Selecting a longboard shape that matches your style
Since the first surfers attached roller skate plates to wooden boards, longboarding has been about replicating the excitement of wave riding when the sea was too rough. "Sidewalk surfing" has persisted from those early days and evolved into various riding styles, each employing different deck designs for optimal performance. Let's guide you through some of these styles and the riding they suit best. This should assist you in selecting the right longboard for yourself.
The Pintail
The traditional shape of this deck is iconic and also one of the easiest to ride. If you're new to longboarding, this style is a great choice due to its typically wide axle distance, providing a very stable ride. Ideal for cruising around town and gentle carving, there are other variations of this classic shape, including a fishtail and a rounded tail for subtle tricks.
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Drop-through deck
Drop-through decks are a popular choice thanks to their design, which includes cutouts at the nose and tail for truck mounting, allowing for a much lower centre of gravity and unparalleled stability. These decks are perfect for cruising around town and downhill riding, as the shape is designed to gain speed quickly, which may not be suitable for beginners. Additionally, there are drop-down boards that offer the same stability, but the middle section of the deck is lower than the trucks. There are also double drop boards, combining both styles to create an incredibly fast and stable setup, ideal for downhill skating.
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Santa Cruz Mandala Hand Drop Thru Complete Cruiser Skateboard |
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Cruiser
Cruiser boards come in all shapes and sizes, from 22” Penny Cruisers to 32” pool decks. Most cruisers are perfect for getting into freestyle cruising and carving while remaining more portable than longer boards. Many cruisers feature a kick tail for better control during sharp turns and tricks.
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Dancer or Free-ride Boards
Longboard dancing originates from surfing, allowing riders to move their steps and body weight fluidly across the entire board. These boards are typically over 40” with a nose and tail kick tail for tricks. Longboard competitions have been gaining momentum, constantly pushing the boundaries for achieving more technical tricks, usually more common in skateboarding.
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Downhill Top Mount
Descending steep slopes on these boards is not for the timid; it's common to reach speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour, and falling off is not unusual, so we don't recommend this style for beginners. Top mount decks are usually stiffer to handle quick turns and slides around sharp corners better. The decks have flared edges and concaves to provide the best foot grip and board feel possible.
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Many companies are expanding their range of shapes to offer 'Hybrid' boards, which are versatile and can accommodate multiple riding styles, so you’re not limited to just one. Whatever your style, here at SkateHut, we have you covered. If you need more help, feel free to chat with our customer service experts. Explore our full range of longboards here
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