What Is Longboarding?

Longboarding is a type of skateboarding that uses a longer and wider board, typically measuring between 33 to 59 inches in length. The longer deck allows for more stability, making longboarding an ideal option for cruising long distances, carving down hills, or performing tricks. Unlike traditional skateboards, which are shorter and more rigid, longboards are built for smoother rides and greater control.

Longboarding is often seen as a more relaxed and accessible version of skateboarding, but it can be just as thrilling and challenging, especially when it comes to downhill racing or technical tricks. The board's design makes it suitable for a wide range of activities, from simple cruising to carving, slalom, and even downhill speed runs.

There are several types of longboarding disciplines, each with its own set of techniques, equipment, and challenges. These include cruising, carving, downhill longboarding, and slalom, among others.

Types of Longboarding

1. Cruising and Carving

Cruising is the most common and accessible form of longboarding. It involves riding the board at a leisurely pace, typically on smooth, flat ground. The goal of cruising is to cover distance while enjoying the ride. Many longboarders use cruising as a mode of transportation, riding through city streets or along scenic paths. Cruising can also be a relaxing way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Carving is a technique that involves turning the board back and forth in an S-shaped pattern to maintain speed and control while riding. By shifting your body weight from one side of the board to the other, you can make the board turn smoothly and navigate curves with ease. Carving is a fun and flowing way to ride, and it adds a surf-like feel to the longboarding experience. This technique allows riders to generate speed without pushing, relying on the natural terrain and the physics of the board to maintain momentum.

Cruising and carving can be done on nearly any type of terrain, from smooth pavements to slightly uneven roads. As a beginner, mastering carving will help you feel more confident and in control of your board. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at generating speed and navigating different surfaces.

2. Downhill Longboarding

For those who enjoy speed, downhill longboarding is the ultimate challenge. Downhill longboarding involves riding down steep hills at high speeds, often reaching velocities over 40 mph (64 km/h). Riders use specialized boards with lower centers of gravity and larger, softer wheels to maintain control while speeding down the hill.

The primary goal of downhill longboarding is to race or ride as fast as possible while maintaining control and stability. Unlike cruising or carving, downhill longboarding requires precise technique and strong focus. Riders must have the ability to lean into turns, slide to reduce speed when necessary, and keep their body balanced to avoid accidents.

Safety gear is crucial when downhill longboarding. The high speeds make it important to protect yourself from potential falls. A full-face helmet is essential, as well as gloves and pads to protect your knees, elbows, and wrists. Many riders also use slide gloves, which allow them to drag their hands along the pavement to initiate a controlled slide. Learning to control your speed and make safe stops is key to mastering this discipline.

3. Slalom Longboarding

Slalom longboarding is a discipline that focuses on weaving in and out of a series of cones or obstacles, typically set up in a straight line. The goal is to maneuver the board through the course as quickly as possible while maintaining precision and agility. Slalom longboarding tests a rider’s ability to make sharp turns, maintain balance, and execute quick directional changes.

Slalom riding requires good footwork and the ability to make rapid adjustments in body position. Riders use a combination of carving and quick foot movements to navigate through the cones, ensuring they don’t hit them while maintaining speed. Slalom longboarding can be done on various terrains, but it’s most commonly practiced on flat, smooth surfaces.

How to Get Started with Longboarding

Choosing the Right Longboard

When it comes to longboarding, the board you choose plays a big role in how you’ll experience the sport. There are many different types of longboards, each designed for specific disciplines and riding styles. For beginners, it's important to select a board that suits your goals and the terrain you plan to ride on.

For cruising and carving, a longer and more flexible board with a mellow flex is ideal. These boards provide stability and smooth turning. If you're interested in downhill longboarding, look for a stiffer board with a lower center of gravity, designed to maintain control at higher speeds. For slalom, a shorter and more responsive board is preferable, as it allows for quick turns and better maneuverability.

Regardless of the type of board you choose, make sure to pick one that fits your riding style and comfort level. Test different boards and see which one feels best for your needs.

Foot Placement and Stance

Your foot placement and stance on the board are crucial for maintaining control and balance. Most longboarders use one of two stances: regular or goofy. Regular riders have their left foot forward on the board, while goofy riders have their right foot forward. Your stance is a matter of personal preference, but it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable and stable while riding.

Once you’ve chosen your stance, practice standing on the board and getting comfortable with the foot placement. Your front foot should be near the front of the board, while your back foot should be near the tail. In carving, you’ll need to shift your body weight from one side to the other to make turns. When downhill longboarding, your back foot will play a more critical role in controlling your speed and keeping your balance.

Safety Gear

As with any action sport, safety is paramount in longboarding. Whether you’re cruising or bombing hills, wearing the right protective gear is essential. At the very least, you should wear a helmet to protect your head in case of a fall. For downhill longboarding, a full-face helmet is recommended for additional protection.

Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are also important, especially when learning new tricks or riding at high speeds. Slide gloves are a must for downhill riders, as they help control speed and allow you to initiate slides safely.

Learning to Ride

When you first start longboarding, it’s best to practice on flat, smooth surfaces where you can get used to balancing on the board. Try riding around in small circles and practice carving. As you get more comfortable, try riding down small hills and gradually build up speed. The more time you spend on your board, the more natural longboarding will feel.

Advanced Longboarding Tricks

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced tricks. Some popular tricks in longboarding include:
- Sliding: A technique used in downhill longboarding to slow down or control speed. To slide, you use your body weight to make the board break traction and slide across the pavement.
- Power Slides: A type of slide used to initiate a turn or slow down on downhill runs. Power slides are essential for maintaining control at high speeds.
- Cross-stepping: A trick used in cruising and carving that involves stepping from one foot to the other while riding, similar to the movements of surfing.
- Nose Manual: A trick where you balance on the front of the board, lifting the back wheels off the ground.

These tricks require a combination of skill, timing, and control, but with practice, you can master them and add style to your longboarding repertoire.

Conclusion

Longboarding is a sport that offers a mix of freedom, thrill, and creativity. Whether you enjoy cruising the streets, carving down hills, or testing your agility with slalom, there’s a longboarding style for every rider. By learning the basics of foot placement, safety, and board selection, you can get started on your longboarding journey. As you progress, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to tackle more advanced tricks and challenge yourself in new ways. Most importantly, longboarding is about enjoying the ride and embracing the adventure.