Bruce Dias 
Have you decided to get on a longboard? Not a skateboard, not a cruiser, or even a scooter, but a longboard skateboard? Then it would help if you chose the right sports equipment so that the experience of getting involved in a new extreme sport is as positive as possible.
Define Your Goals
The first thing to start with is to understand why you need a longboard. Different boards are designed for different riding styles. The main ones:
Cruising is a relaxing ride around the city or park.
I am dancing – performing dance elements on a longboard.
Downhill – downhill racing on hills and mountain roads.
Freeride is a combination of downhill and performing tricks.
For beginners, we recommend focusing on cruising or dancing, as they are less extreme and allow you to become more familiar with the basics of skating.
Select board shape
Longboard shape
The shape of a longboard plays a key role in its performance on the road. There are several main types of forms:
Pintail – a classic shape with a tapered tail, suitable for cruising.
Twin Tip is a symmetrical board without a pronounced nose and tail, ideal for freeriding and dancing.
Drop Deck – a board with a lowered platform that provides greater stability at high speeds and is suitable for downhill use.
A pintail or twin tip would be the most suitable for beginners, as they are more versatile and forgiving of mistakes.
Pay Attention to the Deck Materials
Longboards are made from various materials, and each of them has its characteristics:
Maple is the most popular material, and it is strong and durable.
Bamboo is light and flexible, ideal for dancing.
Combined materials – maple, bamboo, fiberglass, and other materials- give the board special properties.
Choosing boards made of maple or combined materials is better for beginners, as they provide the optimal combination of strength and flexibility.
Board Length and Width
The length and width of a longboard affect its handling and stability. Generally, board lengths range from 36 to 44 inches, and widths range from 8 to 10 inches. For beginners, I recommend:
Standard length: 38-42 inches.
Standard Width: 8.5-9.5 inches.
These sizes will provide sufficient stability and maneuverability, especially for those learning to ride.
Wheels, suspension, and other stuff
Wheels and suspension are important components of a longboard that influence its performance on the road. For beginners, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
Wheels: soft wheels (durometer 78A-83A) provide better grip and comfort when driving uneven surfaces.
Suspensions: 50-degree suspensions are best for cruising and dancing as they provide better maneuverability.
Try before you buy
Longboard test
If you have the opportunity, be sure to try a few different longboards before purchasing. This will help you better understand which board is right for you. Many shops and longboard schools offer test drives, a great opportunity to make an informed choice. Just like you would test drive a longboard, it’s essential to ensure your online gaming experience is seamless by easily accessing Playamo. You’d just need a Playamo login connection to enter another kind of world of sports where you’ll get a shot of adrenaline.
Choosing your first longboard is an important step towards the exciting world of longboarding. I hope my tips will help you make the right choice and enjoy your ride. Remember that the main thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Good luck and smooth rides!
Answers to Popular Questions About Longboards
How to Set Up a Longboard?
There are a few key aspects to consider when setting up your longboard. First of all, you should choose the right size of the longboard according to your height and weight. Then, adjust the tracks so they are level and not wobble. Adjust the softness and hardness of the suspension depending on your level of skateboarding and desired riding style. You can also customize the wheels according to your preferences: large wheels are suitable for high-speed driving, and small ones for maneuvering. Remember to check and adjust track bolt tension and bearings for a smooth, comfortable ride. Setting up your longboard correctly will help you get better results and improve your riding.
How to Brake on a Longboard at Speed?
To brake on a longboard at speed, you will need to use techniques that will allow you to stop slowly and safely. First, begin to slow down, placing some of your weight on your back foot and leaning the bulk of your body weight back.
At the same time, apply gentle and gradual pressure to the back of the longboard using your back foot to gradually slow down the movement. It is important to maintain balance and not slam on the brakes to avoid falling or losing control. Practice and experience will help you learn how to brake effectively on a longboard at speed and become a more confident rider.
How to Turn on a Longboard?
In order to turn on a longboard, it is important to properly distribute your body weight. To turn left, you need to shift your weight to the heel of your right foot, similarly to turn right – to the heel of your left foot.
You also need to tilt your body in the direction of the turn and use your arms to balance. It is important to remember that for tighter turns, you need to slow down and do some pre-training before the turn itself. Practice and constant practice will improve your longboard turns and make them smoother and more controlled. It is also important to use protective equipment and remember to be safe while riding.
How to Pump on a Longboard?
In order to pump on a longboard, you need to use a special technique that allows you to generate speed and maneuver without using your legs. The basic idea is to use the longboard’s flexibility to compress and push with your legs as you move back and forth across the board. To begin, stand on a longboard and begin to smoothly move your body weight from your heels to your toes and back again, using your legs to compress and press the board. As your skills increase, you can add turns and maneuvers to generate even more speed. It is important to remember that pumping requires a certain amount of strength and coordination, so it is necessary to practice and try different techniques to achieve confidence and mastery.
