Just a little information on Longboards

Longboarding is similar to skateboarding and surfing, but uses a different board type almost like a hybrid between the two. The long board is generally longer and may be wider than the traditional skateboard, but both are used for tricks, riding, and cruising. Their most common function is for travel, to get from one place to another.

As the boards are larger and weigh more than the traditional skateboard, they are not as well suited for many skateboarding tricks, but they do provide more momentum. The sport became popular in the 1950’s, thought to have originated in either California or Hawaii as a land alternative for surfers. Often compared to surfing on concrete, the board allows for large turns and fast short maneuvers much like a surfboard.

The Longboard

Longboards typically range in length anywhere from 25 to 60 inches, though they are not restricted by length. Their wheels are also larger and softer than the traditional wheels on a skateboard. These wheels allow for a smoother ride, and the larger board allows for the rider to move at faster speeds with less effort when compared to a skateboard.

Variations of the Longboard

Longboards are available in several shapes and configurations, with each designed to achieve a certain riding type. The most common board types include: Speedboards, Shlongboards, Sliders, and Hybrids.

Speedboards

Speedboards are also known as downhill longboards. They are used for riding as fast as possible downhill. In order to keep the board stable and allow for more control, they are generally 38 to 46 inches in length and built rigid and stiff. They are available in the following configurations:

• Drop Decks: Use a riding platform lower than the truck mounting point. While this creates more stability, it sacrifices traction and turning capabilities.

• Drop Through Decks: Use holes between the truck mounting to allow for a baseplate to mount on top of the board, making it the most popular way to lower a board.

• Flushcut Decks: Use truck mounts similar to Drop Through decks, but allow the trucks to be mounted from the top so they are flush with the deck.

• Topmount Speedboards: Use trucks mounted to the bottom of the board.

• Wedged Speedboards: Use angled truck mounts to lower the standing platform of the board.

Shlongboards

Shlongboards are standard street decks with a slight modification. The wheelbase is extended by re-drilling holes in the board to install the trucks closer to the ends of the board. By mounting the trucks on the kicktails, their turning abilities are enhanced. The standing platform is also lowered.

Sliders

Sliders are typically wider with differentiated concave patterns when compared to a traditional skateboard. They use standard trucks matched with wide hangers to accommodate the wider width of the board. Sliders are generally 8.5 to 10 inches wide.

Hybrids

This is a relatively new board type, where companies have begun experimenting with various configurations by building boards with surfboard material. The boards are designed to improve downhill performance but offer slower movement on flat surfaces when compared to the traditional longboard.