How to Choose a Longboard for Beginners
- 1). Learn the different components that make up a longboard; which is important to know as you shop around for a longboard. A longboard is made up of a deck, wheels and trucks. Consider your budget and style, as well as the amount and type of use you intend to get out of your board. You might consider starting with a board that has a plastic deck, which is cheaper and sometimes more durable than wooden models. Wood is more popular and often offers better responsiveness, but also generally comes with a heftier price tag.
- 2). Purchase a longboard appropriate for your weight and height. The length of a longboard can vary from 33 to 59 inches. Any board longer than 40 inches should be suitable for someone taller than 6 feet. Also, consider your longboard performance when deciding on the length of the board. Longboards between 33 and 40 inches in length perform better on flatland. Boards longer than 40 inches in length are better equipped to handle long, steep hills.
- 3). Consider your skating area when choosing the trucks on your longboard. Smaller trucks--those around 150 millimeters--are better for carving so they are suited for maneuvering corners and obstacles. Trucks that measure around 180 millimeters are harder to turn, but offer great stability for downhill racing.
- 4). Select a longboard with large, soft wheels. The wheels on your board should be at least 60 millimeters, or 2.4 inches. They should also be soft -- less than 90a durometer, which helps create a smooth ride for cruising.
- 5). Purchase a longboard that you feel comfortable riding. Regardless of the measurements of your board, the most important thing to consider is your comfort level. Test the feel of the board before purchasing.
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