Longboarding Skateboard

An offshoot of skateboarding, some believe that this sport came into existence as 'sidewalk surfing' in the 1950s in California, while others claim it originated in Hawaii. In the later years, avid skateboard lovers developed longboarding in order to gain more momentum and recreate a feel of surfing on the road. The shapes of longboards vary according to the different uses related to tricks and speed thrills. If these boards are heavy, they provide more momentum for speed skaters, whereas the lighter ones are easier to pull off tricks and various maneuvers with.

Longboards

To gain momentum while riding the longboard, downhill slopes are preferred the world over. Although most of these boards measure around 100 to 15 cm, and are used for downhill cruising, professionals in this sport get their boards customized in accordance with their height, weight and comfort of use. Riders can choose a variety of different shapes among longboards, but the most commonly used ones are flat nosed riders and pintails. The pintail shaped boards have very loose trucks and allow the diameter of wheels to be broader. This provides a surf-like feel on the road, very similar to that of water surfing.

Deck Shapes of Longboards

The decks of longboards are very important when it comes to maneuvering the skateboard. The deck of the longboard determines factors such as comfort, position and balance of the rider. The 'pintail deck' is a tear-shaped flat surface that is suitable for beginners due to its simplistic design and easy maneuverability. Another deck which is called the 'drop deck' design consists of a curve in the middle area of the deck, and provides great control while speeding downhill. One more shape that is gaining popularity is the downhill board, which is similar to the drop deck construction, and provides stability and facilitates an easier balance while riding.

Wheels of Longboards

Longboards consist of wheels which are broader and larger than the ones that are used on regular skateboards. Although steel ball bearings in the wheel are commercially popular, high quality ceramic bearings are commonly used by longboarding professionals. The broader wheels in longboards provide a better grip on various surfaces and can roll easily on tiny cracks, stones, light gravel and sticks, which is not possible with the smaller wheels in skateboards. Essentially longboards have softer wheels which reduce vibration and offer better cruise control. A durometer is used to measure the hardness of wheels in a longboard and is essential while choosing tougher wheels. The broader wheels in these boards also minimizes the skid ratio which is marginally high in skateboards. The loangboard consists of trucks which are openings that allow the wheels to be attached on a board, and contribute towards the steering mechanism in relation to which direction the rider wants to maneuver the board.

Safety Equipment for Longboarding

Like in skateboarding, the protective equipment used in longboarding is very important. Helmets need to be worn along with knee pads and elbow pads. Sliding gloves made of hard leather with plastic pucks should be worn, which are of prime importance especially in downhill racing. The use of protective equipment minimizes injury and should not be ignored while longboarding.

Although longboarding is a rage among downhill racers, it has become increasingly popular as a recreational sport for the pure thrill that the rider experiences.