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How long are longboards – some things you need to know
A skateboard’s length is well known, but how long are longboards? Let’s have a look at what we’ve got.
Longboards are longer than skateboards for a reason.
Skateboard decks are typically 28 to 33 inches (71 to 84 cm) long. Longboards, on the other hand, range in length from 32 to 59 inches (81 to 149 cm). Longboard decks can be twice as long as skateboard decks, resulting in a completely different riding experience.
Longboards were developed in response to a demand for a board that was easier to transport or race. Skateboards are more easier to execute tricks on, but longboard riders who need greater stability for commuting or racing will find that their needs are covered. There would be a lot of downhill racing and not many tricks if there was a Tony Hawk’s Pro Longboarder.
How Long Should a Longboard Be?
A shorter board would be ideal for a shorter rider — anything around 34′′ is ideal for short longboarders.
A mid-size board might be ideal for your first board if you’re of average height. As you can see from our chart above, something about 40′′ would be great. Mid-sized boards are ideal for all-around riding and make excellent starter longboards for the majority of riders.
The longest of the longboards will suit taller and/or heavier riders, so aim for something around 50 inches if possible. This aids in providing riding stability that might otherwise be lacking on shorter decks.
Longer boards give more stability for the rider than shorter boards, but longer boards are also less maneuverable, which is why we recommend a mid-sized board for someone just getting started with longboarding. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can decide whether or not another riding discipline is suited for you.
Sizes of Longboards
Skateboards and longboards are not the same thing. The claim may appear to be self-evident, yet the issue is more complicated than you might imagine. Skateboards are more suited for intense bursts of motion and doing tricks, whilst longboards are better suited for longer distances and higher speeds.
In addition, while skateboards are more nimble, they are also less stable, and longboards are more stable but less maneuverable. Longboards are a subtype of skateboards, with the most noticeable distinction being its construction rather than its size, as one might think. Skateboards are typically around 30 inches long, with a width of around 7 inches, whereas longboards can be anywhere from 22 to 45 inches long, with an average width of about 9 inches.
If you’re thinking about buying a longboard (especially if it’s your first), there are a few things you should consider: length, width, flex, style, form, and a few other aspects. Naturally, this will be determined by how you want to use the board. Remember that, unlike skateboards, which are primarily used for tricks and turns, longboards are ideal for a variety of other activities, including commuting, hill-bombing, street-carving, and, yes, tricking.
Longboards are divided into four categories based on the type of longboarding they are used for and related specifications: cruising (or carving), downhill, freeride, and freestyle (although this is roughly speaking, and some longboarders may argue for a different division). Before we get into the specifics and recommendations for each, let’s go through the deck specifications and how they effect the board’s performance.
First and foremost, the length; the rule of thumb is that the longer the board is, the more sturdy it is. The shorter the board, the less stable it is, but it is also more nimble, allowing you to carve streets and turn corners more quickly.
When it comes to deck size, the width of the board follows the same rule of thumb: the broader the board, the more sturdy it is. Given the huge range of longboard sizes (22 to 45+ inches), it’s only natural that the width should follow suit. Smaller longboards are around 7 inches wide (like a skateboard), while larger ones can be up to 9 inches.
Tips when choosing Longboards:
Longboard size isn’t the only factor to consider; board flex, or the ability of the board to absorb shocks and offer a springy feel when riding, adds energy to pushes and carves. The flex, of course, has an impact on the board’s overall stability. There are three types of longboards: soft, medium, and stiff, with the choice mostly based on your favorite longboarding style.
Naturally, you should think about the style you desire, as well as how low you want the deck to go. Top-mount, drop-through, drop deck, and double drop are the options, with the order indicating the level of stability each style gives, from least to greatest.
Additionally, the lower the drop, the less energy you’ll need to push or break. The top-mount design, as you might expect, has the deck above the trucks, whereas the drop-through style has the trucks installed through the board (story twist!). The deck sits below the truck area on drop decks, and you can guess what the double drop does.
The shape is an important factor, although it is not the most significant. It basically determines what you can (and cannot) do with your board, and there are only two options: directed or symmetrical. The first is ideal for carvers, cruisers, and downhill longboarders, while the second (also known as a twin board) is ideal for freeriding and freestyle longboarding.
There are other factors to consider, such as whether the board includes a kick tail (which is useful for tricks but not necessary), or the type of indent (enhances the grip your feet have on the board).
So, what are the best longboard sizes for different longboarding styles? Let’s have a look at the numbers.
- best longboard for heavy riders
- best longboard for cruising
- best longboard for pumping
- best longboard for carving
- best longboard for commuting
Which longboarding style do you prefer?
The second factor to consider when determining what size longboard to purchase is your preferred style. Do you fantasize about flying through the air and bombing hills? Doing stunts and dancing on your longboard? Or are you just looking for a relaxing cruise along the beach?
This is essentially what will determine the longboard size you choose. The length of a longboard is determined by one of four basic longboarding styles:
- Cruising
- Downhill
- Freestyle
- Freeride
Cruising is all about getting from point A to point B or simply enjoying a more leisurely journey. The length of a cruiser’s longboard ranges from 28 to 46 inches. If you’re of medium height, a board with a length of 32 to 42 inches is ideal. If you’re really tall, though, aim for 38 inches or more.
Downhill is for you if you prefer high speeds and need to feel excitement pour through your veins. The length of a downhill board typically ranges from 35 to 43 inches. As with cruising, if you are on a taller side, don’t go with the shortest downhill boards.
The length of a freestyle or freeride board is usually between 38 and 42 inches. They’re built this way because these riding techniques necessitate both mobility and stability when doing stunts at high speeds.
Conclusion
That’s all I have for now; I hope this post has helped you find the best longboard for you and that you enjoy the ride as much as we do.
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