Nord Boards
Archive for May, 2010
The Long and Short of Longboards
Some people use the terms longboard and skateboard interchangeably, but they each have their own unique characteristics. Longboards are a variation of the traditional skateboard with a longer—and often wider—deck. This makes performing tricks on longboards virtually impossible, but the design does have its advantages.
The increased surface area of the deck offers more stability, which makes longboards ideal for high-speed riding. Loaded longboards are typically used for downhill applications and in racing. Many people employ a fluent riding pattern, zigzagging back-and-forth as with a surfboard.
Purchasing Your First Longboard
When I first started longboarding nine years ago, I couldn’t even tell the nose from the tail. All I knew was that longboarding looked like fun and the people who went around town on their boards definitely looked cool. I can still remember walking into the shop down the street and being overwhelmed by all of the specs I had to choose for my board: trucks; deck; wheels; bearings, etc.
Now that I’ve been boarding for a while, I recognize the importance of all of these components and do my due diligence before making a purchase. However, when I got that first board, the only thing that mattered to me was getting on the road. For those just starting out, it probably isn’t worth it to custom pick all of your parts; I suggest going with premade complete longboards—they typically come with quality components and are ready to ride.