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Choosing The Right Longboard Size For You: 4 Types Of Longboard Sizing

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Shopping around for the perfect longboard? Don’t forget to consider the most important aspect – the size.

If this is your first time purchasing a longboard, it is important to note that they are much different than purchasing a skateboard. Longboards are much, much better for taking on long distances and getting up to higher speeds. We will be taking a look at the different types of riding you can accomplish on a longboard, as well as the variety of sizing as well.

While longboards are a subtype of skateboards, they are much more stable and have less maneuverability. Skateboards are generally around 30 inches long and are usually right around 7 inches wide. A longboard has a much wider range – they can be anywhere from 22 to 45 plus inches, and they are about 9 inches wide on average. Let’s take a closer look at the different sizes for longboards and what they mean.

The Different Aspects of Longboard Sizes

There are many different features to consider in addition to the several sizes that longboards come in. We are going to look at the importance of length, width, and the board flex. If you only focus on certain aspects of the sizing, you may find that your comfort level and the stability of your board are lacking.

Length

Length is extremely important when buying a longboard. The general rule is the longer the board, the more stable it will be. The shorter the board, the less stable. For shorter longboards, this simply means that they will be much easier to maneuver when riding one.

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Width

Just like the length of the board, the width also follows the exact same rule. The wider the board is, the more stable it will be, and vice versa. Like we stated before, the width will range anywhere from 7 inches to 9.

Flex

Another very important aspect to consider when purchasing a longboard is the board flex. This is the ability to absorb shocks and give you a spring-like feel when you ride the board. Having this feature provides the rider with more energy for pushes and carves.

This aspect also really affects the board’s overall stability. The choices range from soft, medium, and stiff – which one you choose really just depends on your personal preference.

different types of longboard

Choosing The Right Longboard Size For You

Now that we know which vital aspects make up the sizing for longboards, let’s look at the actual sizes.

Cruising

If you plan on carving around curved, hilly streets, travelling through a busy city, or even just rolling through long stretches of road – you will definitely need to have a comfortable and stable ride.

For cruising, you will want a size of between 28 and 46 inches. Having a board that is shorter will, of course, be better for sharp turns and angles and having one that is longer will be more stable for high speed rides.

If you are a brand-new rider, you should consider a board length between 32 and 42 inches, depending on your height.

Downhill

If you are interested in competitive longboarding, the sport of downhill longboarding may be what you are looking for. This sport involves very high speeds, getting up to 50 miles per hour.

This is a sport that will require the perfect board. You will need one that is over 36 inches, and even one over 40 inches if you are new to downhill longboarding.

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Freeride

Freeriding basically consists of riding up and down hills at a fast speed. It’s a type of longboarding that also involves a lot of curbs and slides and does require a decent amount of skill to be good at.

You will want a very stable board for this – anything between 38 and 42 inches is ideal. If you go with something over that size, it will be too large to maneuver around turns. If you use a board under 38 inches, it won’t be stable enough for the activities.

Freestyle

This is a much more carefree style of longboard riding. The best thing about it is that it’s a decent way to ride for both people that are brand new to it and professionals.

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Because this is far more easygoing than the other methods of riding, you can really choose any size that feels best for you. This is a style that requires a lot of creativity, so it is most important that you are comfortable on the board you choose.

choosing the right longboard size

Finding Your Perfect Board

No matter what your style of riding is, or whether you’re brand new or a pro at longboarding, there is a board out there for you. As long as you keep in mind what will be the perfect stability and comfort level for you, riding your brand-new longboard should be a breeze.

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