How to choose your first longboard
Most longboard decks are made of Canadian maple or pressed bamboo, both of which are often mixed or coated with other materials, such as fiberglass or epoxy resin. In recent years, new materials have become more common. Although they differ from skateboards, the segments of a longboard are the same: at the front is the nose, at the back is the tail, and the space between the mounting holes is called the wheelbase.
As you may have already noticed, there's a wide variety of materials, shapes, lengths, and widths, all of which naturally have different properties. There are two general considerations to keep in mind regarding longboard length: the longer they are, the more stable they will be at high speeds; the shorter they are, the more maneuverable and suitable they will be for urban cruising. Therefore, the deck length of a longboard depends on its intended use.
It's difficult to give advice on choosing the right length and width for a longboard based on your height and weight. However, we can say that the taller and heavier you are, the longer your deck should be. For children, shortboards or cruisers are more appropriate.
Remember that the shorter the wheelbase, the smaller the turning radius when applying pressure to the side of the board. In short, a short wheelbase allows for sharp turns. Therefore, smaller or lighter riders may have difficulty controlling a longboard with a wide wheelbase because they are less maneuverable.
Since longboarding involves fewer tricks than skateboarding, the width of the board isn't a crucial factor. Your feet will often be positioned diagonally across the board, so choosing a longboard based on your shoe size isn't recommended.
More important is the type of flex a longboard has. For example, when you're hurtling downhill, a soft flex is the last thing you want for your board. In general, you should keep two things in mind: more rigidity provides stability at high speeds, while more flexibility provides an easy and comfortable ride.
It's important to note, however, that the flex also depends on your weight. The heavier you are, the more your board flexes. So if you're fairly light, you can easily use flexible decks, but at high speeds, a less flexy deck might be more appropriate. If you're heavier, however, we always recommend a medium-stiff flex. Of course, it also depends on where and how you plan to use your longboard, but if you're looking for a longboard for cruising around town, a softer flex might also be right for you.
ON CAVEMAN-SHOP.IT YOU CAN FIND YOUR IDEAL LONGBOARD!
In our online shop, you can find longboards for cruising around town, longboards for cruising, downhill, or freeride longboards for having fun at the skatepark with your friends. We also offer single decks, wheels, and longboard trucks to help you create the perfect custom setup.
