by Callista Meyer

Created on: July 15, 2010   Last Updated: July 17, 2010

Long-boarding has become a popular trend among both teenagers and young adults this century. Long-boards are skateboards that are over 40 " in length but they do come in various sizes. Some are even considered mini boards that are only 24" long. There are some important factors to consider when purchasing your very own long board. With the following tips you should be able to find one suited to your specific needs.

The length of your board is one of the most important. The longer the board the easier it is to keep your balance but at the same time a longer board can create a loss of maneuverability. Boards come in sizes up to 5 ft.

The width of your board is also very important. If you consider yourself to have wide/broad feet you will want a board no less than 9 " wide. This will help prevent your heels from hitting the wheels as you take corners and well it does not look good to have the sides of your feet hanging off the sides of a too small board.

Your board flexibility will help you reach the best ride you can. For heavier riders, you should look for a firmer board that will not bow under your feet. Lighter riders however will have more choice towards the flex of their board. Typically, firmer boards offer a faster ride but not a very smooth one over common bumps and other impediments in the pavement. A flexible board will help absorb the bumps and give you a softer ride. Most importantly, look for something that feels comfortable to you.  Taller riders will as well want a board with lower flex to receive the ultimate ride.

If you know you will be riding mainly on streets, a long-board in the 40-50" range will work the best. The board is long enough for good balance and yet still short enough to dodge pedestrians or other boarders along your travels. You can also reach a higher speed with this length board. If you will be frequently travelling in compact or busy areas your best bet wail be to search for a mini long-board (also known as campus cruisers). These boards are much easier to maneuver and also their small size allows for easy storage while you are in class or shopping. They fit easily into a backpack when they are not in use.

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