How Long Is A Longboard: Finding the Perfect Size for You

Longboards come in a variety of lengths, ranging from around 32 inches to over 60 inches. The length of a longboard is measured from tip to tail and can determine its stability, maneuverability, and overall performance. So, if you’re wondering how long a longboard should be for you, keep reading as we delve into the different lengths and their purposes.

Longboard size & rider stance

When it comes to longboards, the size of the board plays a crucial role in determining the rider’s comfort and stability. One important factor to consider is the rider’s stance, which is closely related to their height. Generally, taller riders tend to have a wider stance. This means that the taller you are, the wider your longboard should be to accommodate your stance properly.

For example, if you are 6’1″, you may feel more comfortable on a 33″ longboard cruiser compared to a smaller 28″ mini-cruiser. However, it’s not only the length that matters but also the width of the board. Short but wide cruisers, like the 27.75″ x 9″ Loaded Ballona or the 31″ x 9.4″ Carver Bolsa, may provide a more natural and comfortable feel under your feet compared to a narrower 28.5″ x 8″ board like the Landyachtz Dinghy.

The taller you are, the higher your center of gravity, which can affect stability and maneuverability. A larger longboard will typically have larger trucks and bigger wheels, adding to its overall stability. This can be beneficial for riders seeking a smoother ride on different terrains or those who prefer downhill longboarding.

Why are longboards longer than skateboards?

Longboards are longer than skateboards because they serve different purposes. Skateboards are designed for performing tricks, while longboards are primarily used for transportation and racing. The average length of a skateboard deck is about 28 to 33 inches (71 to 84 cm), whereas longboards can range from 32 to 59 inches (81 to 149 cm).

The increased length of longboards provides a more stable and comfortable riding experience. It allows riders to maintain balance and control at higher speeds, making them ideal for commuting or participating in downhill racing. Additionally, the longer deck provides a larger foot platform, providing more space and stability for the rider.

Longboards were specifically created to fulfill the need for a more practical and stable mode of transportation. While skateboards excel in performing tricks, longboards prioritize functionality and smooth rides. The longer length of longboards allows for better maneuverability and control on various terrains, making them suitable for longer distances.

Wheelbase By Longboard Style:

When it comes to choosing the right size longboard, it’s important to consider your riding style. The wheelbase, or the distance between the front and back trucks, plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your longboard.

For a more responsive and agile ride, opt for a shorter wheelbase. This allows for quick turns and sharp maneuverability, making it ideal for freestyle longboarding and tricks. Shorter wheelbases are also great for cruising around tight corners and navigating crowded areas.

On the other hand, if you prioritize stability and smoothness, a longer wheelbase is the way to go. This provides a more secure and comfortable ride, making it suitable for downhill racing and long-distance riding. Longer wheelbases excel at absorbing vibrations and ensuring a stable platform, especially on rough terrains.

What Size Longboard Skateboard Should I Get?

When it comes to choosing the right size longboard skateboard, there are several factors to consider. Just like selecting a car, it depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Firstly, consider your riding style and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on. If you’re primarily riding in tight urban areas, a smaller board size would be more suitable. Smaller longboards offer more maneuverability and are easier to navigate through crowded spaces and sharp corners.

On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and stability, a mid to full-size longboard would be a better choice. These boards provide a more secure and comfortable ride, making them ideal for long-distance rides, freeride, and dancing. They absorb vibrations better, ensuring a smoother experience, especially on rough terrains.

What Size Longboard Is Best For Beginners?

When it comes to choosing a longboard size for beginners, it’s important to find a board that strikes a balance between being too long and too short. A good range to aim for is between 30 and 40 inches in length. This will provide enough stability and control for new riders to feel comfortable on their board.

It’s also worth considering the width of the deck. Opting for a board with a larger deck width can enhance stability and make it easier to control the longboard. This can be particularly beneficial for beginners who are still getting used to the feeling of riding on a longboard.

When purchasing a longboard, it’s recommended to invest in a quality product rather than opting for cheap alternatives. Avoiding “Amazon brand” boards that are inexpensive but often of poor quality is advisable. Instead, consider visiting a local skateboard shop where you can talk to knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right size longboard based on your goals and preferences.

Longboard size & wheelbase

When it comes to longboard size and wheelbase, there are a few key things to consider. The size of your longboard can affect the size of the foot platform and the wheelbase. The wheelbase is the distance between the truck mounts and plays a role in determining the responsiveness and stability of the board.

A shorter wheelbase generally results in a more responsive and turn longboard, making it easier to maneuver. On the other hand, a longer wheelbase makes the longboard slower turning but more stable at high speeds.

It’s important to note that the wheelbase may vary from one deck to another, even for boards of the same size. This means that two longboards with the same deck size could have different wheelbase measurements and, therefore, different riding characteristics.

Longboard size & riding terrain

When choosing a longboard, it’s important to consider the type of environment and terrain you’ll be riding on. For crowded city streets and sidewalks, a shorter cruiser-type board is a good choice.

Look for a compact board in the 30-34″ range with a functional kicktail. This will make it easier to navigate narrow back alleys and hop on/off curbs. Urban cruisers typically have a short wheelbase for nimble riding.

On the other hand, if you’ll be traveling on open roads or long and wide bike trails, a bigger board is recommended. Look for a 37-40″ drop-through or drop-down longboard. These larger boards will provide more comfort and stability for those long commutes.

Deck size vs shape & mount style

The size of your ideal longboard is influenced by the deck size, shape, and mount style. Drop-through and drop-down longboards are generally larger than top mounts due to their design features. Drop-through longboards have large wheel cutouts, resulting in “wingtips” where the trucks are mounted.

These wingtips extend the overall deck length, making them longer and wider than top mounts. Drop-downs, on the other hand, have a dropped foot platform between the trucks, restricting the moving space for your feet. As a result, drop-down decks typically measure 36″ or longer.

In comparison, a 31″ top mount cruiser may offer similar foot space to a 35″ drop-through or drop-down longboard. Therefore, when considering the size of your longboard, take into account the deck shape and mount style to ensure a comfortable and suitable riding experience.

Longboard size for commuting

When it comes to commuting on your longboard, size matters. A compact and portable setup is essential for easily navigating through crowded spaces like office buildings, classrooms, stores, and public transportation. In this case, a shorter board in the range of 28″ – 31″ is a great option. These cruisers provide the convenience of easy transportation and can be tucked under your arm when needed.

However, it’s important to note that shorter cruisers may not be as comfortable for longer commutes. If you need a balance between portability and comfort, a board in the range of 33″ – 34″ like the Coyote or the Omakase could be a suitable middle-ground option. This site offers a bit more stability and a smoother ride, making it ideal for longer distances.

Longboard size for carving

When it comes to longboard size for carving, there are a few factors to consider. Carving longboards come in various sizes and shapes, from shorter and stiffer cruisers to longer and more flexible boards. The ability to carve well depends primarily on the deck flex, mount style, and the setup of the trucks and wheels.

For those looking for a good carving board, there are several examples to consider. The Sector 9 Mini Lookout is a 37.5-inch directional cutout board with bamboo flex, a 28-inch wheelbase, and Gullwing Sidewinder trucks. The Loaded Icarus, on the other hand, is a 34.8-inch bamboo and fiberglass symmetrical drop-through board designed specifically for carving, with a 28.25-inch wheelbase.

The Arbor Zeppelin and Arbor Fish are also great options for carving. The Zeppelin is a 32-inch bamboo and maple direction drop-through board with a 23-inch wheelbase. The Fish, on the other hand, is a 37-inch maple pintail longboard with a 26-inch wheelbase.

Longboard size for LDP

When it comes to longboard size for long-distance pumping (LDP), there are various options that can work well. For speed and stability, a low-riding board with large wheels is ideal.

Drop-through boards like the 39″ Loaded Tan Tien and the 42.8″ Dervish Sama, as well as drop-down boards like the Landyachtz Fixed Blade, provide the necessary low platform and high wheel clearance necessary for distance riding. These types of boards allow for efficient pumping motions and help maintain speed over long distances.

For specialized LDP racing setups, there are decks like GBomb that are designed for bracket setups. These decks come in a wide range of lengths, starting from 24″ and going all the way up to 42″. The length of the deck will depend on personal preference and riding style.

Longboard size for freestyle & dancing

For freestyle and dancing on a longboard, it is common to use boards that are on the longer side. These boards typically range from 42″ to 48″ in length. Examples of longboards in this range include the Mata Hari, Loaded Bhangra, and the Tarab, which are known for their performance and versatility.

However, it is worth noting that shorter boards can also be suitable for freestyle. The Loaded Chinchilla, for instance, is a mini freestyle/dancer board with a length of 34″. It features a spacious platform, double kicks, a comfortable concave, subtle flex, and pop, making it great for performing tricks.

Additionally, some drop-through longboards like the 39″ Tan Tien can be used for tech sliding and flowy freestyle tricks. These boards provide stability and control, allowing riders to execute their moves with ease.

Longboard size for pumping

When it comes to pumping on a longboard, the size of the board plays a crucial role in determining its pumping ability. If you enjoy carving and want more energy and speed in your hard carves, opting for a flexier deck will provide you with the desired results.

In general, the longer the deck, the more flex you will experience, especially if it is made using flexy materials like bamboo or composite and has a flexy layup. For instance, a 38″ deck will offer more flex than a 30″ deck built with the same material and construction.

However, it’s important to note that deck flex and length are not the only factors at play for optimal pumping. The setup of the longboard, specifically the baseplate angle of the front and rear trucks, also plays a crucial role. By using wedging, you can further improve the pumping ability of your longboard.

Longboard size for freeride

For freeride, the size of your longboard is an important factor to consider. In general, you’ll want to look for a midsize longboard with a symmetrical shape and double kicks. This will allow you to ride switch and perform slides more easily.

When it comes to the mounting style, there are a few options to choose from. Top mount longboards offer maximum responsiveness and control during slides. Drop-through longboards provide a lower and more stable ride, giving you a secure feel. Lastly, drop-down longboards offer an ultra-low, stable, and locked-in feel.

To give you some examples of good freeride options, you might consider the top mount 39″ Basalt Tesseract. It features a stiff and symmetrical setup with good concave and foot pockets, making it ideal for fast riding. Another option is the 38″ drop-down Landyachtz Fixed Blade, which also offers stiffness, symmetry, concave, and foot pockets.

Longboard size for downhill

When it comes to longboard size for downhill riding, dedicated downhill and racing boards are often shorter in length, ranging from 30 to 33 inches. These boards are designed to be shorter and bullet-shaped, with a super stiff construction, flared contours, and prominent concave, all of which contribute to secure foot placement and control at high speeds.

Aside from the shorter length, downhill setups also include low-angled trucks and medium-soft wheels. The low-angled trucks provide stability and allow for precise turning, while the medium-soft wheels offer better grip on the road, allowing riders to confidently perform speed checks and drift.

FAQs

Conclusion:

The length of a longboard is not just a measurement, it’s a reflection of the endless possibilities and freedom that comes with riding one. Whether you prefer a shorter board for quick turns and tricks or a longer one for smooth cruising and stability, there’s a perfect length out there for everyone.

So, grab your longboard, hit the streets, and let the exhilaration of the ride take you to new lengths!