Imagine the breeze brushing past your face as you glide smoothly down a hill, the world blurring around you. Longboarding can offer this sensation and much more. It’s a blend of freedom, fun, and a bit of adventure.
Whether you’ve never stepped on a board or you’re curious to try something new, longboarding can be an exciting pursuit to explore. In the following sections, you will discover tips for beginners, and gear to start with. Get ready to roll into a world where every street can be your playground, and every ride can be a new story. Keep reading to find out how you can start your journey on wheels.
What is a longboarding hobby?

Longboarding is a variant of skateboarding distinguished by the use of longer boards and larger wheels. It provides a smooth and stable ride, making it ideal for cruising, transportation, and downhill racing. It originated as a popular activity along coastal areas, offering an alternative to surfing on land.
- Origins: Longboarding traces its roots back to the surfing culture of Hawaii in the 1950s and 60s, where surfers looked for a way to ‘surf’ the streets when the ocean waves were calm.
- Popularity: Longboarding has gained popularity worldwide, especially among individuals looking for an alternative mode of transportation and those seeking an adrenaline rush through downhill racing.
- Who is it for: This hobby is ideal for individuals of all ages seeking a fun and active way to explore their surroundings, those interested in board sports, and anyone looking for a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Ready to get active and improve your well-being? Discover the article on the best hobbies for fitness and health.
What are the different types of longboarding
Whether you are drawn to cruising along the boardwalk or performing tricks and maneuvers, there is a type of longboard that suits your needs. Here are some common types of longboarding:
Type | Description | Ideal For |
---|---|---|
Cruising | Relaxed rides and transportation. | Leisure and commuting. |
Downhill | High speeds, tight turns, technical skills. | Thrill-seekers and speed lovers. |
Freestyle | Tricks, flips, and creative maneuvers on flat surfaces. | Creatives and trick enthusiasts. |
Sliding | Drifting, smooth turns and sliding techniques at various speeds. | Adrenaline seekers. |



How to get better at longboarding: Tips and tricks
- Engage in regular practice sessions: Dedicate time each day or week to practice longboarding. Consistent repetition is crucial for building muscle memory and enhancing your overall balance and agility on the board.
- Focus on the fundamentals:Ensure you have a solid grasp of basic longboarding techniques such as pushing, carving, and braking with your foot. Perfect these fundamentals by practicing in a variety of conditions and terrains.
- Watch and learn: Utilize online resources like tutorial videos and longboarding forums. Observing others can provide valuable insights and inspire you to try new maneuvers and techniques.
- Connect with the longboarding community: Join local longboarding groups or events to meet and learn from more experienced riders. This can be a great way to pick up tips and tricks firsthand.
- Incorporate strength and balance training: Off-board exercises that strengthen your core and improve your balance can significantly enhance your longboarding skills. Consider yoga, pilates, or balance board exercises as part of your routine.
- Experiment with different boards and setups: Different longboards offer varied experiences. Experimenting with various board types, wheel sizes, and trucks can help you understand what best suits your style and improves your performance.
- Set personal goals and challenges: Motivate yourself by setting specific goals or challenges, like mastering a new trick or improving your speed. Breaking down your longboarding journey into achievable milestones can keep you focused and excited about your progress.
Benefits of longboarding as a hobby
Longboarding as a hobby not only ramps up your physical fitness but also boosts your mental well-being, offering a unique blend of adventure and self-expression. Here’s how it enriches your life:
- Improves physical health: You’ll see significant enhancements in your balance and coordination, crucial for mastering longboarding tricks and maneuvers. This activity also serves as a dynamic cardiovascular workout, keeping your heart healthy and your body agile.
- Enhances mental well-being: It’s a proven stress-buster, offering relaxation and a sense of freedom. The focus required helps clear your mind, fostering a peaceful mental state.
- Promotes social connections: Longboarding isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a social activity that connects you with a community of enthusiasts. Whether through local meetups or online forums, you’ll find companionship and support.
How to get started with longboarding step by step
Your longboarding route starts with selecting the right board tailored to your intended style, be it cruising through city streets or racing down hills.
Before you step onto a longboard, take some time to research the basics. Look up information on different types of longboards, safety gear you’ll need, and basic techniques for beginners. Understanding the fundamentals will help you feel more confident when you start practicing.
As a beginner, it’s essential to find support from experienced longboarders. Join online forums or local longboarding groups to connect with others who can offer guidance and tips. Having a supportive community can make your learning process more enjoyable and safer.
When you’re ready to take your first steps on a longboard, start in a flat, open area with smooth pavement. Practice pushing off, balancing, and stopping before you attempt any tricks or advanced maneuvers. Remember, progress takes time, so be patient with yourself as you learn.
Here are three essential steps to get you rolling:
- Choose your longboard: Start by selecting a longboard that fits your needs. For beginners, a longer and wider deck provides more stability. Look for a board with good reviews and suitable for your riding style, whether it’s cruising, carving, or downhill.
- Get the right safety gear: Safety first! Make sure you have a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These are essential to protect yourself from falls and injuries as you learn.
- Learn basic stance and pushing: Practice standing on your board in a stationary position to find your balance. Place one foot near the front of the board and use the other foot to push off the ground. Start slow and gradually increase your speed.
- Practice turning and stopping: Learn how to turn by leaning your body in the direction you want to go. Practice stopping by dragging your back foot on the ground or using a foot brake if your board has one. Mastering these basics will help you stay in control.
- Find a safe practice area: Choose a flat, smooth surface like an empty parking lot or a quiet park path to practice. Avoid crowded or uneven areas. As you gain confidence, you can explore more challenging terrains.
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What do you need to buy to get started with longboarding
To kick off your longboarding adventure, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment and gear tailored to your specific riding style and goals. Selecting a longboard deck and protective gear that matches your riding style is crucial. Here’s what you should consider buying:
- Longboard deck: Choose a deck based on your preferred riding style, such as cruising, downhill, or freestyle. Materials like maple or bamboo offer durability and flexibility, with prices varying from affordable to premium.
- Protective gear: Safety first! Ensure you have a quality helmet, knee and elbow pads, slide gloves, and proper footwear. This gear is essential to protect yourself during rides.
- Longboard tools: Maintenance is key. A longboard tool will help you adjust your setup and keep your board in top condition.
- Bearing lubricant: Keep your bearings in top condition for better performance.
- Longboard backpack: Convenient for carrying your board around.
On a limited budget? If your funds are tight, but you’re eager to start longboarding, consider these budget-friendly strategies:
- Buy second-hand: Look for gently used longboards and gear. Many longboarders upgrade their equipment and sell their old gear at a discount.
- Prioritize safety: If you can’t afford a full set of new protective gear, focus on getting a high-quality helmet first. Safety should always come first.
- Invest in knowledge: Purchase a highly-rated e-book on Amazon about longboarding. It’s an inexpensive way to learn techniques, maintenance tips, and safety advice to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.
The basics of longboarding

Here are the core principles to get you started:
- Equipment:
- Board: Longer and wider than typical skateboards.
- Wheels: Larger and softer for smoother rides.
- Trucks: Wider and more flexible for better turning.
- Stance:
- Regular: Left foot forward.
- Goofy: Right foot forward.
- Maintain a low center of gravity by bending your knees.
- Pushing:
- Use your back foot to push off the ground while keeping your front foot on the board.
- Balance is key.
- Turning:
- Lean towards the direction you want to turn.
- Use your body weight to maneuver the board.
- Braking:
- Foot braking: Drag your back foot on the ground lightly.
- Carving: Make wide turns to reduce speed.
- Sliding: Advanced technique where you slide the board sideways.
- Safety:
- Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
- Be aware of your surroundings and ride within your skill level.
Common challenges and solutions
You’ll likely encounter a few common challenges, but there are practical solutions to help you overcome them.
Challenge | Solution |
---|---|
Feeling judged | Find a welcoming community |
Intimidation by human connection | Embrace growth from meetups |
Judgments on skills | Remember judgments reflect others’ perceptions |
Myths about equipment | Understand gear facts, like wheel size impacts speed more than bearings |
Did you know that?
Exploring the depths of longboarding reveals it as more than a mere pastime; it’s an expedition filled with unique discoveries and avenues for individual development. Here are three captivating insights:
- Peter Connolly from the UK broke the record for the fastest speed on a skateboard while standing, reaching 91.17 mph (146.73 km/h) in Quebec, Canada, on 16 September 2017.
- The “drop-through” deck design is a unique feature in longboards that allows for a lower center of gravity, providing stability and ease of pushing.
- Longboard dancing has captivated a small but devoted and enthusiastic group. This freestyle form of longboarding combines technical board maneuvers with dance elements to create choreographed routines set to music while riding a longboard.
Experience longboarding locally: Courses, events to learn, gift vouchers
It’s time to discover how you can engage with this exciting sport locally through courses, events, and even gift vouchers. Here are three ways to immerse yourself in the local longboarding scene:
- Courses: Local longboarding courses offer structured lessons to help beginners learn essential skills, making it easier to get started on the right foot.
- Events: Joining events organized by local communities allows you to meet experienced riders, learn new techniques, and feel a sense of belonging within the community.
- Gift vouchers: Considering gift vouchers for longboarding experiences can be a unique present for friends or family interested in exploring this sport, providing them an entry point to the community and the sport itself.
Mastering balance techniques
Mastering balance techniques is essential for any longboarder looking to enhance their ride and tackle more advanced maneuvers confidently. Here’s how you can improve your balancing skills:
- Start on a slat surface: Begin practicing on a flat, smooth surface to get comfortable with standing and balancing on the board.
- Use a proper stance: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight centered over the board. Your front foot should be angled around 45 degrees, and your back foot should be perpendicular to the deck.
- Engage your core: Maintain a strong core to help stabilize your body. This will improve your overall balance and control.
- Look ahead: Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not on your feet. This helps maintain balance and anticipate changes in terrain.
- Practice shifting weight: Move your weight from your heels to your toes and from one foot to the other. This will help you learn how to control the board while moving.
- Use your arms: Extend your arms out to help with balance. This provides additional stability and can help you regain balance if you start to wobble.
- Learn to carve: Practice carving by making smooth, controlled turns. This involves leaning into turns and shifting your weight appropriately.
- Ride with friends: Riding with more experienced friends can provide tips, encouragement, and immediate feedback.
- Be patient and persistent: Balance takes time to develop. Keep practicing regularly, and don’t get discouraged by falls or setbacks.
Be smart: Take longboarding to the next level
To elevate your longboarding passion, consider modern learning opportunities.
- Engage with audiobooks: Whether it’s improving your knowledge on topics related to longboarding or exploring entirely new subjects, this method allows you to absorb new information.
- Enroll in online courses: Take advantage of affordable online courses from websites to advance your skills or learn about related areas such as sports science, photography, or even entrepreneurship to turn your hobby into a business.
- Read top-rated e-books: Invest time in reading the best-rated e-books about longboarding available on Amazon. This is a smart and economical way to access expert advice, learn new tricks, and understand the deeper culture of longboarding.
Reinvent longboarding: unconventional, innovative and creative ways
These creative approaches will help you look at longboarding in a different light, making your experience even more rewarding.
- Charity races: Organize or participate in longboarding races that raise money for charitable causes, combining the thrill of competition with philanthropy.
- Personal challenges: Set personal goals such as mastering new tricks, completing long-distance rides, or achieving a specific fitness milestone related to longboarding.
- Costume rides: Organize themed costume rides where participants dress up according to a specific theme, adding a playful element to your outings.
- Street art tours: Explore urban street art scenes while cruising on your longboard, discovering hidden murals and graffiti around the city.
- Board designs: Experiment with custom artistic designs on your longboard to make it a unique expression of your personality.
Longboarding online communities, social media groups and top niche sites
As a longboarder, online communities and social media groups can enhance your experience, connecting you with fellow enthusiasts and top-notch resources worldwide.
- Reddit’s r/longboarding: Forums where you can delve into discussions on tricks, tips, and personal longboarding stories.
- Facebook, Instagram, and X groups: Social media communities that showcase longboarding lifestyles, including rides, gear, and events around the globe.
Hobbies you may also like
If you’re captivated by the thrills of longboarding, you might also find enjoyment in these similar hobbies that offer adventure and a sense of community.
- Skateboarding: Skateboarding is the cousin of longboarding. It’s all about tricks and stunts on a shorter board. You can ride ramps, grind rails, and kickflip your way through the streets.
- Surfing: Surfing is like longboarding on water. You catch waves and ride them to shore, using balance and skill to stay upright. It’s exhilarating to feel the power of the ocean beneath you.
- Snowboarding: Snowboarding is longboarding on snow. You glide down snowy slopes, carving turns and feeling the wind in your face. It requires balance and courage to tackle different terrains.
- Off-road biking: Off-road biking takes you on rough trails and dirt paths. It’s a thrilling adventure, navigating through rocks, mud, and uneven ground. You need strength and stamina to keep going.
- Rollerblading: Rollerblading is like longboarding on wheels strapped to your feet. You can skate smoothly on paved paths, perform spins, and jumps. It’s a fun way to cruise around and stay fit.
- BMX biking: BMX biking involves performing stunts and racing on specialized bikes. You can ride dirt tracks, urban settings, or skate parks. It’s all about agility, speed, and mastering tricks.
Transform your leisure time with exciting discoveries from our extensive list of hobbies.
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How to monetize longboarding hobby?
Turning your longboarding hobby into a profitable venture can open up exciting opportunities for financial gain and personal growth. Here’s how you can start:
- Participate in longboarding competitions and events to earn prize money or attract sponsorships. Excelling in these arenas can also increase your visibility and credibility within the longboarding community.
- Create and sell longboarding-related merchandise, such as apparel, accessories, or even custom-designed longboards. This can become a significant revenue stream if your designs connect with the longboarding culture.
- Offer longboarding lessons or coaching services to beginners or those looking to improve their skills. Utilize social media platforms to market your services, showcase your longboarding expertise, and build a client base.
Final thoughts
This hobby isn’t only considered a form of transportation, but also as a unique way to express oneself and stay active, proving to be easier for beginners to pick up compared to surfing or snowboarding.
As you progress, continue to experiment with new moves and routes, but always prioritize your safety. Start slow, respect others, and gradually challenge yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to get into longboarding?
Getting into longboarding can be relatively easy for most people. It typically requires some balance and coordination, but with practice, beginners can get the hang of it fairly quickly. The learning curve isn’t too steep, and many find it enjoyable from the start.
Is longboarding as fast as biking?
Longboarding can be as fast as biking, but it largely depends on the terrain and the rider’s skill level. On flat surfaces, bikes generally have the advantage due to their gears and larger wheels. However, on downhill slopes, experienced longboarders can reach impressive speeds that can rival or even surpass those of bicycles.
Can you do tricks on a longboard?
Yes, you can do tricks on a longboard, although they are generally different from those performed on a skateboard. Longboards are typically used for cruising, carving, and downhill racing, but there are also freestyle longboards designed for tricks like sliding, dancing, and even some aerial maneuvers.
Should I start with a longboard or skateboard?
Whether to start with a longboard or a skateboard depends on your interests and goals. If you are more interested in cruising and commuting, a longboard might be a better choice due to its stability and ease of use. If you are keen on performing tricks and spending time at skate parks, a skateboard would be more suitable due to its smaller size and maneuverability.