In the 1950s and influenced by the already popular surfing culture, the longboard skateboard became quite popular. There is some dispute over where the longboard skateboard actually originated. Many people think it came forth in California with its rolling hills while others believe it is purely a Hawaiian invention.

To the skateboarding novice, a longboard skateboard may seem to be the same thing as a regular skateboard, but that’s simply not the case. A longboard skateboard is longer and wider than traditional skateboards. Such boards are used specifically for longboarding, not cruising, slalom racing, downhill racing, or transportation. It is possible to design longboards in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on how you plan to ride it.

Longboard skateboards are not typically good for skateboarding tricks because they weigh more and are quite bulky. However, their overall design contributes to building more momentum which makes riding a longboard more like surfing on land. Longboards allow for quick, short carves and big turns, just like when you’re riding the waves. Longboard skateboards are ideal for downhill riding and cruising.

In general, longboard skateboards range from 90 to 150 centimeters, or about 35 to 60 inches, in length. Some shorter skateboards may be referred to as longboards if they are meant to be used as a longboard would be. The shapes of longboards are quite unique to the skateboarding world. The most common longboard shapes include flat nose riders, long shortboards, and pintails. Pintail longboards are the most likely to give that “surfboard” feeling because they allow for larger wheels and looser trucks.

The variety of decks available for longboard skateboards is quite stunning. There is a wide array of shapes and sizes to choose from and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned, the pintail is one of the most common, and will remind you of a teardrop shape. The pintail deck is best for longboard beginners. The cruiser deck is slightly smaller than the pintail but is quite similar in shape. The main difference is that they are slightly shorter and have a rounded kick-tail on the back. These are more suitable for skaters with intermediate skills.

Downhill rides are a favorite among longboard skateboarders, which makes the downhill board a very popular variety. Overall the board has a rectangular shape with protrusions on both the front and back where the truck mounts are found. Depending on how the trucks are mounted will determine the amount of flex the board has.

Just as with traditional skateboards, typical skateboard equipment is required. Most longboarders will wear protective gear such as gloves, wrist guards, and helmets. It is usually recommended that elbow and knee protection also be used, but many boarders neglect to protect themselves adequately. If the skater does a lot of sliding, which is quite common with longboard skateboards, slide gloves should be used. Slide gloves are gloves with plastic pucks on the palm that protect the hands from any serious damage as the skater slides on the concrete.