Skateboard or Longboard? Getting Started Guide and Key Differences
You want to get your own board and get involved in this passionate world, but you feel lost among the options. Don't worry, you're not alone! When you enter the sports store, there are dozens of types and especially"Longboard"is one of the most confusing topics for beginners.
So, what are the differences between these two-wheeled friends of ours who take the surfing spirit to the streets? Let's take a look at our guide that will help you make the right choice.
1. Design & Size: Length is Everything!
The easiest way to distinguish this duo by appearance is to look at their dimensions.
Longboard:As the name implies, they are “tall.” Their height is usually90 cm to 150 cmthe elongated structure provides superior handling at high speeds and a smooth ride.
Skateboard:It has a more compact structure. Their length is average.71 to 84 cm(28-33 inches). Its lightweight and slim structure is specially designed for airborne aerobatic movements.
2. Wheel and Truck (Axle) Structure
The main heroes that determine driving comfort are the parts under the board.
FlexibleUsed in longboardstruck (axle)parts are wider and more flexible. This gives you smooth driving pleasure on sharp turns and long roads.
hardnessIn skateboards, trucks are narrower and harder. This stiffness provides the resistance you need in jumping and technical movements.
WheelsThe longboard wheels are larger and softer (they don't feel rough on the road), while the skateboard wheels are smaller and stiff (ideal for speeding in parks).
3. Intended Use: Transportation or Acrobatics?
Your choice of board is completely hidden in the answer to the question “What do I want to do?”:
Feature | Skateboarding | Longboard |
Main Goals | Acrobatics, Parking, Trickler | Transportation, Speed (Downhill), Sightseeing |
Balance | More difficult, requires practice | Easier thanks to the large surface |
Floor | Concrete, private parks, smooth surface | Asphalt roads, coastline, slopes |
Manoeuvring | Sudden and technical turns | Wide and curved (carving) turns |
4. Nose & Tail Difference
The nose and tail of the skateboards are usually curved upwards. This curved structure allows you to bounce the board off the ground (movements like Ollie). In longboards, the body is flatter; the focus is not on taking off from the ground, but on stepping firmly on the ground.
Final Decision: Which is Right for You?
There's no one right answer to the question “Which board should I start with?”, but here's a tip that might help:
If your purposeif it is comfortable to go from a point to a point, to feel the wind on the coastal road or to go at high speeds; your choice is definitelyLongboardin YYYYMMDD format.
If your purposejumping from ramps, learning technical movements and spending time in parks;Skateboardingis your best friend.
💡Important Note:With Longboard, you can learn balance much faster. However, you should not forget that speed can increase uncontrollably in sloping areas and you should definitely wear a helmet/protective equipment!
👉Click here to discover the longboard varieties and choose the model that suits you best!