How to Select a Longboard Skateboard

A longboard skateboard lets just about anyone cruise the streets on a comfortable, easy-to-ride board. They can also be used for downhill racing and slalom. They are heavier, longer boards built for speed, but there are a few choices you have to make when buying one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Select the deck size you are most comfortable with. Longboards come in a variety of lengths, but the general rule is to pick one that is about waist-high. Just make sure that yours is easy to carry around, so you aren't struggling with the board.
2. Go wide for street surfing and narrow for downhill speed. While this isn't a hard-and-fast rule, you will find that more streamlined boards give you better speed. Besides the width, you'll find that the actual shape of board differs for each style of skating.
3. Buy bearings, trucks and wheels that are built specifically for longboarding. Since this style of skating is vastly different from pulling off flip tricks in a skate park, you want to make sure all of the hardware works for your style of skating. Larger, softer wheels tend to work best for a longboard, and some manufacturers create parts specifically for this type of skateboard.
4. Avoid longboards from discount or toy stores. While these may be cheap, they are not meant for high speeds, which can cause injury when a truck flies off or a bearing breaks.
5. Take baby steps by purchasing a Sector 9 longboard deck, which is very similar to a normal skateboard (see Resources below). For skaters new to the longboards, this is the easiest way to familiarize yourself with the style.
6. Find a variety of decks and supplies at the Longboard Store (see Resources below). This store offers everything you need to build a custom longboard.
7. Find durable longboard decks in a variety of styles at Landy Achtz (see Resources below). Manufactured since 1997, these boards have quickly become the choice for racing and slalom pros.

Tips & Warnings

• After you select a board, ask the skate shop if you can take it for a spin. This is the best way to decide if you really like the shape and style of the deck.
• Most hardcore longboarders keep a variety of complete skateboards on hand to take advantage of any situation that may arise.