If you’re new to the world of board sports, you may have come across two of the most common board types: skateboards and longboards. Beginners often get confused between these types, making them wonder: are longboards and skateboards the same? And if you are one of those beginners, this blog post is for you.
Here, we’ll look at longboard vs. skateboard. And through the comparison, we’ll determine whether these names belong to the same board category or not. But first, we’ll briefly talk about the background of skateboards and longboards because it is essential.
So, without any further ado, let’s delve into this discussion.
Contents
Background of Skateboards and Longboards
Let’s go back to the early 1950s when surfers wanted to replicate the feeling of catching waves on land during flat days. This obsession led to the creation of skateboards.
The skateboards of the early days were just wooden planks with attached wheels. Therefore, they were bulky and oversized. But their weight and size made it difficult for riders to perform tricks. So, the riders eventually made their boards smaller.
But as human nature always remains unsatisfied, the smaller boards became too small. In fact, they were so small that riding them like a surfboard was impossible.
As a result, riders made a lot of tweaks to the design and size of their boards, which ultimately gave rise to the longboard. But what exactly is the description of a longboard and skateboard? Let’s find out the answer to these questions in the next two sections.
What Exactly Is a Skateboard? – A Brief Introduction
Although skateboards don’t need any introduction, it’s still essential to briefly discuss them here. So, a skateboard is a form of sports gear mainly used for doing tricks and riding. The structure of a skateboard consists of a deck made of seven to nine layers of plywood, two trucks, and four wheels.
So, let’s understand the connection of the deck, trucks, and wheels with the skateboard.
- Deck: The ends of both decks are covered with concave shape kicktails, which provide better control and maneuverability.
- Trucks: The trucks are fixed to the deck’s underside (bottom), permitting left and right turns for the board.
- Wheels: The wheels are often constructed of polyurethane and linked to the trucks in varied degrees of hardness. The degree of hardness depends on the liking of each rider.
What Exactly Is a Longboard? – A Brief Introduction
As the name suggests, the term ‘longboard’ refers to skateboards that are longer and wider than traditional skateboards. These boards are typically 8 to 11 inches wide and 33 to 59 inches long.
So, they are perfect for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. And if you’re looking for a skateboard that can cover long distances or ride fast, a longboard is the way to go.
Companies that manufacture longboards use multiple layers of wood or composite materials. So, these types of skateboards are sturdier and more stable than other types of skateboards.
However, besides their sturdy and durable nature, longboards’ large and soft wheels provide better grip and traction on rough surfaces. It is, therefore, ideal for driving on hills and uneven terrain.
Skateboard and Longboard – The Main Differences
Now that you’ve understood that skateboards and longboards are two different types of boards used in board sports. So, let’s elaborate on the main differences between these (longboards and skateboards) types of boards.
| Skateboards | Longboards |
| Skateboards are generally 31 inches long and 7.5 inches wide. So, they are smaller and shorter than longboards. | On the other hand, longboards, as their name suggests, are longer and broader than skateboards. So, their measurement is 33 to 60 inches long and 9 to 10 inches wide. |
| The completely concave shape deck of skateboards gives room for better control. That is why this board type is famous for performing tricks like grinds, kickflips and ollies. | Longboards are known for their stability and balance because of a flat and slightly concave deck. So, people use this board type for commuting, cruising, or downhill riding at high speed. |
| In general, skateboards have harder wheels, making moving around on smooth surfaces easier. | On the other hand, longboards usually have softer wheels, which cushion stress and offer better grip over uneven grounds. |
How Long Is A Longboard Skateboard?
The length of longboard skateboards varies according to their models. However, the length of a longboard typically ranges between 36 to 48 inches.
Is It Easier To Ride A Skateboard Or Longboard?
The answer to this question depends on personal choice and the type of riding desired. But generally, longboards are more stable and simpler to ride for cruising and downhill riding because of their larger size and softer wheels.
In contrast, conventional skateboards being more maneuverable, are better for street riding and tricks.
Longboard Vs Skateboard For Beginners, Which Is The Right Choice?
Since longboards are more stable and simpler to balance, it can be simpler for novices to start with one. On the other hand, a skateboard can be a better option if they are more interested in performing tricks and riding on the streets.
But in the end, everything relies on the objectives and passions of the rider.
What Are The 3 Types Of Skateboards?
In the world of skateboarding, there are three main categories of boards: longboards, cruisers, and street skateboards. Each type has its unique features and characteristics that cater to different styles and preferences of skate riders.
What Is A Longboard Surfboard?
A longboard surfboard, often referred to as a surf-style longboard, is a particular kind of longboard skateboard made to mimic the feeling of surfing on waves. To facilitate carving and maneuverability, they often feature a broader, more stable design with a more prominent nose and tail.
Which Is Safer, A Skateboard Or A Longboard?
Skateboards and longboards may both be safe if used sensibly and with the proper safety equipment. Wearing a helmet and other safety gear, like knee and elbow pads, is essential, especially while learning new techniques or riding fast.
Wrapping Up – The Conclusion
All in all, both longboards and skateboards share various similarities, like using trucks and wheels. But when it comes to the size and riding style, they significantly differ from one another.
The construction of skateboards makes them more suited for performing tricks and stunts. However, longboards are best for downhill racing, cruising, or commuting. You can even go up to 80 mph while downhill racing on your longboard with your friends.
Thus, it is essential to understand these differences before selecting a board. That’s because this way, you will be able to choose the ideal board type for you.
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Are Longboard And Skateboard Bearings The Same?
The short answer to this question is ‘no.’ That’s because longboard bearings are usually more oversized and have a higher ABEC rating. So, they are ideal for fast and smooth riding. However, if you want more details regarding this, we recommend referring to the complete blog post we’ve created on ‘are longboard and skateboard bearing the same.’
Are Longboard Trucks And Skateboard Trucks The Same?
Longboard trucks and skateboard trucks seem similar but are not the same. Longboard trucks are often broader and have a steeper angle, resulting in more stability and smoother turns at faster speeds than skateboard trucks.
Are Skateboards Or Longboards Better?
The answer to this question depends on personal preferences. For instance, if you are an experienced rider who wants to perform tricks using a board, we recommend choosing a skateboard. But if you’re going to take part in downhill racing, cruising, or commuting, we recommend selecting a longboard, as you can even go up to 80 mph with such board types.
Are Longboards Better Than Skateboards?
Refer to the answer to question number three to get the appropriate response to this question.
Can You Perform Longboarding With A Normal Skateboard?
Although doing some longboarding maneuvers on a regular skateboard is technically feasible, doing so might not be as stable or pleasant as doing so on a longboard explicitly made for longboarding. That’s because longboarding is a subset of skateboarding that features cruising, carving and downhill riding on a longer board with larger wheels.
