Nord Boards
Posts Tagged ‘Longboards’
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.
The Basic of Longboard Trucks
The basic components of the skateboard and longboard are the same, although the configuration and design on these various mechanisms differ greatly. One of the main structures that affect the smoothness of your ride and your turning radius is the longboard trucks. To accommodate for the increased deck size, longboard trucks are sturdier and wider than their skateboard counterparts are.
It is important to know what you are looking for before you make your purchase. Some trucks are built for stability while others are designed for speed and hairpin turns. No matter what trucks you opt for, there are adjustments that you can make to customize the part to cater to your style.
Honing Your Skills
Longboarding is fun for kids. Through video games and increased media exposure, more people are participating in the sport than ever before. As with any endeavor, practice is one of the keys to success in longboarding. For those who want to make it in skateboarding as a sport, here are some tips:
~Get a head start. Learn the basics while you are still young. There are many longboard skateboards for kids and adolescents that are available in sports shops and online.
~Get the gear. When choosing your board, don’t forget to buy the corresponding safety gear, such as a helmet and knee pads.
~Find the right place. Although it is very tempting to practice your moves in the street, it is way safer to go to a skate park with regulation and safety inspected ramps.
Boarding and Urban Art
Board sports are some of the only athletic endeavors that incorporate art into their culture and practice. Decks have become wooden tapestries for urban artists, reflecting the diverse talents and personalities of skateboarders the world over. Though not all decks are works of art, if a skateboarder has a choice, they will favor a deck that represents their character. There are dozens of quality brands, such as Sector 9 Longboards, that feature inimitable artwork on their products. Urban graffiti art is also an important part of boarding, with several parks featuring graffiti art from boarders and enthusiasts tattooed on the walls and on the skateboard ramps.
Boarding is unique as a sport because of its ties to art and urban culture. The attire and character of the skateboarders who enjoy the sport are almost as important, if not more important than the sport itself.
The Heart Of An Adventurer
My son is such a thrill-seeker and he really loves pushing himself to the limit. He has practically tried virtually all of the daring rides, stunts and other outdoor adventures that he finds exhilarating. Some of them are bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain climbing, parachuting, deep-sea diving, and cross-country cycling.
Last Holiday season, I was really having a hard time figuring out what present to give him. I really wanted to get him something that he will really be thrilled to have. He has been skateboarding for years and has several different boards that he uses. I decided to get him something a little different, so I bought him a downhill longboard. My son loves the screeching speed and turning precision that the board provides.
Skinned Knees & Elbows Are Not The Bee’s Knees
Longboarding is a fun and easy sport enjoyed by many. However, it can be rather risky. Just like when you were still a kid and beginning to learn bicycling, an adult may likewise undergo one or two slight injuries prior to learning how to control and balance their longboard skateboard properly. Typical beginners may face accidents like tripping, falling, bruising, tripping, and all that. With that in mind, important safety gear is a must in engaging in this type of sport, even if it may not look the coolest. Safety gear includes a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guard. Preventive measures must come together with the thrill so as to keep away from possible harms.
A lot of people young and adult alike take pleasure in longboarding because it is exciting and fun. Overall, the sport is easy to learn and maneuver. Your major limbs and other body parts move all together making it an exceptional form of exercise. It allows you to be physically active and mentally alert in addition to improving your strength and balance.
Longboards Go Green
Today it seems like people are always looking for greener and more renewable resources to utilize in their everyday lives. Recently I’ve seen bamboo employed in a variety of products, including clothing, flooring and furniture. I was surprised, however, when I was in my local skate shop and saw that they had a new line of bamboo decks.
They told me that bamboo longboards are ideal because the wood is incredibly strong while still being flexible. This means that the board is ultra-responsive when cornering, but will still hold up to abuse. Like most bamboo products, these boards offer a more renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to their traditional counterparts.
Qualities of an Effective Longboards
As is the case with many sports, skateboarding culture has evolved to the point where certain companies specialize in skate-specific clothing. However, in the alternative-influenced world of skateboarding, Nike and Adidas are hardly the dominant forces in apparel and footwear. Instead the market is filled with smaller niche companies that produce comfortable clothing and striking, durable longboards.
Arbor longboards provide a perfect example as they feature a flashy, stylish board made with quality hard rock maple wood. Longboard fashion is just as pronounced in the skating world as it is in any sport, but the sport takes an even larger toll on the boards. In order to perform some tricks, skaters must slide their shoe along harsh grip tape, which can create significant wear and tear over time. As a result, it’s best to select a shoe that balances fashion and function.
A Board for Every Style
Even those who have never skated a day in their lives recognize the difference between a traditional skateboard and a longboard. Whereas skateboards are more conducive to tricks, longboards make for more stable forms of midrange transportation. But did you realize that not all longboards are intended for the same purposes? Depending on a rider’s intentions, she may select a suitably sized deck, wheels, bearings and trucks to meet those needs.
Pintail models, also known as downhill longboards, are specially made for cruising – whether along flatlands or bombing down a steep hill. These boards are narrower than most, with the trucks located near the extreme ends of the deck. Lowrider boards are more appropriate for amateur riders who prefer to play it safe, pushing and carving their way around the neighborhood.
No Assembly Required
Putting together your first longboard can be a daunting task. Perhaps you’ve only ridden your friends’ boards a few times and have recently decided to take up longboarding as a form of exercise as well as a convenient mode of transportation. In other words, you aren’t especially well-versed in the skateboard lifestyle. So, where to begin?
Rather than piecing together your longboard from scratch, look into the possibility presented by a complete longboard. That way you won’t have to worry about choosing trucks, wheels, bearings and other accessories. This measure also relieves you from the responsibility of assembling all of the parts. As you improve, you might want to begin tinkering with your board’s setup – but that’s something to worry about later, after you’ve gotten the hang of things.