Can You Longboard at a Skatepark? The Pros & Cons

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The answer is a definitive yes, you can longboard in a skatepark. Skateparks are becoming more and more popular, with governments and local authorities across the country providing opportunities for riders to sharpen their skills and explore the unique designs of the parks. It’s called ‘cement surfing’ and describes those taking on the challenge of powering around the park on their longboards.

To make sure that your journey through a skatepark is enjoyable, it’s important to check out what type of board would be best suited for your chosen park. Not every longboard will give you an optimal experience when hitting up a park, while some skateparks are tailor-made for longboarding so don’t run the risk of being disappointed.

Doing your research and finding out which board would perform better – whether this means opting for one with bigger wheels or softer bushings – will mean that you get the most out of the experience.

Can You Longboard at a Skatepark

Features of a Longboard for Longboarding in the Skatepark

When it comes to longboarding in the skatepark, having the right features on your longboard is key.

1. Longboarding Flexibility

Flexibility is an important factor to consider when selecting a longboard for longboarding in the skatepark. A flexible board can help you quickly attain speed, which is essential when going across transitions. Knowing the layout of the park gives you another edge, as it allows you to make smoother maneuvers.

Additionally, flexible boards do have a tendency to twist slightly. This may seem like an odd choice for riding in a skatepark; however, it can help protect your board from breaking due to its large size if you hit a wall or angled surface while moving across the park.

2. Kicktails

Kicktails are an essential feature of any longboard. Found on both the front and the back, kicktails are used when entering a skatepark or dropping in. Riders use them to get their rides going, as well as to come down safely from sloppy walls and ramps.

Some manufacturers create single-sided kicktails, which indicates that the board is intended only to go forward. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the board cannot go backward; rather it is a trick employed by some manufacturers.

The majority of riders prefer boards with double kicktails anyway for the versatility they offer. An important part of any longboard experience is having quality working kicktails on both sides of your board!

3. Rails and Bumpers

Rails and bumpers are important pieces of safety gear for any longboard rider who frequently visits a skatepark. The rails attach to the sides of your board and the bumpers attach to the front and rear. These protective pieces are usually made from rubber or plastic material, helping absorb much of the impact when you inevitably fall off your board.

See also  Is A Drop Through Longboard Good For Beginners

Having Rails and Bumpers installed on your longboard is especially critical if you plan to ride in a skatepark since it will protect your board from damage that could occur when it hits a wall or bank. Not only will they keep your longboard safe, but they can also help keep you safe by cushioning any blows as you fall off.

4. Risers

Risers are an important feature of any longboard meant for skateparks. These small pieces of rubber or plastic can be installed between your longboard’s trucks and the deck, providing enough ground clearance to prevent scraping the bottom. Not only that, but they also work like shock absorbers, cushioning the board against rails and ramps.

They’re especially beneficial when a rider is near the weight limit of their board – without risers, the board might bend so much that it touches the ground. So not only do risers help prevent accidents due to hitting rails or ramps too hard, but they also keep your longboard in pristine condition for longer periods of time by protecting it from contact with the ground.

5. Longboard Wheels

Longboard wheels are an important factor to consider when determining the best board for longboarding in the skatepark. The surface of the skatepark will dictate which kind of wheel will be best for your needs; soft, bigger wheels may slip on ramps that have dust or a slick surface, while smaller wheels will have more grip and go faster on flat terrain.

Smaller wheels may sound better, but they also run the risk of exaggerating small bumps on the surface, reducing enjoyment as well as speed. In order to get the most out of longboarding in any skatepark, it’s important to find a balance between grip and speed.

Why Skateparks is a Better Place for Longboarding

Skateparks are the ideal place for longboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, skateparks offer an extensive range of features to suit all levels of riders.

1. The Reason

One of the main reasons why skateparks are a better place for longboarding is safety. Roads are full of hazards, such as cars, pedestrians, and potholes, making it a dangerous environment for longboarders.

In the United States, there are limited longboard-specific arenas and even fewer dedicated skate parks. This lack of infrastructure leads to skaters using parking structures or other unsanctioned locations that can create unnecessary legal issues or safety risks.

Skateparks provide professional-grade equipment and facilities designed with safety in mind, making them much safer places to practice longboarding without worrying about potential accidents due to hazardous road conditions.

See also  How Long Do Longboards Last: Guide to Longboard Lifespan

The presence of other longboarders also leads to more camaraderie and motivation for those who want to take their skills to the next level. Skateparks also provide the ideal environment for learning tricks and mastering new techniques while minimizing potential risks associated with different elements on the roads.

2. What to Do

When it comes to longboarding, your best option is to locate a nearby skatepark. While not all cities have dedicated parks for skateboarding and longboarding, you should still make an effort to search for one. It may take some digging around, but once you find a park you and your friends can really make the most out of it.

Instead of having to worry about dodging dangerous poles and pillars or patches of oil on the road, skate parks offer you the perfect atmosphere without any additional risk. You’ll also be far away from vehicles that could potentially put a damper on your fun – so take advantage of a place designed specifically for longboarding!

Skateparks are the ideal place if you want to keep enjoying your favorite activity with peace of mind. So next time instead of trespassing in parking lots or risking yourself near cars, choose safer alternatives such as nearby skate parks!

3. The Benefits

Skateparks have a lot of benefits for longboarders. For starters, skateboarding is a much safer activity than it used to be when it was performed on crowded, bustling city streets. By having designated skate parks, children know where to go for their longboarding fix and are in a much safer environment than they would be elsewhere.

Not only that, but these facilities can provide great training grounds for professional skateboarders and help the sports of skateboarding and longboarding gain traction among the public. Skateparks are also great places to pursue healthy and recreational activities no matter what age you are.

Professionals will have access to great facilities to practice and perform there, receive first aid more easily, as well as meet more like-minded people who share their passion for the sport.

These facilities can greatly benefit upcoming competitions too. As more people become exposed to the sport due to world-class venues such as skate parks, they can become better at longboarding – which can give them an edge in participating in international competitions!

4. Methods

Building skateparks as a better place for longboarding is a great idea, and there are several methods to make it happen. First, special arrangements can be made with longboard makers to contribute to the construction of these facilities. This helps to spread the cost over multiple parties while creating an infrastructure that helps to boost their sales.

See also  Can You Get A DUI On A Hoverboard?

Additionally, there is an increasingly large number of people who enjoy the sport of longboarding. This means that it should not be difficult to find financial support for both sustaining and maintaining the necessary skateparks in order for people to enjoy the activity safely.

By working together and making use of resources already available, it is possible to make skateparks a reality that meets the needs of all those who enjoy this type of boarding.

FAQs

Can You Go Down a Ramp on a Longboard?

Yes, you can longboard down a ramp. This is because longboards are created to accommodate many riding styles.

Is Skating on a Longboard Easier?

Longboarding is a much safer and easier activity for newbies compared to skateboarding, since it was designed for traveling, its construction does not put so much strain on the rider.

Is a Longboard Safer Than a Skateboard?

Compared to skateboards, longboards are a much safer option since they’re not designed to be dangerous.

How Much is a Good Longboard?

The cost of a longboard can vary greatly, depending on the brand, quality, and features. Generally, they range from $100-$300 with higher-end models having superior construction and materials.

Is a Longboard Good for Beginners?

A longboard is a great option for first-time riders as it has better stability and control than a skateboard due to its larger size which makes it easier to balance on.

Can You Ride a Cruiser Board at a Skatepark?

Cruiser boards are suitable for skate parks, plazas, downhill runs, and street terrain.

Can Longboards Go on Bumpy Roads?

Riding a longboard on bumpy roads can cause damage to the board and make it difficult to control, as they are designed for more even surfaces.

Is Longboarding a Good Workout?

Longboarding is a great workout when done correctly. It is an easy way to burn calories and help you improve your cardiovascular health, as it causes minimal stress on your joints and muscles.

Is There a Difference Between a Longboard And a Skateboard?

A longboard is a type of skateboard with a longer deck and bigger wheels. It’s used for flatland cruising, downhill races, and slalom competitions, as well as an efficient way to get around town.

Conclusion

In conclusion, longboarding can be an awesome way to improve your skills at a skatepark. Whether you’re just beginning to learn the basics or you’re looking for new challenges, a skatepark can offer a safe and fun environment for you to practice with.

With its various ramps, rails, and other obstacles, there are plenty of opportunities for you to hone your technique and take your longboarding up a level.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

Joseph E. Bogle

This is Joseph E. Bogle, the founder and lead writer of SkateToScoot.com, an enthusiast of skating for over a decade. I'm an aggressive skater and certified skating coach, dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion for skating with others through his blog. With my unique combination of personal experience and professional expertise, SkateToScoot.com is a valuable resource for skaters of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.