What size longboard should I get?
Longboarding is an exciting sport that gives you the freedom to cruise down city streets, zoom around tight corners and hit up hills with ease.
But before you can get out on your new longboard, you have to find the right size. The right size board depends on your riding style and skill level.
How to Find the Right Longboard for You
Let's explore some of the things you should consider when selecting a longboard.
Size Matters!
The most important factor in finding the right longboard is size or more specifically, length. Your board's length will determine how stable it is and how fast or slow it will go. Generally speaking, longer boards are better suited for cruising at higher speeds whereas shorter boards are better for tricks and navigating tight spaces.
So if you're looking for a board that's great for downhill rides but not so great for tricks, opt for a longboard that's at least 40 inches long.
Board Shape & Flexibility
The shape of your board also matters, as different shapes produce different effects when riding. For instance, drop-through boards are lower to the ground than other shapes and offer more stability while carving and cornering, drop-down boards provide an even lower center of gravity which makes them perfect for downhill racing, pintail boards provide a wide platform closer to the ground which adds stability during turns and cruiser boards are slightly concave and make it easier to maneuver around tight spaces or do tricks with ease.
The flexibility of your board is also important as stiffer boards offer more stability while softer boards absorb vibrations more easily.
Riding Style & Skill Level
Your riding style also plays a role in selecting the right size longboard since different styles require different sizes of boards. If you're into cruising or downhill racing, opt for a longer board such as a cruiser or pintail that offers more stability at high speeds.
If you're into freestyle tricks like ollies or kickflips, opt for a short board such as a mini-cruiser or drop-down that provides more maneuverability and if you're into sliding or slalom racing, opt for an intermediate-length board such as an all-a rounder or hybrid that offers both stability and maneuverability.
Finally, take into consideration your skill level, if you’re just starting out with longboarding then you may want to start with a shorter board until you gain more experience before moving onto larger sizes.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right size longboard can seem like a daunting task but it doesn't have to be! Consider how often you'll be using your board (for cruising/downhill racing/freestyle tricks) what type of terrain you'll be riding on (pavement/dirt/off road) what kind of riding style fits best with your skillset (cruising/racing/freestyle) and lastly , make sure to choose one that fits within your budget! With these considerations in mind, choosing the right size longboard should be smooth sailing from here on out! Good luck!
Must be read: Can you longboard at a skatepark?
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