For most newbies to skateboarding, a skateboard is just a skateboard. But once you get into the sport, you’ll find that there are different types of skateboards that exist for a good reason! The type of skateboard that you use has an impact on your riding experience and what type of riding you do. You wouldn’t take a longboard to a skatepark, and you might not want to glide down a hill on a standard skateboard. What’s the difference? Let’s take a look!
“Skateboard” is a pretty generic term that covers all types of boards. A longboard is a type of skateboard that is longer and shaped differently than a traditional standard skateboard. So what is a longboard exactly?
- Longboards vary in length but are often around 51 inches long. Standard skateboards are around 36 inches long.
- The nose and tail are flat unlike the curved nose and tail of a standard skateboard
Now that you know the basics, let’s take a look at what kind of riding you can do on each type of board, and some of the top pros and cons depending on your skill level and riding style.
Longboards
You’ll find longboards in a variety of lengths, some as long as 59 inches! You might also see the shape of the nose and tail come in a variety of options such as:
- Pintail: Bluntnose and pointy tail
- Speedboard or Topmount: Pointy on both ends
- Cruiser: rounded nose and tail
- Freestyle: Variety of unique shapes including drop-down and drop through boards
In addition to unique shapes, you can choose the flexibility of the board and the shape of its wheels. Round wheels are better for speed while square wheels (yes, square!) are better for those cruises down a hill.
Pros:
- You can cruise, commute, carve, race, and even do tricks on a longboard
- Easier to balance
- More room for larger feet
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than standard skateboards
- Often more expensive
Longboards were designed with transportation in mind. You can cruise for miles on a smooth street with a longboard, and just wait until you learn how to carve downhill. So. Much. Fun!
Ready to get out there and cruise on a longboard? Check out the Yocaher Spirit Wolf Longboard from Three Rad Kids!
Skateboards
If you are into riding rails or doing kickflips or ollies, then a standard skateboard is the way to go! You might hear these standard skateboards called shortboards due to their length that is usually 28-38 inches.
You can buy a skateboard that is ready to go, but once you get deeper into the world of skating, you’ll realize that building your board by choosing your deck, trucks, bearings, and wheels is the way to go to truly get the perfect board for you!
Pros:
- Convenient to carry. Skateboards are small and lightweight
- More affordable
- You can learn some pretty awesome tricks
Cons:
- You might tear up your shoes due to the amount of kicking and the abrasiveness of the grip tape on the top of a skateboard.
Are you ready to drop-in on a half-pipe and do some awesome tricks? Check out the Alien Workshop Fred Gall Skateboard deck from Three Rad Kids!
Both skateboarding and longboarding are great ways to get outside and exercise. They are also a lot of fun! If you are a more chill type of person that isn’t interested in doing a ton of tricks, then a longboard might be right up your alley. If you are into stunts, ramps, and doing tricks, a standard skateboard is the way to go!
If you are a beginner though, longboarding can be simpler to learn and easier to balance on.
So what’s it going to be? A longboard for cruising or carving? Or a skateboard for some rad tricks? The world of skateboarding is calling. Get out there and skate!
At Three Rad Kids, we make it easy to lease-to-own the best sporting equipment on the market. Don’t let inferior equipment stunt your progress in your chosen sport. Apply for our lease-to-own program today!
image courtesy of bamargera.com
