Skateboards vs Longboards

The history of skateboarding starts back in the early 1950's when the surfers of California wanted to find a way to transfer the feeling of riding the waves from the water onto the land. Using shorter surf boards and attaching metal wheels to the bottom, the skateboard was born. Since then skateboards have changed into the much loved boards that we all see and use today. As the boards have developed, so has the love for the sport that is now enjoyed all around the world.

Just like the skateboard, longboards are dated back to the early 1950's. The surfers of Hawaii made their own modifications to skateboards, making their own version, the longboard. These versions consisted of a longer deck and larger wheels, to help better mimic the motion of the waves and the balance required to ride those waves. The longboard wasn't perfected until the 1990's. Both skateboards and longboards helped to provide an alternative when it came to days when the ocean was too flat or too choppy to go out surfing.

When it comes to skateboards vs longboards there are three key differences between the two; shape and size, deck flexibility and lastly trucks and wheels. These key differences may be what helps you decide on whether you're a skateboarder or a longboarder. 

Crusier Boards by Gold Coast Longboards - skateboards for beginners

Skateboards

Shape and size

The skateboards shape and size differs from the longboard in a couple ways. First, skateboards are typically around 36 inches long. Secondly, the nose and tip of the skateboard's base are curved. This allows for easier landings of tricks and flips. 

Deck flexibility (base flexibility)

If you're looking for a board that's going to allow you to do tricks and flips, you're going to want to have a board with a thinner base and with flex in it. Flex is referring to the boards stiffness. A skateboard will typically have a thinner base with some flex level to it.

Trucks and wheels

Trucks refer to the part that attaches the wheels to the base of the board. Trucks are more rigid and narrow which allows for easier trick landings and grinding along rails and bowls. The trucks are also the same size as the maximum width of the skateboards deck. Skateboards have smaller and harder wheels to make it easier to shred rails, ledges, and gaps.

Longboards

Shape and size 

Longboards, as you can guess, have a longer deck than a skateboard. A typical longboard is about 59 inches but some long boards come in shorter sizes and can get as short as 28 inches. If the size of the board is throwing you off, a longboards most prominent feature is how flat the nose and tip are.

Deck flexibility (base flexibility)

Longboards are designed with speed in mind. Longboard bases are typically thicker and have less flex to help create a sturdy base to balance on when gaining speed down hills and cruising around.

Trucks and wheels

To ensure for a smooth ride, longboards have a more flexible truck. The truck on a longboard is also typically wider. Longboard wheels are large and soft in comparison to skateboards. If you plan to just cruise on your board, the softer the wheel, the smoother and more coordinated ride.