wheels is a big factor in deciding how well your longboard performs. It should be large enough to roll over rough surfaces without a sweat. However, if you are going to be accelerating and speeding around, you want to select a softer wheel.

In terms of wheel size, you’re looking at something in the 70 to 80 mm range. You’ll also want a more extended, wider deck for balance. This gives you more room for your feet. While bigger wheels mean more surface area to work with, they can be a bit heavy to push around.

Reverse kingpin trucks

Reverse kingpin trucks are ideal for beginners. They offer a more stable ride and better turning. These types of trucks are suitable for all types of longboarders. However, there are several things to consider when buying one.

First, you should understand the types of kingpins. Traditional and reverse kingpins are the two most common. Usually, a standard kingpin is used for downhill while a reverse kingpin is good for carving.

The wheel track width is also an important consideration. Generally, a longer track means a smoother and more stable ride. Typically, longboards have a track width of between 150mm and 180mm.

Another important factor to take into account is the baseplate angle. The manufacturer determines this. Most longboards come with a 40-50 degree baseplate angle.

FAQs About Longboards

A longboard is a skateboard with a longer and wider deck designed for stability and smooth cruising. Unlike traditional skateboards, longboards are typically used for cruising, downhill racing, freeriding, and carving. Their longer wheelbase offers better stability at higher speeds, making them ideal for long-distance rides and steep hill descents.

Longboards come in various shapes and sizes to suit different riding styles. Popular types include:

  • Cruiser Longboards for smooth rides on city streets.
  • Downhill Longboards for high-speed stability.
  • Freeride Longboards for performing slides and drifts.
  • Pintail Longboards for relaxed cruising and carving.
  • Dancing Longboards with a larger deck for freestyle moves.

Beginners should look for longboards with stable and forgiving designs, like cruisers or pintail longboards. These types offer smooth rides and stability. More experienced riders might opt for freeride or downhill longboards to explore advanced tricks or downhill racing. Consider factors like deck length, shape, and wheelbase for your skill level.

A drop-through longboard has trucks mounted through cutouts in the deck, lowering the center of gravity and offering better stability. It’s famous for long-distance cruising and freeriding. A drop-deck longboard has a deck that sits lower than where the trucks are mounted, enhancing stability and control for downhill riding.

The choice of wheels depends on your riding style. Softer wheels (around 78A to 82A) provide more grip and are ideal for cruising and downhill. Harder wheels (83A and above) offer better-sliding capabilities suited for freeriding and freestyle tricks. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride, while smaller wheels are more responsive.

Longboarding can be safe if you follow basic safety precautions and wear the right gear. Essential safety gear includes a certified helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and slide gloves for those performing slides or tricks. For downhill riding, consider investing in full-face helmets and protective gear.

Regular maintenance includes checking and cleaning the bearings, tightening or loosening the trucks for stability or maneuverability, and ensuring the wheels are debris-free. Replace worn-out wheels and damaged bearings promptly to avoid accidents. Keep your longboard deck dry to prevent warping or cracking.

Absolutely! Cruising longboards and drop-through longboards are popular choices for commuting due to their stability and smooth rides. Longboards with larger wheels and flexible decks are ideal for navigating city streets and covering longer distances comfortably.

The size of a longboard depends on your riding style and height. A deck length between 32″ and 42″ is suitable for cruising and commuting. Longer decks (above 38″) offer greater stability for downhill and freeride longboards. Consider the width of the deck for foot placement, especially if you plan on performing tricks or dancing.

Start by learning to push and balance on a cruiser or pintail longboard. Practice making smooth turns by leaning into curves and controlling your speed with gentle foot braking. Once comfortable, experiment with more advanced techniques like carving and sliding. Joining a local longboarding community or taking beginner lessons can also help.

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