Is A Longboard Worth It

Are you considering investing in a longboard but unsure if it’s worth the cost? Longboarding has gained popularity in recent years, becoming a favorite activity for many thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. But before you make a decision, let’s explore whether a longboard is worth it for you.

Longboarding offers a unique and exhilarating experience that sets it apart from other forms of transportation or recreational activities. From cruising down the streets to performing tricks and stunts, a longboard can provide hours of fun and excitement. However, the worth of a longboard goes beyond just entertainment value.

In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of owning a longboard, including the benefits, costs, and considerations to help you determine if investing in a longboard is a worthwhile decision for you.

What is a Longboard?

A longboard is a popular type of skateboard that is slightly longer than traditional skateboards. It is designed with various riding styles in mind, such as freestyle and downhill. The size of a longboard typically ranges from 38 to 60 inches, which is longer than regular skateboards. Longboards are ideal for beginners and offer a comfortable ride, making them perfect for sidewalk surfing.

A classic longboard is typically made up of 7 to 9 layers of maple wood, with each layer being 1/16 inch thick. However, longboards can also be made from materials like bamboo, fiberglass, and other types of wood. One key feature of longboards is their soft wheels, which provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Contrary to popular belief, longboards don’t have to be expensive. You can easily find a good longboard under $150 in the market.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to try out longboarding or an experienced rider seeking a comfortable and versatile board, a longboard is an excellent choice. Its longer size, softer wheels, and various deck styles cater to different riding preferences, creating a surfing-like experience on the road. So, if you’re looking for a new type of board that offers a comfortable ride and the freedom to carve and cruise, a longboard is worth considering.

Which Is Better: A Longboard Or A Skateboard?

When it comes to choosing between a longboard and a skateboard, especially for beginners, our vote goes to the longboard. Why? Well, the longer size of the board and the softness of the wheels offer a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for cruising around the neighborhood.

On the other hand, skateboards are more suitable for those who want to show off flashy moves and tricks in a skate park. However, riding a skateboard requires more practice and skill compared to riding a longboard.

Another advantage of longboards is their big wheels, which help you focus solely on cruising without worrying about small bumps or uneven surfaces on the road. This could be a potential safety concern for skateboard riders, as their wheels can bump into these obstacles, potentially causing injury if the rider is not fully focused.

Benefits of Longboarding

Longboarding offers a wide range of benefits that make it worth considering for riders of all skill levels. One of the main advantages of longboarding is its easier learning curve compared to traditional skateboarding. The longer board provides more stability, making it easier to find your balance and get comfortable on the board.

Another benefit of longboarding is the improved balance it offers. The longer deck allows for a wider stance, giving riders better stability while cruising or maneuvering through turns. This makes longboarding a great option for individuals who may struggle with balance on regular skateboards.

The softer wheels on longboards are also a key benefit. These wheels provide better grip and smoother rides, especially on rough surfaces or uneven terrain. The soft wheel material absorbs road vibration, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

One thrilling aspect of longboarding is downhill riding. With the longer board and softer wheels, riders can reach higher speeds while maintaining control and stability. In addition, advanced riders have the ability to slide to control their speed, adding an element of skill and excitement to the sport.

Why Buy a Longborad?

When it comes to choosing between a longboard and a traditional skateboard, there are several factors to consider. Longboards offer a comfortable and safe ride, making them a great investment for those who want to reach their destination with ease. While traditional skateboards are more suited for showing off flashy tricks and stunts, longboards prioritize functionality and practicality.

One of the main reasons to buy a longboard is the smooth and stable ride it provides. Longboards have larger wheels than skateboards, allowing them to roll over small bumps and uneven surfaces without any hassle. This makes them a safer option, as skateboard wheels can easily get caught on obstacles, potentially causing injury.

Moreover, longboards are designed for cruising and transportation rather than performing tricks. They have a longer deck, providing ample space for comfortable foot placement. This allows riders to maintain a stable and controlled ride, even at higher speeds. Longboards are also an excellent choice for beginners, as they offer a more forgiving and stable platform to learn on.

Easy Balancing

Easy Balancing: A longboard is an ideal choice for those looking for easy balancing while riding. With its longer deck and larger wheels, a longboard offers exceptional stability. This makes it easier for riders to maintain their balance and enjoy a smooth and controlled ride.

Unlike traditional skateboards that are made for tricks and stunts, longboards are designed for cruising and transportation. They provide ample space for comfortable foot placement, allowing riders to feel secure and confident on the board. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, a longboard is a great option to learn and improve your balancing skills.

By providing a stable platform, longboards allow riders to focus on enjoying the scenery and surroundings while traveling safely. So, if you’re looking for an effortless and enjoyable riding experience with easy balancing, a longboard is the perfect choice for you.

Exercise While Roaming Around

Longboarding is not just a fun way to cruise around, but it can also be a great exercise option. With a longboard, you can enjoy the surroundings while working on increasing stamina and keeping your cardio health in good shape.

The structure of longboards is specifically designed to support long-distance rides. When riding a longboard, you constantly kick against the ground, which increases the number of kicks by about three quarters compared to traditional skateboards. This increased activity raises your blood pumping rate and body temperature within 10-12 minutes, depending on your body.

Essentially, longboarding can serve as a viable alternative to running. It offers you a workout option that allows you to simultaneously travel and engage in physical activity. This can be particularly appealing if you find running monotonous or if you want to break free from the constraints of a gym.

Daily Commutes

Longboarding serves as a great means of transportation for students and office workers, offering numerous benefits for daily commutes. Compared to cars or bikes, longboards provide a safer and more convenient option for traveling. Instead of navigating busy roads, longboarders can comfortably ride on the sidewalk, reducing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, longboards require minimal space for storage, eliminating the need to search for parking spots or worry about vehicle maintenance. This is especially advantageous for those living in crowded urban areas where parking can be scarce.

One of the major advantages of using a longboard for daily commutes is the ability to avoid traffic congestion. While cars can become stuck in long queues, longboarders can swiftly maneuver through the city, saving valuable time on their journeys.

Exploring The Neighbourhood

Exploring the neighborhood becomes a thrilling adventure with a longboard. With its ability to navigate various types of roads, from concrete to sidewalks, longboarding provides a unique and immersive experience that cars simply cannot match. Riding a longboard gives you a 360° view of the area, allowing you to fully explore your city or neighborhood from a different perspective.

Unlike traditional transportation systems, longboards offer the freedom to take detours and discover hidden gems that might go unnoticed when traveling by car. With minimal space required for storage, finding a parking spot is no longer a concern, making it an ideal choice for those living in crowded urban areas.

Whether it’s cruising down smooth roads or maneuvering through rough terrains, longboarding allows you to comfortably traverse your neighborhood while enjoying the sights and sounds. It is a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation that not only saves you valuable time by avoiding traffic congestion but also provides a unique and exciting way to explore your surroundings.

Painting The Background

Painting the background of a longboard is a unique and creative way to express yourself and add a personal touch to your riding experience. Evolving from the traditional skateboards and surfing boards, longboards offer an opportunity to showcase your artistic talents and tell your own story.

In Hawaiian culture, drawing on surfboards was a way to share their folktales and culture with the world. Similarly, by painting the background of your longboard, you have a platform to express anything you desire – whether it’s a captivating scene, a vibrant story, or simply the beauty of your surroundings.

This artistic element not only enhances the aesthetics of your longboard but also sets you apart from others. It becomes a visual representation of your personality and style, making your longboard truly one-of-a-kind.

What Size Of Longboard Should You Prefer?

When it comes to choosing the right longboard size, it all depends on your riding style and skill level. There are various types of longboards designed for different purposes, such as cruising, downhill riding, freeride, and freestyle.

If you’re primarily using your longboard for cruising and traveling, a smaller board size ranging from 28″ to 52″ is recommended. Smaller boards are easier to turn and maneuver, making them ideal for navigating through crowded areas or urban environments.

For those interested in downhill riding, where you’ll be tackling steep hills and higher speeds, a longer board between 38″ to 60″ is appropriate. The longer length provides better stability and control, allowing you to confidently ride down challenging slopes.

Freeride style combines riding on slopes and curved roads, requiring a balance of skill and control. Similar to downhill riding, a board size in the range of 38″ to 60″ is suitable for freeride enthusiasts.

Is a Longboard Worth It?

Longboarding is definitely worth it for anyone looking for a thrilling and enjoyable outdoor activity. Not only does it provide a unique and exciting experience, but it also comes with a host of benefits that make investing in a longboard worthwhile.

One of the main advantages of longboards is their stability. With their longer decks, riders can enjoy a wider stance, which improves overall balance and control. This is especially beneficial for beginners, as it helps them feel more secure and confident while riding. Additionally, the large surface area of longboards provides ample space for foot placement, making it easier to shift weight and execute turns with precision.

Comfort is another key aspect that makes longboarding worth it. The soft wheels of longboards offer enhanced grip and a smoother ride, even on rough or uneven surfaces. These wheels are designed to absorb road vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for riders. Whether you’re cruising around the city or exploring new areas, a longboard ensures a comfortable journey that can last for hours.

FAQs

Conclusion:

The longboard is a great investment for someone looking to start skating. Not only is it a great entry-level board and relatively affordable, but it’s also an incredible tool for learning tricks and building skills as you progress.

So, if you’ve been thinking about getting a longboard—you’re in luck! It’s an incredibly fun way to learn how to skate, and one that will pay dividends regardless of where your path takes you.