what-size-longboard-should-i-get-how-to-find-the-perfect-fit-photo-0

What Longboard Should I Get? How to Find the Perfect Fit

You may be asking yourself, «What dimension longboard should I get? Longboarding is an enjoyable activity that individuals of any ages and also sexes can participate. It resembles a skateboard, yet longboards are longer and have larger wheels. Lots of people find longboarding easier than skateboarding as a result of the additional stability.

While the majority of people ride longboards for enjoyable, there are additionally affordable races. Longboards are additionally smoother to coastline on than conventional skateboards, that makes them ideal for travelling or cruising around town.

What is the Appropriate Longboard Size?

Makers produce longboards in a selection of dimensions. The size that is ideal for you can depend on a wide variety of aspects, including your experience and exactly how you plan to use the device. It’s critical that you consider all factors when choosing the correct longboard dimension.

Just how To Choose The Right Longboard

The majority of makers make longboards of plywood, usually from birch or maple. The plywood is layered along with solid adhesive to produce the deck of the longboard. The decks are reduced into different shapes and sizes, and the metal vehicles as well as polyurethane wheels are added.

Some longboards that are customized made can be designed with certain materials asked for by the motorcyclist.

How To Pick The Right Longboard

Once you decide you are ready to longboard, you need to choose the appropriate board dimension. There are several points you should consider when selecting a board and wondering, what dimension longboard should I get? Right here are a few of them.

Riding Style

The type of riding you do plays a considerable role in the size of the board you need. You require to think of just how you ride as well as choose a board that is the right size for that riding design. If you are new to longboarding, you might just wish to pick a dimension that works for all types of riding. You can constantly choose a new board once you come to be a better longboarder.

Height

Consider your elevation as well as pick a board accordingly. Much shorter individuals can usually do well with a board that is shorter in size. Taller people need longer boards. If you consider yourself to be average in elevation, pick a board size that is ideal in the middle.

Experience

If you are a skilled boarder, you might recognize exactly what sort of board you need. If you aren’t very skilled, you might intend to simply opt for a midsized board as they are one of the most versatile and the safest choices. You can find out how to ride on these boards prior to making a decision if you need one that is a various size for a details kind of longboarding.

Personal Choice

For lots of people, it comes down to a matter of individual preference. While certain board sizes are best for sure types of boarding, lots of people have an option. You don’t need to utilize a board that is a certain dimension if it doesn’t really feel right.

If you feel like you can control a smaller sized or bigger board than what is suggested, than trust yourself. Every longboarder is various and just because one boarder likes a certain length doesn’t imply you have to utilize the very same size.

Security

It’s necessary to be risk-free while longboarding which means choosing a board that is an ideal length that you can manage. You do not want a board that is also small, due to the fact that it may not benefit the type of boarding you do. The very same can be said for a board that is also long. Making use of the wrong size board can be dangerous, so pick the board intelligently.

photo source: pixabay

What Size Longboard Should I Get? How to Find the Perfect Fit photo 1

Types of Longboarding

When choosing the best longboard, you require to think of the method you ride as well as what sort of board dimension is finest for that design of longboarding. Certain boards are developed better for sure activities.

If you aren’t certain what design of longboarding you do one of the most or if you do more than one style typically, purchase a board that is functional and can be utilized for various sorts of longboarding.

Travelling

If you are planning on using your longboard for cruising, it’s finest to choose one that is in between 28-46 inches long. You may want to travel on your longboard for a selection of factors.

Some people prefer them to cars due to the fact that they can navigate faster given that they don’t need to stress over website traffic. Choosing a board between 28 and 46 inches long will permit you to rapidly transform as well as ride with comfort regardless of where you are headed.

Downhill

A great deal of people enjoy longboarding downhill. They may do it competitively or just for fun. If you like to ride a longboard already, you understand there is absolutely nothing far better than riding down a hillside at full throttle. You still require to have some control, so it’s finest to choose a board that is much longer.

It’s best to choose one that is 36 inches or longer. A longer board will certainly help you get the power you require to make it down capital and aid you obtain faster. Remember, downhill longboarding is except newbies and can be harmful.

Freeride

If you wish to freeride on your longboard, you require a board that is long as well as has lots of security. Freeriders will board down hillsides, up hillsides, as well as on flat surface areas. You need to be able to regulate your board in all conditions whether you are walking around edges at broadband or on flat land. Pick a board that is around 38— 42 inches for best results.

Freestyle

Freestyle longboarding is outstanding for newbies and also suggests you can make use of any kind of board you want for any kind of sort of riding. It’s all about checking out new sizes and shapes and also discovering just how you ride. You may discover that you favor a longboard that is much longer or much shorter than the average individual would utilize for the sort of boarding you like.

Most individuals start with freestyle longboarding until they choose what type of boarding they like best as well as what dimension board they need.

Other Things To Take Into Consideration When Choosing A Longboard

Still asking yourself, «What size longboard should I obtain?» While the length of the longboard is among the most crucial things to consider when shopping for a new board, there are various other points you ought to think about too.

These things can aid make longboarding less complicated and more comfortable.

  • Deck Style

  • Deck Flex

    What Size Longboard Should I Get? How to Find the Perfect Fit photo 2
  • Kicktails

  • Deck Product

  • Wheel Product

  • Deck Layout

Ideally, youngsters understand you can do anything you desire. Skateboarding can be that entrance.

— Ryan Sheckler

Longboard Safety And Security Tips

Whatever dimension board you choose, you need to be secure while longboarding. Longboarding can be hazardous for a lot of reasons, and it’s important to stay safe during all types of riding styles and affordable occasions. Below are a few safety and security pointers that can assist make you a better boarder.

Appropriate Gear

Despite just how excellent you go to longboarding, there is constantly a chance you could fall off the board as well as obtain harmed. If you aren’t wearing a headgear as well as other safety equipment, you might struggle with some severe injuries. Be sure to put on a safety helmet, gloves, arm joint and knee pads anytime you go boarding.

Board Checks

You will certainly need to check your board prior to you utilize it and also you might need to tweak as well as tighten up certain parts, specifically the truck and bearings. If your board isn’t in good working problem, you won’t have the ability to manage it correctly, as well as it could even break while you are on it as well as lead to an accident or injury. Always check your board before you ride it.

Keep Alert

A lot of longboarders select to do so on main roads where there is a lot of web traffic. While you might expect automobiles to look out for you, you can’t trust it. You ought to constantly look out and also pay attention to website traffic.

You likewise require to enjoy the conditions of the roadways and sidewalks where you are boarding, so you do not mistakenly strike a bump or split and have an accident. Constantly comply with roadway indications and web traffic policies as well as make certain to view before crossing a street.

Pedestrian Safety and security

You do not just wish to keep on your own risk-free while you are longboarding, however also pedestrians. A great deal ofindividuals most likely utilize the same roadways and sidewalks as you and also if you face them while longboarding; it can trigger extreme injuries for both of you. Ensure you look for individuals and avoid congested pathways and also roads when feasible.

Watch Your Rate

It can be tempting to go quick on your longboard but don’t go as well quick or pick up speed when you aren’t prepared. Longboarders go much faster than they understand and also if you unintentionally get going as well quick down a hill, you need to have the ability to manage the board. Certain it’s fun to go quick, however work up to greater speeds and do not begin going as well fast.

Know Exactly How to Stop

You can quit your board with the break, or you can slide to quit. Most people prefer to glide to a stop because it’s simpler and can quit them at faster rates. Still, you need to understand exactly how to use your breaks.

Practice both sliding to a quit and breaking to find out exactly how to master both of them. Method quiting on both level surface areas and hills up until you get the hang of it. If you aren’t comfy quiting one means, you can constantly choose the other

skateboard-1870039_960_720

What Size Longboard Should I Get? The Buyer’s Guide To Sizing Up A Board


Longboards first became commercially available in the 1950s. They fell out of popularity for quite a few years while skateboarding (and the tricks they afforded) took center stage. But it’s been gaining in popularity again recently. 

These days it isn’t uncommon to see longboards at parks and on school campuses. Longboarding is recreation and transportation in one, much like a bicycle. If you’re thinking of getting in on this fun, low-cost activity, and aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. 

What Size Longboard Should I Get?

skateboard 405894 960 720 5385994 9383269.

Image source: Pixabay.com

What size longboard should I get? It all depends on a few key factors. There is no one longboard out there that’s right for everyone. They vary in length, width, and style. Which board is right for you, depends on your riding style, your height, and your ability.

That said, it’s relatively easy to choose your first longboard. We’ll go over all the details you need to know about longboard specs so you can make your choice. 

Terminology

Before we dive into a discussion about longboard types and sizes, let’s go over a few longboarding terms. The list of terms used in this activity can be long, but you only need to know a few to get started. Here some common ones to know.

Deck: The platform of the board. This is the area where you stand.

Nose: The front end of the board.

Tail: The back end of the board.

Dropdown: A type of deck which has a lower center than nose and tail to create a sort of pocket to stand in.

Pintail: A type of deck with a wide center and a sharp pointed nose and tail.

Fishtail: Similar to a pintail, but the tail of the board is split like the tail of a fish.

Blunt: A type of deck with a wider, rounder nose and tail than pintails or fishtails.

Top-mount: A type of deck in which the trucks are mounted to the bottom of the board.

Drop-through: A type of deck which has trucks mounted through a hole in the board. This style puts the board lower to the ground which increases stability.

Trucks: The metal T-shaped pieces that mount onto the board and wheels and bearings securely attached to the deck.

Flex: The bouncy feeling of the board when you stand on it. The more flex a board has, the smoother it will go over bumps and cracks.

Concave: The bend across the width of the deck.

Radial, Elliptical, and W: These are concave shapes which affect toe to heel energy transfer.

Rocker and Camber: This describes the downward or upward bend along the length of the board.

Carving: The act of turning your body to move the board back and forth down a hill. You can carve for fun or to control speed.

Drifting: Lowering speed and making a controlled turn to get around a corner.

The Basics

Longboards are similar to skateboards but have some key differences. For instance, skateboards are shorter (usually 28â€-32â€), which makes them better for tricks and short rides. They take more balance and agility to use than a longboard.

Conversely, longboards are great for beginners because they are most stable than skateboards. They come in different shapes and are generally faster than skateboards. Longboards also come in a vast range of lengths (33â€-66â€) and are better for street riding or cruising than for performing tricks.

The long range of sizes is necessary so you can use longboards in a variety of ways, but here’s the general rule of thumb for board lengths:

  • Long = best for longer, faster, relaxed rides, or for taller people
  • Mid = useful for all riding types
  • Short =  best for shorter rides, if you want something lightweight, or for young/small riders

The width of an average board is between 8†and 10.†The wider the board is, the more stable it is. This width reduces maneuverability, but if you have big feet, a more narrow board will be awkward and harder to ride. So this specification will depend on what feels comfortable to you.

The style of a longboard is going to change depending on the type of riding you want to do. The riding surface is called a deck and comes in styles with names like pintails, fishtails, cruisers, cutouts, drop-throughs, double kicks, and cutaways. 

The size of a longboard is going to be more important than the style, so this is probably the last feature you want to consider before you buy.

The Specifics

The length of longboards changes with its intended purpose and so does its name. They are most commonly classified as cruising, downhill, freeride, and freestyle boards. Each of these categories has individual length boards associated with it.

Cruising 28â€-46â€

skateboarder 2373728 960 720 2920363 4848638.

Image source: Pixabay.com

Longboarding can be an exciting activity, but it can also simply be a pleasurable activity. Longboards for cruising should be between 28 and 46.†They are best for exactly what their name suggests: cruising. You can use these boards for commuting to work, school, the mall, etc., or participating in some leisurely recreation.

The shorter the board is, the better it is for making quick turns and taking sharp angles. A longer board is better for gaining higher speeds but loses the maneuverability of a shorter board. If you’ll be dodging pedestrians on a sidewalk, then go for the shorter board to make it easier to get around them.

If you’re well over six feet, don’t go any shorter than 38†as your height will also affect the maneuverability of the board.

Consider picking up a board for cruising and taking it a local park. These days you’re bound to see far more people longboarding than rollerblading. In areas where the sport hasn’t quite taken off, it’s a great conversation starter, and believe us when we say you’ll have people approach you to ask about it.

Downhill 36â€-40â€

human 3104534 960 720 8362516 9533364.

Image source: Pixabay.com

The ideal length of a longboard used for downhill riding is 36†to 40†or more (37â€+ for taller riders). You might do downhill riding for recreation or commuting (if you live a hilly area), but most downhill riders participate for sport.

As a sport, speed is a must with downhill longboarding. The whole point of downhill longboarding is to be the first person to reach the bottom–it’s a race. Depending on the hill and your skill level, you’ll be topping 60mph.

Moving that fast downhill on a little board and having nothing but asphalt to break your fall, is sure to be an adrenaline rush, but at those speeds, you’re going to want something stable. Look for a drop-through or top-mount board as this style board will give you additional stability. 

Also, look for small wheels with a sharp lip that will prevent slipping and a board that is comfortable wide. Downhill riders commonly choose a longboard deck that has a w-concave shape. You’ll have more control with this shape. 

Freeride 38â€-42â€

Freeride is a form of downhill longboarding but rather than speed; this is about getting down the hill gently and in one piece. This type of riding is more likely to be used for recreation and commuting than downhill boards, but it is a sport in its own right.

In freeriding, you perform different maneuvers to slow the board down while you descend a hill. Some tricks you might use are slides, spins, foot braking, and other technical maneuvers. 

A length of 38â€-42†is ideal for a combination of stability and maneuverability. Also look for drop-through, drop-platform, and top-mount longboards to help with balance.

Freestyle/Dancing 48â€+

skate 3785372 960 720 3959448 4916429.

Image source: Pixabay.com

Freestyle longboarding is the use of a longboard to perform tricks or “dance moves†on the board. It’s also sometimes referred to as boardwalking. This type of longboarding is all about the performance. Dancing boards are typically at least 48†long to allow you room to move around and perform the dance. 

Conclusion

So those are the ideal length of longboards for each particular type of boarding. In reality, anyone could ride any length longboard. As we said, it all depends on your preference. 

If you’re still asking yourself, “What size longboard should I get,†start with figuring out what you’ll be using your longboard for and then the type of riding you prefer to do. From there you’ll get a pretty good idea of the length you want. 

As for width, flex, and other specifications, you’re probably going to want to try out a few boards. Start with an inexpensive board like this 39 Inch Freestyle Longboard by Playshion. You can always move to more advanced boards. Before long you’ll be cruising and carving with the best of them.