Mastering Longboarding: A Comprehensive Guide for All Skill Levels

Longboard riding is a fascinating sport that is appealing to riders of all ages. Over the years, the sport has tremendously evolved to include a variety of disciplines, each with its unique appeal.

Apart from the thrill of speed, the excitement of longboarding can also be attributed to the welcoming community surrounding it. And, of course, the many benefits it offers, such as improving your mental well-being.

Want to get insight into the game in depth? Here is a guide that provides a comprehensive resource for both beginners and experienced riders on everything concerning longboarding.

1. Longboarding Essentials

If you are interested in longboard riding, knowing its history, the types of boards available, and what gear you need is crucial. Let’s start with the basics.

What Is Longboarding?

Longboard riding is a variation of skateboarding. Here, you use a longboard instead of a skateboard. The difference between the two boards is that a longboard has a lengthy deck and bigger and softer wheels than a skateboard.

The idea of longboard riding commenced in the 1950s with surfers in Hawaii. The surfers wanted to bring surfing to land. This led them to build a thick plywood skateboard with a smaller surfboard shape. The board also had trucks and wheels integrated into the decks.

Later in the 1970s, there was a small class of longboarders featured in a 1978 Skateboard magazine article. During the 70s, new wheels made of polyurethane were also invented. The wheels offered more control of the board.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, longboard riding did not gain as much popularity as skateboarding. However, in the early 1990s, the sport started becoming popular. As such, mass production and selling of the longboards began.

In the 90s, advanced reverse kingpins in trucks that made the board more stable were invented.

Types of Longboards

Because of the many longboard riding styles available, longboards also come in different types. I will break down all of the most popular types below.

• Mini Cruiser:

As the name suggests, this is a more compact version of a traditional cruiser board. It usually has an under-30-inch-long deck.

The board’s small size makes it immensely agile, responsive, and easy to carry. Therefore, I recommend it for those short skates like moving around campus.

• Cruiser Board:

A cruiser board is ideal for cruising around just like a mini cruiser. However, it has a medium to large-sized deck. Therefore, you can use it for longer distances, like riding to work, the store, or a coffee shop.

• Carving Board:

I recommend this board type to longboarders seeking a surf-like experience on land. The board allows you to make smooth, flowing turns, giving you the sensation of carving through waves.

Compared to a cruiser, a carving board has a larger deck size.

• Drop-Through Longboard:

This is a type of longboard where its trucks are bolted through the deck instead of on top like with regular boards. Because of this unique design, the board is usually much lower, making it effortless to footbrake, push, and slide. Therefore, it is best suited for cruising.

• Downhill Longboards:

These longboard types are built for speed and stability. They have large decks with a low center of gravity. I recommend them to more experienced riders.

• Size of the Longboards:

Depending on the type of longboard you have, the deck size can vary. Here is a table summarizing the different longboard types and their estimated sizes.

Longboard Materials, Shapes, and Styles

Longboard decks come in different shapes, sizes, and styles. Read on to find out what each material has to offer.

• Material

Longboard decks are made of various, including bamboo, maple, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Overall, the best material is bamboo. Boards made of bamboo are excellent at absorbing cracks and bumps. They also offer a ton of flex, making them ideal for carving and cruising.

Maple boards are sturdy and more long-lasting than their bamboo counterparts. This makes them ideal for downhill and freeride riding.

On the other hand, carbon fiber boards are known for their stability, strength, lightweight, and stiffness’. As such, they offer a more efficient riding experience whether cruising or freestyling.

Fiberglass is a water-resistant and stiff material. Therefore, boards made from this material are durable and ideal for riding in the rain.

• Shapes:

The two common deck shapes are directional and twin. Directional boards only ride in the forward direction and are ideal for general cruising and downhill riding.

On the other hand, twin boards boast a symmetrical shape, allowing them to go in both directions. Therefore, they are ideal for freestyle riding.

• Styles

Longboards also have different deck styles. The typical designs you will come across include the top-mount, drop-through, pintail, kicktail, drop-down, double drop, and fishtail.

Generally, the deck style plays a crucial role in how easy it is to foot-brake and how stable the board is.

Choosing the Right Longboard:

The right longboard largely depends on your riding style. So, I will discuss the key factors you must consider when choosing a board.

• Deck Size:

Longboards with larger decks are more stable. Therefore, they can handle more speed without wobbling, making them ideal for downhill riding.

On the other hand, boards with smaller deck sizes are more agile and versatile. As such, they are ideal for cruising, carving, and performing tricks.

• Deck Shape:

If your riding style is mainly carving or downhill riding, I recommend choosing a board with a directional-shaped deck. But for other riding styles like freestyle, a symmetrical-shaped board would be an excellent choice.

• Wheel Size:

Generally, larger wheels have a higher top speed and can easily roll over cracks. They also boast more grip, making them ideal for downhill riding. Such wheels boast sizes ranging from 75mm to 107mm, making them ideal for downhill riding and long-distance cruising.

On the other hand, smaller wheels with sizes ranging between 60mm and 75mm have a slower top speed and less grip. Therefore, the wheels usually initiate slides effortlessly, making them ideal for carving, cruising, and freestyle riding.

If you want a versatile longboard that can handle a variety of riding styles, I suggest wheel sizes in the 70-75 mm range.

• Flex (Stiffness):

Longboards have a soft, medium, and stiff flex. For cruising, I recommend a board with a soft flex. It offers excellent shock absorption.

However, if your riding style comprises freestyle or carving, a board with a soft or medium flex would be ideal. This allows you to perform various tricks and slides without compromising on stability.

On the other hand, a board with a stiff flex would be ideal for downhill or freeride riding. It offers more stability when riding at high speeds than soft and medium flexes.

2. Getting Started With Longboarding

Once you have the right longboard to match your riding style, you can get started on this exciting journey. Here is how to go about it.

Stance and Balance

Typically, there are two stance types, including regular and goofy. The regular stance involves riding your board with the right (dominant) foot back and the left foot in front.

Conversely, the goofy stance is the inverse of the regular. This means you ride with the left foot back and the right in front or leading.

Once you have decided which stance you are comfortable with, you must learn the art of balancing.

Check out these balance techniques:

• Learn Proper Foot Placement:

Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart with the front foot between the trucks. The rear foot can be on or a little behind the back truck bolts to create a stable base.

• Lower your Center of Gravity:

I recommend bending your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity and absorb shocks. You could also spread your arms to further enhance your balance.

• Weight Distribution:

Additionally, you need to maintain uniform weight distribution on both feet. To do this, relax your body to avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

• Maintaining Speed:

To stay balanced, you must maintain your speed. You can do this by lowering one of your feet to the ground to help push off the board. This will help increase your speed.

• Look Ahead:

Always keep your eyes focused on where you are going. This can help you quickly react to potential balance challenges.

• Lean into Turns:

When making sharp turns, lean your body in the direction you want to go. You can do this by shifting your weight onto your ball’s feet and extending your arms.

Pushing and Riding

Learning how to push, ride, and the basic turns is essential in getting started with longboard riding. The tricks will make it easier to master various riding tricks.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you.

• Step 1: Place your front foot on the middle of your board’s front bolts. Then, put your rear foot near the tail.
• Step 2: Tilt your chest forward. Next, put your back foot on the ground while sweeping it back. This will help push you forward.
• Step 3: Bring your back foot onto the board after gaining enough speed from pushing.
• Step 4: Shift your weight to the back foot to maintain balance as you ride your board.
• Step 5: Bend your knees as you ride to improve your stability.
• Step 6: Next, shift your weight to the heels or toes to initiate turns. If turning left, transfer your weight to your right foot and vice versa.
• Step 7: After shifting weight, twist your feet in the direction you want to turn.
• Step 8: Lean your body into the side you want to go to and bend your knees to initiate the turn. To exit the turn, repeat the steps you used to enter into it but in reverse.

Braking Techniques

A longboard can reach top speeds. Therefore, knowing how to slow down and stop safely is crucial to avoid getting hurt. Some popular and effective braking techniques worth mastering include the following.

• Foot Braking:

This technique involves putting your back foot on the ground and pressing it down until you come to a stop. It is the easiest and safest. Here is how to execute it:

• Rolling onto an Uneven Surface:

Another no-brainer braking technique is rolling onto rough surfaces like gravel or thick grass. It works best when riding on a road with grass patches on the side.

• Powerslide:

This is a more advanced braking technique. The slide entails sliding your board across the ground, causing the wheels to stop rotating. This helps you slow down. Check out how this is done:

• Carving:

Carving is the most effective braking technique when riding downhill at top speeds. The method involves turning back and forth while leaning like you want to go uphill. Doing this causes the wheels to lose traction and reduce the board’s speed.

You can watch the video below to understand more about carving:

• Hopping off your Board:

If riding at slow speeds, the easiest way to slow down and stop safely is to step off your board and catch it. You simply kick down on the board’s tail to tip it up.

3. Longboarding Techniques

One of the things that make longboard riding an exciting sport is the many riding techniques it offers. Examples of these styles include as follows.

Carving

Carving is simply turning left and right in a fluid motion while shifting your weight between the toes and heels. There are several techniques to help you make fluid turns when turning. They include the following:

• Correct Foot Placement

You can only make fluid turns if you have the right foot placement on the board. Typically, you should place your feet in a perpendicular position across the board with the toes pointing forward.

• Stance:

Additionally, you must maintain an active stance instead of a fixed stance once you start riding your board. An active stance involves bending both knees for a more natural carving feeling.

• Weight Shifting:

Correct weight shifting is crucial in making successive turns when carving. Generally, you need to transfer your weight between your toes and heels back and forth.

Shifting your weight to the toes causes you to lean forward. And if you want to lean backward, you transfer the weight to your heels.

• Engage the Other Body:

Using your toes and heels only is not enough to make fluid turns. You must also engage your hips, head, legs, and shoulders in a wave-like motion.

Start by turning your head toward the direction you want to go. Then, lean your shoulders and body in the same direction. For better balance, I also suggest you bend your knees and open your arms slightly.

• Lower your Center of Gravity

The technique of lowering your center of gravity will help make your carving more powerful. You can achieve this by squatting or diving low as you enter every turn. And to exit the turn, you stand tall.

Below is video of how to practice the carving technique:

Sliding

Sliding techniques are an effective way to control your board’s speed while making stylish maneuvers. Below are some techniques to get you started.

• Stand-up Slides:

These are riding tricks that involve sliding your longboard and body in a direction opposite to where you were initially going. To perform the slides, you must lower your body and ensure your feet are hanging a little off the board’s heel side.

Next, you will need to transfer most of your weight to the front foot while pushing the board’s tail left or right. As a result, the board will slide in the direction you pushed it.

Check out this video of how to execute these slides:

• Pre-drifts:

Also known as partial slides, pre-drifts are sliding techniques you perform just before approaching a corner or curve. The purpose is to help reduce speed, allowing you to make the turn safely.

To pre-drift, you slide as usual but move your board at an angle less than 90 degrees. Then, use your hands for grip. Watch this video to see how the drifts are done:

• Coleman Slide:

For this sliding technique, you simply make a complete 180-degree turn with one of your hands on the ground. This allows you to stop safely, whether downhill riding or freeriding.

Watch this video so you understand better how to perform this sliding technique:

• Powerslide:

This slide involves shoving your board to the side of the road at 90 degrees with your back foot. By doing this, the wheels will stop rotating, and your board will start to slide. As a result, your board will slow down.

Check out how to execute this technique below:

• Toe-side Slides:

Also referred to as the backside pendulum, this sliding technique involves swinging in the opposite direction and swinging back in.

Simply slide in the direction your toes are facing and place your gloved hand on the ground for grip. This means you must lower yourself to the ground as if you were doing the Coleman slide.

Here is a short video of how to perform this slide:

Freestyle Tricks

Freestyle tricks allow you to express yourself on the board creatively and stylishly. Some popular tricks include the following:

• Manuals:

Generally, there are two types of manual tricks. One is the nose manual that involves balancing on your board’s front two wheels. There is also the tail manual where you ride your board only on the rear two wheels.

To do the manuals, you should shift your weight toward the front or back of the board. You also must ensure the board’s tail or nose does not touch the ground.

Watch this tutorial on how to perform the manuals on your board:

• Slides

Freestyle boarding also comprises numerous slides you can incorporate into your riding. The slides entail pulling your board out, allowing the wheels to move freely without gripping the road.

These slides range from powerslides to stand-up slides, blunt slides, cross-step slides, pre-drift, and ghost-ride slides. The slides come in handy when you want to make a quick stop.

Watch how to execute different slides on your longboard:

• Dancing Moves:

Longboard dancing moves combine footwork and fluid movements you perform while riding your board. The moves are usually a form of self-expression. Some popular dancing moves I recommend include the cross-step, Peter Pan, shuvit, no comply, and kickflips.

Here is how to perform these moves:

Downhill Racing

Most longboard injuries are usually sustained while riding downhill. Because of the risks involved with this riding technique, I will discuss some tips and techniques for racing.

• Wear your safety gear, including a full-face helmet, knee pads, slide gloves, elbow pads, wrist guards, and protective clothing.
• Ensure you know how to execute the foot braking technique for ease of controlling your speed without risking your safety.
• Learn the basic turning skills because hills are not entirely straight.
• Make sure you know how to carve because you may need to make sharper turns. Carving involves leaning your body heavily and shifting your weight to minimize velocity and ensure control.
• Master different sliding techniques to help slow your board down safely at high speeds.
• Ride without cutting your lane to avoid the danger of oncoming cars.
• Familiarize yourself with the racecourse before and take note of any hazards like road bumps and guard rails.

4. Safety and Preparedness for Longboarding

One of the things you must take earnestly when longboarding is safety and preparedness. This includes knowing which protective gear you need and how to deal with injuries.

Protective Gear

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced longboarder, safety equipment is essential. So, which gear do you need? Read on to find out.

• Helmets:

A helmet protects your head and brain in the event of a collision. Typically, the best longboard riding helmets are made of a hard outer shell designed to absorb impact. In addition, they have adjustable straps to ensure a secure and customized fit.

Additionally, the helmets boast ventilation systems to keep your head cool, especially when riding in hot conditions. That said, when choosing a longboard riding helmet, I recommend getting one that meets safety certifications set by ASTM or CPSC.

Keeping the above in mind, my top recommendation is the TSG – Pass Pro Full-Face Helmet. The helmet comes with 2 visors, is lightweight, and is ASTM F1952 certified. But if you’re looking for a half-face helmet, I highly recommend the Triple Eight Skate-and-Skateboarding Helmet.

• Pads

Besides the helmet, you also need knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. The knee pads cover your knees, protecting them from bruises and scrapes. Conversely, elbow pads shield your elbows against impact injuries, while wrist guards prevent wrist sprains and fractures.

The pads and wrist guards feature an adjustable strap for a secure fit. They also boast soft padding and a hard-shell exterior for superior protection. Additionally, the wrist guards are equipped with impact-resistant ABS splints for extra support and protection.

Having said that, my top pick pads include the following.

1. JBM Adult & Kids Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards Set
2. Triple Eight Saver Series Pad Set
3. Retrospec Knee Pads, Elbow Pads & Wrist Guards
4. Slide Gloves:

Slide gloves come in handy when riding or braking downhill. They protect your hands from cuts, scratches, and other injuries.

The gloves are constructed from materials such as Kevlar, suede, nylon, and leather for maximum durability. They also boast mesh and wicking fabrics to keep your hands cool.

Additionally, the best slide gloves feature replaceable pucks on the palm, thumb, and fingertips for added protection. Although there are many high-quality longboard riding slide gloves available, my recommendations include:

1. Triple Eight Downhill Glove
2. LOSENKA Skateboard Gloves with Sliders
3. Triple Eight Sliders Longboard Gloves
4. Armored Jackets

These jackets protect you from road rash, rain, wind, and impacts. The jackets have built-in padding or armor to safeguard your elbows, shoulders, and chest from impact injuries.

Generally, most armored jackets are made of Kevlar or leather for enhanced durability and breathable polyester material. With this in mind, my overall top pick is the BenKen Motorcycle Armor Full Body Armor Jacket.

• Padded Shorts and Shirts:

The shorts and shirts boast impact-absorbing pads to shield you from impact at the hips, tailbone, ribs, shoulders, and sternum. Like the armored jackets, they are made of lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking fabrics for enhanced comfort.

Now, if you are looking for the best impact shorts, I suggest you try the Soared 3D Protection Padded Short Pants. As for the padded shirts, my top recommendation is the TUOY Men’s Padded Compression Shirt.

• Eyewear

Sunglasses or goggles are also essential protective gear. They help shield your eyes from glare, wind, debris, dust, and other foreign objects.

Typically, the best eyewear should feature an anti-fog coating to ensure better visibility in colder weather. In addition, the goggles should provide 100% UV protection. You can choose those with clear or darker tints based on your riding conditions.

For the best longboard riding eyewear, I would recommend the SolidWork Safety Goggles Anti-Fog Clear Lens.

Street Safety

Riding your longboard through the city streets can be hectic sometimes. So, I will share some tips for navigating streets, sidewalks, and shared pathways safely.

• If riding in a bike lane, stick to your half lane to avoid collision with bikes.
• Communicate with the oncoming pedestrians through body language on which way you are going when riding on sidewalks.
• Signal other motorists using your hands and arms before making a turn.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to other pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists.
• Keep a safe distance from pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists and yield the right-of-way when necessary.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and be careful at intersections.
• Wear appropriate safety gear.
• Avoid holding on to a slow-moving vehicle and letting the car pull you through the streets. It can be dangerous if the vehicle suddenly stops.

Dealing With Injuries

While preventing injuries is crucial when longboard riding, knowing how to deal with them is equally important. Below, I will discuss the different injury prevention strategies and first aid tips.

• Always wear properly fitting protective gear, including helmets, pads, and clothing.
• Ride your longboard on flat and even surfaces, free of debris, bumps, or cracks.
• Ensure your longboard is in good condition before going to ride.
• Avoid riding in low-light conditions. But if you must, wear bright clothing to keep you visible to other drivers.
• For minor injuries, apply ice or cold compress on the injured part to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Elevate the injury for the first couple of hours and apply a pressure bandage to keep swelling to a minimum.
• In case of a road rash, clean the wound immediately with water and cleansing pads. Then, spray the area with saline solution and cover it with a gauze pad.

5. Top Longboarding Spots

Undoubtedly, there are many places where you can go longboard riding. These include both local spots and global destinations.

Local Riding Spots

If you are looking for local longboard riding spots, worry not because I’ve got you covered. Here is a list of top spots.

• Chicago Lakefront Trail:

This is an 18.5-mile-long paved path situated in Chicago along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The trail extends from Ardmore Street on the north end to 71st Street on the south of downtown Chicago.

It is mainly flat, hence not ideal for downhill riding. Besides longboard riding, the trail is suitable for skateboarding, jogging, walking, and cycling.

• Cross Seminole Trail:

The Cross Seminole trail is a 23-mile-long multi-use paved path in Seminole County, Florida, North of Orlando. It starts at Aloma Avenue along Howell Branch Road and stretches all the way into Lake Mary.

Although the trail is mainly flat, it has a bit of elevation. Therefore, you can do downhill riding if your starting point is at Lake Mary. It is also ideal for other longboard riding styles and tricks.

• Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park:

At 68,000 square feet, this is the largest skatepark in California. It is located in San Jose at the southeast corner of Lake Cunningham Regional Park.

The park boasts many street-style features, offering numerous longboard riding opportunities for riders of all skill levels. Besides longboards, the park is open to bikes, scooters, and skateboards.

• Brevard Zoo Linear Park:

At only 3 miles one-way, this is not the longest trail in Florida for longboard riding. The trail runs from the Brevard Zoo all the way to the north side of Turtle Mound Road.

That said, you will love that the trail is paved and well-maintained. So, apart from cruising, it is also ideal for other longboard riding techniques like dancing moves, slides, and manuals.

• Remington Park Short Loop Trail:

This is a 1-mile-long recreation loop situated in Fountain Park, Indiana. The trail is smoothly paved, making it ideal for longboarders, runners, bikers, and walkers.

Although the loop does not have much elevation change, it boasts nice dips and curves. Therefore, you can enjoy riding techniques like carving and cruising.

Iconic Global Destinations

If you would like to explore the world on your longboard, there are many popular longboard riding destinations worldwide. They include the following:

• Cape Town, South Africa:

Cape Town is one of the most popular longboard riding destinations worldwide. It offers a wide range of riding terrains, such as winding coastal roads and steep mountain passes. The town is also home to many skateparks ideal for longboard riding.

• San Francisco, California:

Another exciting longboard riding destination is San Francisco. It is considered a longboarder’s paradise due to its iconic hills like Twin Peaks and Mount Davidson. The city also boasts steep streets, making it ideal for downhill riders.

• Barcelona, Spain:

This is one of the most welcoming cities for skateboard sports in Europe. In Barcelona, a longboard is a safe and efficient form of transportation. It’s no wonder the city has a thriving longboard riding community.

Additionally, Barcelona has many longboard riding spots, such as the Arc de Triomf and Barceloneta – The Docksession Spot.

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Like Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro boasts a passionate longboard riding community. However, what makes the city an iconic destination for longboard riding is its many hills and urban pathways.

One of the best places to ride your longboard is at Aterro do Flamengo, a wooden park with a sizable bike path.

• Paris, France:

Paris is another top longboard riding destination, offering a mix of demanding hills and city pathways. One of the best riding spots in the city is along the banks of the river Seine.

6. Longboarding Communities

Due to the increasing popularity of longboard riding, there are various online forums and clubs where longboarders share their experiences. Some community information I have discussed below.

Online Forums and Communities

Online forums and social media groups are the best places to connect with people interested in longboard riding. Examples of these include:

• Seattle Longboard Meetup
• Longboard Family
• Ottawa Longboard Community
• Longboard Singapore
• Bay Area Longboarders
• Miami Longboarding Crew
• NYC Longboard Association
• Reddit Longboarding
• Ontario Longboarding
• Skateboard City Forum

Local Clubs and Events

Apart from the online forums and groups, there are local longboard riding clubs that bring longboarders together. These clubs usually organize regular meet-ups and events to promote the sport.

Some famous local clubs include the Purdue Longboarding Club and Osu Longboard Club. These clubs usually host events occasionally for all longboard riding styles. The events can range from highly competitive races to casual group rides.

7. Longboarding Gear Maintenance

Maintaining your gear is crucial in ensuring it lasts longer and enhancing its performance. Below, I will discuss what longboard maintenance entails and DIY customization of your board.

Longboard Maintenance

Wondering how to clean and maintain your board or perform basic repairs? I will tell you below.

Cleaning the Longboard

To clean your longboard, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unscrew the trucks from the deck using an adjustable wrench. Then, remove the wheels and the bearings.
• Step 2: Put water in a bucket and add drops of mild dish soap.
• Step 3: Get a nylon brush and dip it into the soapy water. Then, gently scrub the deck’s grip tape in a circular motion.
• Step 4: Rinse the soap using a sponge and clean water.
• Step 5: Flip your board, and use a soft sponge and plain water to clean the underside.
• Step 6: Use a cotton towel to dry your board. Then, let your board air dry.
• Step 7: To clean the bearings, remove the rubber shield using a flathead screwdriver.
• Step 8: Next, soak your bearings in a solution like acetone or alcohol. Then, shake the solution until there is no more dirt on the bearings.
• Step 9: Dry the bearings using a hairdryer and re-grease them before putting the shield back in place.
• Step 10: Push the bearings into the wheels. Then, reassemble the board.

Maintenance and Basic Repairs

Cleaning is part of longboard maintenance. However, there are other maintenance tips, such as:

• Always inspect your longboard before each ride for loose bolts and retighten them.
• Clean the bearings periodically and lubricate them after every wash.
• Store the board in a cool, dry place when you are not using it.
• Replace the board’s wheels if you notice any signs of flat marks. To do this, you only need a wrench to loosen the axle nuts and slide off the wheels.
• If your board is broken, clean the broken deck edges. Then, use sandpaper to remove splinters and apply wood glue to join the broken pieces.
• For a warped board, put a damp towel on the concave side and heat it with a heat gun or an iron. Then, clamp your board to a solid surface like a table to ensure it stays flat.
• If the board is cracked, remove the grip tape and use epoxy to seal the cracks.

DIY Customization

If you don’t like the longboard you are riding now, you can customize it to reflect your style. Some creative ways to personalize and modify it include:

• Painting your board with your favorite colors using acrylic paints, spray paints, or watercolor splashes.
• Installing LED lights for a thrilling night-riding experience.
• Incorporating artistic motifs that truly inspire you. The motifs can be nature-inspired or pop culture icons.
• Installing stickers and decals that reflect your personality or longboard riding journey.
•  Wrapping your longboard with vinyl or other materials. You can also create custom wraps.
• Installing colored wheels and shock pad risers.
• Adding flat or angled risers between the baseplate and deck to give your board an added lift.
• Installing front foot stops. This way, you can quickly locate the correct foot placement without looking down.

8. Longboarding Lifestyle

Longboard riding is a lifestyle for most individuals and not a hobby. Below, I will tell you more about the culture of longboard riding, longboard photography, and videography.

The Culture of Longboarding

The beauty of longboard riding is that the community is welcoming to riders of all ages and skill levels. This enables longboarders to connect with their counterparts from different cultures and countries.

Besides being a recreational activity and mode of transportation, longboard riding is a performance art. As such, there are many longboard-inspired art prints designed by independent artists. These include wall art, posters, framed prints, and more.

Additionally, longboard riding culture boasts numerous events, ranging from slide sessions to casual group rides. These events offer opportunities for riders to showcase their skills and bond.

Safety is also a priority in the longboard riding culture. In fact, the “helmet culture” is more prevalent in the sport than in traditional skateboarding. The community encourages riders to wear protective gear in all disciplines.

Longboarding Photography and Videography

Photography and videography are essential elements of the longboard riding lifestyle. So, let me give you tips for capturing and sharing your riding adventures:

• Take photos from the ground. Low-angle adds excitement to longboard riding photography.
• Use manual focus instead of autofocus to capture sharp images.
• Use a fast shutter speed. This will allow you to freeze the motion and capture a perfect moment.
• Take slow-motion shots to make a video that shows off your tricks.
• Use an extendable selfie stick. This will allow you to film yourself from above to capture fantastic footage.
• Go longboard riding with a friend or two. This will make it easier to capture different angles.
• Shoot your footage in a high frame rate of at least 60fps and at the highest resolution of around 4K.
• Upload your footage on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach a broader audience.
• Tell a story or share your thoughts about your longboard riding adventure when sharing your videos or photos.

Conclusion

Longboard riding is an adventurous sport with many riding techniques to try out. However, to enjoy this sport, you need the right longboard type and safety gear. To get started, you must work on your stance, balance, and braking techniques.

The best thing about longboard riding is the numerous benefits it offers. Besides improving your stamina, it is an effective way to lose weight and stay fit. The sport is also an excellent way to release stress and enhance your mental wellness.

In addition, longboard riding can help improve your body balance and improve your heart health. Therefore, I would recommend you embrace the sport as a lifelong journey of adventure, fun, and personal growth.