Information On The Longboard Skateboards

By Patrick Thompson


There are several classifications of skateboards including longboards. Most aspects are similar in the various types of boards, but longboards are often more exaggerated in their length and other features. The long lengths and widths of longboard skateboards among other features make them more suited for specific disciplines that other boards are not.

Longboards are very long, measuring between 84 and 150 centimeters in length. Their widths vary from 22.8 to 25.4 centimeters. These boards come in many different shapes, including flat-nose riders, pintails, drop-through decks, swallowtails, and drop decks. Some have the same shape as the standard skateboard. Wheels in pintails are larger while the trucks are looser, which makes them more suited for carving.

Conversely, drop decks and drop throughs feature smaller wheels and lower centers of gravity. These features allow them to be more stable and to travel at higher speeds. Longboards are designed to make big turns and fast short turns, which makes their motion to resemble surfers and snowboarders. The short axis, the tail axis, and the central axis are the three main axes on longboards. Tail axis runs from one tail to the other, while the central axis run through the center. The short axis makes a right angle with the tail axis and extends from the breadth.

Rob Thomas from New Zealand holds the record for covering the longest distance on a longboard. The record set by Thomas rests at 12, 159 kilometers. The record for the highest speed reached on land using these equipment is129.94 km/h. The record for the highest speed was set in 2012 by Mischo Erban. Longboards are commonly used for slalom racing, sliding, downhill racing, transport, and cruising.

Generally, longboarders are in the habit of wearing helmets more than other skateboarders. Wearing of protective equipment is mandatory in professional longboarding. Protective gear comprises of slide gloves, helmets, knee pads, leathers, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Materials used to make slide gloves are usually very strong and they include leather and synthetic fabrics. Slide gloves protect hands from injury when pivoting.

Plywood is the main material used to make decks and it consists of 2-11 layers. The layers are usually 2 millimeters in thickness. Koa, oak, bamboo, birch, and maple are some of the woods that are commonly used. Decks are usually made very as light and stiff as possible. Since there are many different disciplines in this sport, the wheels vary in hardness to suit the specific discipline.

Various advantages and disadvantages are associated with the differences in size and shape of the deck. The advantages and disadvantages are based on personal preferences and often manifest during use. The decks are made flexible by some designers. Torsional flex caused by high speed makes flexible boards to be used for low speeds only. Fiberglass is becoming more preferable for making flexible boards because it pliable.

Most local stores that sell related sports equipment also sell longboards. Online sellers are also a good source from where one can make a purchase. Various factors determine the price of the devices. Some of them include location, material of construction, wheels, shape, and measurements.




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