How to Choose a Longboard Construction Type
Maple
Maple is the most common skateboard material. Maple is very durable and reliable. The maple construction creates for a very solid, thick set up that will last an extremely long time, even through the hardest of skateboarding.
Bamboo
Bamboo skateboards are becoming more and more popular. The bamboo material offers more flex than that of maple. This material is perfect for cruising and carving the streets because it lightweight and has lots of flex. Much thinner than a maple deck, a bamboo board is great for transportation.
View our collection of Bamboo Longboard Skateboards
Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber is the most expensive material for a longboard skateboard. With a foam core to lighten the weight, carbon fiber boards are designed to help you push off the start line faster and move effortlessly around turns and slides. More often than not you will see experienced riders using carbon fiber skateboards.
Types of Longboard Skateboards
Cruise/Commute/Carve
Majority of people use a longboard as a means of transportation around town, making cruising and carving the streets the most popular form of longboarding today. Longboards tend to make carving streets much easier, because they provide a rider with greater weight distribution on the skateboard deck. This form of riding is focused more on getting from point A to point B, rather than speed.
View our collection of Cruiser Longboard Skateboards
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Freeriding/Sliding
Freeriding keeps the rider going slower than that of downhill riding. Freeriding skateboards are set up to allow you to turn and slide easily. Most freeriding boards are shaped the same at the front and the back (nose and tail of the board) so that a rider can easily switch from riding forwards to backwards down an incline.
View our collection of Freeriding / Slide Longboard Skateboards
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Downhill
Downhill racing is not for beginners. You can reach extremely high speeds when boarding, and wipeouts are "the normal." Downhill skateboards tend to be flat and have long wheel bases to provide for greater stability. When selecting a downhill board, it is important to choose a deck that is stable at high speeds and doesn't offer a lot of flex. As a reminder, it is vital that you wear protective gear when doing downhill racing. Not just a skateboard helmet, but protective skateboard pads as well.
View our collection of Downhill Longboard Skateboards
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Slalom
Slalom skateboards are most commonly used for carving through cones or race courses. If you enjoy speed and precision, then slalom skateboarding is for you. Slalom skateboards are used almost exclusively for competitive skateboarding, but can certainly be used for fun as well.
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Long Distance
Long distance boards tend to be nimble, streamlined and very light weight. They are used to gain pushing power while keeping you in control. Long distance longboards typically have an extra low height dropped deck to help go greater distances. Similar in shape to the slalom board; however, sometimes slightly longer.
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Boardwalking
Boardwalking is a popular freestyle skating, where a rider can do tricks and maneuver well on the skateboard deck. These longboards are typically between 40" and 60" in length and have a concaved center with a kick tail or nose.