Longboards
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.[1] 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. Although it is unsure where it originated, longboarding was first created as a land alternate to surfers.
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.
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. Although it is unsure where it originated, longboarding was first created as a land alternate to surfers.
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.