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Should I get a Skateboard or Longboard?
If you have been looking to buy a skateboard or longboard, you may have run into some trouble. Very often, these names are interchanged and that can provide a lot of confusion. Unlike skateboards, longboards were first available in the 1950s. They were longer, and were supposed to stimulate a feeling of surfing on a sidewalk. In the late 1950s, longboards started changing in size for convenience, and the modern skateboard was born.
Skateboards and longboards can look similar, but in reality, theyâre two different things. Itâs important to know what you are getting into when buying either one. We are here to help inform you about the features of each and explain why they are important.
Skateboard or Longboard for a Beginner?
Both longboards and skateboards are good for beginners, but from our research, we determined that a longboard is the ideal beginner board. Longboards are made for cruising, they are longer and give more stability when riding. By getting a longboard first, you will be able to learn to brake effectively.
Without a good brake technique when cruising, you will quickly end up bruised up on the side of the sidewalk. A longboard is perfect for anyone that needs to learn the basics, and then wants to advance to the skateboard.
Longboards also have softer wheels than skateboards, which also allows them to cruise easier. Hard, small wheels can be detrimental to cruising, since they canât go over bumps and gravel as well as softer wheels.
There is one key thing to know when buying a longboard: itâs not a good idea to do tricks on it. In fact, itâs not recommended at all. Longboards have a distinct shape, and doing flips with it is close to impossible. People who are committed to trying to do tricks with a longboard may succeed in the long run, but it takes a lot longer than it would with a normal skateboard.
Is it Easier to Ride a Longboard or a Skateboard?
Definitely a longboard! The big, soft longboard wheels will help you to easily cruise around your neighborhood and town. Small, hard wheels, like those of a skateboard, can easily stop you after you run over a small crack or bump, which can make the skating bothersome.
The pro of the longboard in this case, is that all you have to focus on is cruising, and they can go rather fast. The con is that the big wheels are significantly heavier than their skateboard alternative.
The pro of the small, skateboard wheels is that theyâre lightweight and good for riding around in parks.
Even if you are intending to do tricks early on, itâs still recommended to learn to ride a longboard first. It will give you confidence, allowing you to have a sense of achievement when you decide to move on to a skateboard. It will also allow you to master the essential, key component to skateboarding: cruising and braking.
When you have a board that focuses only on those two sole features, it will be much easier to adjust and learn. Itâs also safer, however, you should watch out for the speeds you will be cruising at. The big wheels can end up rolling at very high speeds, and thatâs why itâs recommended to learn braking when slowly cruising.
If you are on a budget and cannot afford to buy both a longboard and later a skateboard, itâs possible to also start with a skateboard. It may be harder, since they are smaller and require more balance control, but itâs definitely possible. The small wheels will slow down after bumps and cracks, which may be an advantage, and you will be able to start learning tricks asap. That is not often recommended, however, since professionals state that learning the basics is crucial before going to trying tricks.
What’s Better, Longboard or Skateboard?
It all depends on personal preference! People who like to cruise around the town, their neighborhood, city or streets prefer the longboard. It offers them very good speeds and can get them to places quickly. Longboards donât stop when they hit cracks or bumps and are a great means of transportation. Theyâre also a great tool for relaxation when you just want to go out in the fresh air and cruise.
Normal skateboards are ideal for people who want to do tricks and spend a lot of time in skate parks. A skateboard can allow them to quickly fall into the addicting hobby of skateboarding. It can be demotivating at first, since you will be falling a lot and tricks are far from easy. You will earn way more bruises when learning a skateboard, but you will also avoid the transition curve from a longboard to a skateboard.
In the end, itâs up to the buyer to see what they prefer. Both boards can provide you with great experiences, as long as you commit to learning!
