Longboard vs Skateboard Differences and Facts For Beginners

Longboard vs Skateboard

Skateboarding is not just a sport, it is a freedom to ride whenever you want. Plus a very cool aerobic exercise in which a person constantly uses his arms, legs, torso, and mind to balance the motion and control the gravity. It enhances coordination and relieves stress. Longboarding does the same to your body as well then what’s the difference? Longboard vs skateboard is a long but interesting discussion and we are going to discover all the facts today.

Difference between skateboards and longboards

None of them are superior to the other. It all comes down to personal taste. Some people want a shortboard because they want to do tricks on it. skateboards are also a lot easier to transport. Some people, on the other hand, prefer a longboard because it provides more stability when riding down hills and slopes. To better understand which one is best for you, you must first understand the differences and functions of each.

Longboard vs Skateboard shape comparison

Longboards are broader and longer than skateboards, they’re more lightweight, and they’re simpler for beginners to ride. Skateboards have small hard wheels, whereas longboards have big soft wheels. Longboards come in different shapes and sizes. The pintail is the most popular form, and it’s mainly used for surfing and dancing. Different companies produce different shapes, but symmetrical and directional are the two most popular shapes of longboards. Skateboards also come in different shapes and sizes, but the rider selects the appropriate size based on their height and feet size. Popsicle shaped deck is the most popular among skateboards. It’s difficult to perform tricks on a deck that isn’t designed for a rider. Then again, it depends on the rider’s preferences.

Longboard vs skateboard – beginners Guide  

No matter skateboarding or longboarding, both are extremely enjoyable sports. But if you are a beginner, you must choose wisely. After thorough research on both of their characteristics and differences, we recommend that longboards should be the first option for a beginner. Their stable and broader design allows you to easily handle breaks when riding on them. No doubt, the skateboard is the father of all boards as all of them are coming from it, but for sure you have to practice with kids till you reach the father level.

longboard vs skateboard length

What is longboarding?

Before writing any interesting facts about longboarding, it will be unfair, if we don’t talk about skateboarding first. This time, It isn’t about Longboard vs Skateboard, it is about the fact that all kinds of boarding came from skateboarding. It is becoming more technical over time, as skaters are challenging each other to perform more difficult tricks on their boards every year. Skateboarding is becoming more complicated as you evolve and begin to combine tricks to execute more difficult stunts. So, how does longboarding fit into the picture? To put it simply, a longboard is a longer version of a skateboard with different designs, shapes, and lengths. Longboarding has progressed to the point that it now has its own various categories, each requiring different shapes and sizes of boards, and therefore has its own categorization. Downhill skateboarding, cruising, free ride, sliding, and trick riding are all common in longboarding.

Skateboarding vs longboarding facts for beginners

Longboarding is a great way, to begin with, after which you can proceed to a more advanced version that is skateboarding. Longboards have softer and more stable wheels that allow you to smoothly move faster. Skateboards, on the other hand, cannot move as smoothly due to their hard wheels. You can also make a decision based on the structure of the boards. I suggest you should choose one that is easier to operate. Longboarding is said to be a more stable ride than skateboarding. Due to the larger size of longboards you need a little more strength to drive them than skateboards. The advantage of using more strength will result in minor injuries if you fall off the longboards as compared to skateboards. This is the reason it is considered the safest and most stable choice for beginners.

Types of longboards

There isn’t a complete all-in-one longboard that fits every skater’s style. Skating can be a lot more enjoyable if you have the right equipment to ride on. Longboards come in a range of different shapes and sizes. Different types of longboard include

  •         Cruising (wider trucks, exceptionally stable)
  •         Dancing (for regular freestyling, walking, jumping, twisting)
  •         Free ride (better stability, safe ride)
  •         Carving (need regular practice, can pass obstacles smoothly)
  •         Downhill (works great for riding down the hills)
  •         Bamboo (allow harder tricks, light and flexible)
  •         Pintail longboards (focus on balancing weight)
  •         Dropdown longboards (cut out shape provide wheel clearance)
  •         Kicktail longboards (allow on-end lifting to perform cool tricks)


Is it easier to skateboard or longboard?

A longboard is easier to ride than a skateboard and of course, longboarding is easier as well. Skateboarding usually takes longer to learn as they have small, hard wheels and lesser space. While longboards offer wider space, softer wheels, and balance ease.

Which is better longboard vs skateboard?

For a beginner, it is always a longboard that works better. They have softer wheels and wide shoe space that provide the smoothest ride experience. But if you are a pro or an expert level skateboarder you definitely love to do extraordinary tricks so, a skateboard is your thing.

What’s safer: Longboard or a skateboard?

No matter longboarding or skateboarding, both require skills and practice. For a safer experience, longboards are always on top. Due to their broader deck and softer tires, they provide more balance and control and are considered safer than skateboards.

Is longboarding bad for your knees?

Freestyle longboarding may leave an effect on your joints. It generally happens when a rider lands after a long jump. It can be bad for your knees, hips, and lower spines.

Why is longboarding dangerous?

According to a recent study about longboard injuries, it is found that longboards are more dangerous in injuring the upper body than skateboards. Most common injuries include brain and skull fractures, head bleeding, and other upper-body injuries.

Can you lose weight longboarding?

Yes, you can easily burn 2000 to 3000 calories if you skate or longboard every day for a week. It is possibly the most fun way to burn all those unwanted fats. Don’t forget to longboard 1 hour a day to burn your extra calories.

Why do skateboarders hate longboarders?

It is fun that skateboarders hate the fact when people relate them with longboarders. It is something like the comparison of tiktokers with youTubers. Skateboarders usually consider themselves experts but the fun fact is that longboarders can go faster than skateboarders.

What should I look for when buying a longboard?

There 5 important factors you should consider before buying a longboard

  •         Shape and deck
  •         Features and design
  •         Trucks and wheels
  •         Your riding style
  •         Comfortable Structure

Longboard vs Skateboard Final words

Even though there are hundreds of different kinds of skateboards and longboards and thousand facts to compare longboards vs skateboards. We have tried our best to narrow down the most important from them. We Hope this will give all the beginners a good enough guide to decide whether they should go for longboards or skateboards.

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