Which longboard suits me best?
If you just want to get around or want to ride down the steepest mountain roads, there is a longboard or cruiser for you. The easiest way to buy a longboard or cruiser is as a complete, this way the whole setup comes ready to ride, straight out of the box.
A cruiser is probably the most commonly seen style of skateboard. In any city, you’ll see these versatile skateboards taking young people around. Here the focus is on ease of use. Cruisers are between 22” and 32” with big, soft wheels. A shorter size like a 22” Penny Skateboards cruiser is great for getting around and will easily strap to your bag. Longer cruisers are a little more stable so you can go a bit faster.
Carving longboards and cruisers are for more turning and surf-inspired moves. They are longer and have softer trucks which let you get deeper into carves.
If you’re looking to do tricks with your longboard, pick a freeride shape. Freeride longboards are often symmetrical – this helps with sliding and when you ride backwards.
As the name suggests downhill longboards are for riding down hills. These longboards have all the features for reaching maximum speed while still being stable. These boards are stiffer and there is a larger distance between the trucks, both of which help with stability at high speed. Same as freeriding, turning when riding downhill is done by sliding and going horizontally. Just a quick warning, of all the disciplines of longboarding, downhill is the most challenging and dangerous. Make sure to wear full protection when you’re learning. This means, a helmet, wrist, elbow and knee guards and slide gloves.
No matter which size or shape you prefer, remember to always keep safety in mind. Wear your gear and live to bomb another hill.
