Longboard (Skateboard)

By Wikipedia

A longboard is a skateboard with a longer and sometimes wider shape used for longboarding. They are most commonly used for cruising, downhill racing or transportation. Longboards can be shaped in various different ways, depending on the type of riding intended. Their greater weight and bulk makes them less suitable for many skateboarding tricks, but contributes to a fluid motion by providing more momentum. Longboarding is often compared to surfing on concrete, and the design allows big turns or quick short carves similar to a surfboard.

Longboarding became popular alongside emerging surfing culture through the mid 1950s. Longboarding may have originated in California where the streets gave ground to many longboarders due to the rolling hills but some believe it is a product of Hawaiian origin.

Longboard equipment is very similar to skateboard equipment. It is most common for longboarders to wear gloves and a helmet. Wrist, elbow and knee protection are always recommended. Also in the sliding discipline, riders wear “slide gloves” which are a specialized sliding glove made out of a strong material such as leather that has plastic pucks adhered to the palm.

Most longboards measure between 90 and 150 cm (35.4-60 inches). Shorter boards may still be referred to as longboards when their main purpose is in line with that of longboarding (i.e. downhill & cruising). There are several different shapes of longboards including but not limited to: pintails, flat nose riders, and boards shaped like a longer shortboard. Pintails permit looser trucks and larger diameter wheels better suited for carving or a “surfy” feel. Mid-length boards, 94-127 cm (37-50 inches) are the most versatile.

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Making Your Skateboarding Experience Better For You

By Asep Kurniawan

Skateboard Experience

Now that you are good at skateboarding, you will definitely want to have a pro grade skateboard. Basically, there are two ways you can get a pro grade skateboard. The first is by buying one that is completely assembled with all high quality materials installed, and the other is by assembling it piece by piece with different brands of wheels, boards, and trucks and bearings to accurately suit your riding needs.

You can always buy a complete pro grade skateboard. But, if you want a skateboard that fits your preferences, you should try building your own custom board.

The first thing that you need to do is pick the deck size. The length and the thickness depend on the tricks that you plan on performing and the width will depend on your feet size.

Skateboard wheels are also an important factor that you should know. Different skateboard wheels come in different colors as well as sizes and degrees of hardness.

For vert and transition, you will need larger skateboard wheels in order to get a faster roll. If you do verts or transitions try 55 to 65mm wheels. For street or technical, get smaller wheels with a hardness of 97 to 101. The skateboard will be a lot slower in rolling, allowing you to do technical tricks easily as well as have wheels that can withstand a lot of pressure.

The bearings are also important. These are metal rings that fit inside the skateboard wheels. As a skateboarder, you will want bearings that are precise and durable. So, go for 3 or 5 ABEC rating on the bearings you choose. This will be smooth enough when you ride your board and durable enough that it will not break when you jump on your board.

The trucks are another important part that you should carefully choose. These are axles that connect the board to your wheels. To choose the truck that you need, you will need to match the truck side to the deck or your board. The bushings in the truck are also an important factor to consider. For vert, you will need stiffer bushings and for street, you will need softer bushings to allow you to turn easily.

The truck height will also vary. Lower trucks will make it easier for you to flip the board and are very stable. However, lower trucks will mean smaller wheels. If you do verts, which will require speed, you will need larger trucks to accommodate larger wheels.

These are the things that you need to remember when building a custom pro grade skateboard. Also, try getting a good grip tape, risers and other hardware, such as nuts and screws.

If you want a good board, you will want one that is made with high quality materials. So, if you want a skateboard that will accommodate your riding needs, try building a custom pro grade skateboard.

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