Longboarding has been around since the 1970s, although it wasn’t until later that it gained popularity. Longboards are great for getting around on, cross-training for other sports such as surfing and snowboarding and riding in skate parks and on the street. A longboard’s size and construction make it easy to use as a mode of transportation; larger wheels aid it in getting over bumps and cracks in the sidewalk.

What’s the Difference?
The variations between a shortboard and a longboard extend further than just looks, although that is the most obvious difference. While a shortboard is short and has hard wheels, a longboard is longer—anywhere from 34 to 50 inches—and wider, with a bigger wheelbase and larger, softer wheels. Longboards also come in a variety of shapes, while a shortboard is generally one standard shape.

The ride itself is another huge difference between longboarding and shortboarding. While there are some longboarders who use their skateboards at the parks and on ramps, the majority are just cruising. Longboarding is similar to surfing in that you simply ride, carving and feeling the wind as you go.

What You’ll Need
You’ll definitely need a longboard. Longboards, unlike their shortboard counterparts, usually come already set up. You don’t have to worry about which trucks or bearings you’ll need, or what wheels will work best. You can change your setup by visiting a local skate shop, and you can also get new wheels there when yours wear down.

The longer your board is, the more stable it will be. This means rocks, imperfections in the road and other obstacles won’t be felt as much as they would on a shorter board. If you plan on cruising, go with a longer board. It won’t be able to turn as quickly as a shorter board, but it’s great for getting around.

You will also need flat-bottomed shoes. Although skateboarding shoes are preferable, they’re not always necessary. Any shoes with a flat bottom will work for this, except sandals. Sandals are not recommended when you’re learning, as your feet can easily come unbalanced and you’ll be more likely to fall. 

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