Longboarding

Understanding Longboarding

Longboarding is an action sport that offers a sensation more akin to surfing compared to skateboarding. It uses boards that are both longer and wider than typical skateboards. Furthermore, longboards come equipped with larger and softer wheels, which enhance their cruising and carving capabilities in contrast to skateboards.

Longboarding is widely recognised as an excellent sport for achieving speed and travelling long distances, while also serving as a swift and simple means of transport for daily use. Numerous competitions focus on attaining high speeds during downhill rides. Nevertheless, longboarding also incorporates styles that emphasise tricks, making it a diverse and adaptable board sport.

Varieties of Longboarding Styles

Longboarding generally falls into five main riding styles: cruising, freestyle, freeride, downhill, and dancing.

The most prevalent riding method is cruising, which is fairly straightforward to master. It offers an enjoyable, surf-like experience whether commuting or gliding across different terrains. Carving is akin to cruising but involves deeper turns and enhanced pumping.

Longboard dancing focuses on executing a range of boardwalk tricks atop your longboard, allowing you to showcase your creative and artistic flair. Freestyle longboarding, another discipline, lets you perform tricks such as hand spins and jumps with your board.

Downhill longboarding is reserved for seasoned riders. This style emphasises reaching significant speeds downhill and requires mastery over both body and board control, along with an understanding of riding techniques. Freeride longboarding resembles downhill style, but rather than solely focusing on speed, the aim is to execute slides and tricks.

The Benefits of Longboarding

Much like other board sports, longboarding offers numerous health advantages. It serves as an effective aerobic exercise and a fantastic way to enhance balance. Longboarding is also an enjoyable and beginner-friendly activity that demands only a modest initial investment.

This outdoor activity is an outstanding way of increasing your exposure to fresh air. Thanks to the large wheels, even rough surfaces provide smooth rides, enabling you to use your longboard in various settings, from urban areas to rural roads. Additionally, longboarding can alleviate stress by maintaining your focus and delivering pleasurable riding experiences.

For the best longboarding experiences, ensure you remain protected. Suitable protective gear is available in our Longboard & Skateboard Protection category.