by Brett D. Battle

Created on: May 31, 2009   Last Updated: June 01, 2009

A longboard, just as it is pronounced, is a long skateboard! Generally these boards are 37 inches or more in length and almost recreate the feeling as if your surfing on the street. Crazy, right, but true, these boards actually resemble a smaller version of a surfboard with wheels. Although these boards are cut into various shapes, have wheels, made of wood, etc., they are popular among surfers. These boards are ridden by skateboarders who have a need for speed, for those who want to cruise, surfers, snowboarders and the list goes on. Although some talented skateboarders perform tricks on longboards, these boards aren't used to perform technical skateboarding tricks.

When Karina Keelio (inventor of the longboard) set out to create the longboard around the 1950's, he set out to recreate the feeling of surfing on the street and a term known to some as sidewalk surfing. Who can truly say if he set out to recreate the feeling of surfing on the street as much as possible, but it's true that longboarding took many technical terms from surfing.

Speaking of the technical terms longboarding took from surfing, longboards are easier to control then your regular skateboard. A longboard allows you to carve and even pump as if you were on a surfboard. Both factors allow you to control movement and speed. Even though a longboard is a skateboard, its components are different. Longboards and its components are built to give you more speed and easier movement. They are built to give you a more comfortable ride. With wider trucks, softer and bigger wheels, a foam type padding for grip tape, these boards are made to give you the smoothest, fastest ride possible.

Although longboarding took some terms from surfing, it has many of its own. In the beginning of the longboarding era, you saw skaters weaving in and out of cones. This is called slalom. Today you see longboard riders cruising downhill using most likely a downhill longboard or as some call it, a speedboard!

When it comes to choosing the right longboard for you, the decision is based on various factors. One main factor is what you want to do with a longboard. Generally longboards are used for a means of transportation. If your plans are to use your longboard solely for a means of transportation, the decision is yours. For skaters who wish to speed down hills will want to purchase a downhill longboard. The choices for what you choose to do vary and the best way to become knowledgeable in this area is to stop by your local skate shop or even a better idea, surf the web.

When it comes to riding a longboard, practice. Practice helps you learn and makes you better of course. Understand the risk and your ability. If you are already a skateboard rider, stepping on a longboard will be a piece of cake. For the ones who have never been on a skateboard, you will need to get a feel for stance and movement. Stance on a regular skateboard consist of your feet being shoulder with apart. This same stance applies to a longboard, but you will want to place your feet a little more then shoulder with apart consider that the board is longer. Understanding and learning how to move on a longboard will come from riding the longboard. It's important to know that as a beginner, you are just beginning!

Whether your cruising down the street, sidewalk, down hills or just to the corner store, be safe; have fun and enjoy the ride!

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