Longboarding is a popular activity among people of different ages that can take your daily life to a new level. Choosing the right longboard will make a big difference in your experience, with different elements and characteristics influencing your ride.
These three questions to ask yourself before buying a longboard will help you decide between various styles to ensure you get the best match. With experience, you will learn how to manage different boards, but if you are a beginner, these questions will show you a clear path to make an informed decision.
Which Longboard Style Should I Choose?
Longboarding involves a variety of board styles, each with unique characteristics and requirements to achieve optimal development and reach your goals. There are different longboarding activities you can focus on, such as freestyling, downhill longboarding, and dancing, which will determine the type of board you need.
Before buying a longboard, it is important to think about the style of longboarding you want to pursue because it will dictate your skills and technique. Basic principles such as stance and body awareness are similar across all riding styles, but getting into more advanced skills will make a big difference in which board suits you. The most popular types of boards are cruiser, carving, pintail, and dropthrough longboards.
What Is My Experience Level?
If you’re unsure about which longboard to choose, consider your experience level and practice to decide whether to improve or maintain your skills. If you are a beginner, you may want to choose a complete skateboard cruiser model; these come with the necessary elements to enhance your experience and keep you safe.
As an experienced rider, you need something more agile, stable, and responsive, which you can achieve with the right body awareness and physical preparation. It is essential to match your skill level to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, especially with downhill longboarding.
What Type of Deck Do I Need?
The deck is the main component of a longboard, as it’s where you stand, and it comes in various sizes, shapes, and materials. These factors directly impact your performance. Asking this question before buying a longboard will help you make a more informed decision about what board suits your style.
The different deck profiles you can choose from are camber, which has a higher center and lower edges; flat, which keeps every angle aligned; and rocker, which offers shock absorption. It is important to choose a deck that matches your riding style and preferences to feel comfortable and strong.