As a skateboarder, longboards are harder to ride than skateboards because they can be more complicated. However, there are certain benefits to riding a longboard that can make it worth the effort.
The most significant difference between skateboarding and longboarding is the size of the boards. Skateboards are typically 28-32 inches long, while longboards range from 33 to 60 inches long. This makes them much harder to carry around, so longboarders often use a leash to strap their board to their leg while walking.
Let’s look at key differences between a longboard and vs. skateboard to help you decide which is correct.
Longboard vs. Skateboard (Main Comparison)
| Key Points | Longboard | Skateboard |
| Size | Generally longer and wider | Shorter and narrower |
| Deck | Usually flat or has a slight concave | Typically has a pronounced concave shape |
| Purpose | Primarily used for cruising, downhill riding, and long-distance commuting | Designed for tricks, street skating, and park riding |
| Stability | Offers more stability due to its longer wheelbase and wider deck | Offers less stability due to its shorter wheelbase and narrower deck |
| Speed | Ideal for achieving higher speeds due to its larger wheels and longer deck | More suitable for quick maneuvers and tricks due to its smaller wheels and shorter deck |
| Maneuverability | Less agile and maneuverable compared to a skateboard | Highly agile and maneuverable, allowing for quick turns and tricks |
| Riding Experience | Provides a smoother and more relaxed ride | Offers a more technical and challenging riding experience |
| Terrain | Suitable for various surfaces, including rough roads and downhill slopes | Thrives on smooth surfaces like skate parks and streets |
| Recommended for | Beginners, commuters, and riders focused on cruising | Skaters interested in tricks, ramps, and street-style riding |
Skateboarding and longboarding are two popular types of boarding that people enjoy. While they may be similar in some ways, there are also significant differences between the two activities.
For one, skateboarding originated as a way to ride surfboards on land. On the other hand, longboarding was created specifically for riding on pavement. This means that skateboards are typically smaller and more maneuverable than longboards.
Trucks
Longboard trucks are also taller, which makes pushing them more accessible and helps prevent wheel bite (when the wheels touch the board deck, causing it to stop abruptly).
Skateboards also have narrower trucks than longboards, which makes them more unstable at high speeds.
Performing Tricks
Skateboarding is also generally considered to be more difficult than longboarding. This is because skateboards require more balance and coordination, and the rider must be able to perform tricks. On the other hand, longboarding is more about cruising and enjoying the ride.
Gears
Finally, another critical difference between skateboarding and longboarding is the equipment required. Skateboards need special shoes with grip tape to perform tricks. On the other hand, longboards can be ridden with any shoe.
So, while skateboarding and longboarding may appear similar at first glance, there are a few differences between skateboarding and longboarding. It’s essential to remember these before choosing which activity is suitable for you.
Is It More Difficult To Do Tricks On a Longboard Or A Skateboard?
The difficulty of the trick depends on the type. For example, Ollies are more challenging on a longboard because they’re heavier and have different shapes. Skateboards have a nose and tail that curve upwards, which provides more leverage to press down and pop the board into the air.
Although certain longboards have a kick tail, they lack a nose and tail, making them nearly impossible to pop. This also restricts the types of skateboard tricks that can be done on them.
Longboards are better for cruising, going downhill, and transportation than skateboards. Skateboards are more nimble than longboards and can be used for doing technical tricks.
The Surprising Similarities Between Skateboards & Longboards
Both skateboarding and longboarding have their subcultures, music, and apparel– to some, it’s even a lifestyle. And what’s more, they’re great ways to make new friends that can last a lifetime. I should know that many of my closest friends today are ones I made while skateboarding as a kid.
Longboarders and skateboarders share a love for boarding – whether skating or longboarding. Both activities have unique challenges, but at the end of the day, we all want to cruise around and have some fun. And that’s the beauty of it. Something about gliding down the street can’t be beaten on a skateboard or longboard.
Regular Skateboards and Styles
There are a variety of different skateboards, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. For example, longboards are perfect for cruising around town or going on long excursions. Then there are shortboards designed for doing tricks and navigating tight spaces. And finally, some cruisers fall between longboards and shortboards in size and functionality.
So, which one should you choose? It depends on what you want to use it for. A cruiser might suit you if you want to cruise around town or go on the occasional longboard ride. But a shortboard is your best bet if you want to do tricks or navigate tight spaces.
Of course, there are also a variety of different styles of skateboarding. For example, street skating is about doing tricks and grinding on ledges.
Then there’s vert skating, focused on going big and doing tricks in the half-pipe or quarter-pipe. And finally, there’s freestyle skating which is a more creative form of skating that involves doing a variety of different schemes.
So, which style should you choose? Again, it depends on what you want to use it for. If you want to cruise around town, street or freestyle skating might be right. But vert skating is your best bet if you want to go big and do some serious tricks.Skateboard Styles
The two main types of skateboards are regular skateboards and longboards. Regular skateboards are usually between 28 and 32 inches long, while longboards can be up to 60 inches long. Longboards are generally wider than regular skateboards, making them more stable.
Longboard Styles
Longboarding is a great way to cruise around town or go on long excursions. But just like skateboarding, there are various styles of longboarding. For example, there’s downhill longboarding, about going fast and bombing hills.
Then there’s freestyle longboarding, focused on doing tricks and flowing down the street. And finally, there’s cruiser longboarding, which is between downhill and freestyle in terms of speed and functionality.
Size
Skateboards are typically shorter than longboards, which gives them more maneuverability. They are, therefore, perfect for tricks and navigating confined places. On the other hand, longboards are much longer and often have more expansive decks. They become more stable, making them more suitable for travel and cruising.
Wheels
The wheels are another significant distinction. Smaller, more rigid skateboard wheels are better for performing tricks and moving quickly. More extensive and softer longboard wheels make them better for cruising and covering vast distances.
Finally, a skateboard’s trucks is likewise narrower than a longboard. The skateboard is more maneuverable but may be harder to handle at high speeds.
Expert’s Opinion About Longboard and Skateboard
If you’ve been skateboarding for a while and are thinking about switching to longboarding, or vice versa, then there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable with the change. If you’re not satisfied, then it’s probably not worth it. Also, remember that getting used to the new setup might take some time.
You must adjust your riding style if switching from longboarding to skateboarding. Skateboards are more maneuverable than longboards, so your movements must be more precise. You’ll also need to learn how to jump on a skateboard, which can be difficult if you’re used to the stability of a longboard.
If you’re switching from skateboarding to longboarding, you’ll need to get used to a longboard’s larger and slower speed. You might also find it difficult to do tricks on a longboard at first, but with practice, you can master them.
Adjusting to any new setup takes time, so don’t get discouraged if things seem difficult. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
So, Which is Better? Skateboards or Longboards?
The answer, of course, is that it depends. It just comes down to personal preference. A longboard might be right for you if you want an easy ride with much stability.
Or, if you’re looking for something more challenging with the ability to do tricks, a skateboard is probably your best bet. But at the end of the day, have fun, whichever you choose. That’s what it’s all about.
More FAQs – Skateboard or Longboard
If you’re new to skateboarding, is it better to start with a skateboard or a longboard?
Learning how to ride a longboard is crucial if you’re beginning from scratch. They’re more extensive and stable than skateboards, meaning they’ll be easier for beginners to balance. Switch to a skateboard once you get the hang of it; a smaller board will help improve your balancing skills.
Is a longboard tough to ride?
No, longboards are much easier to ride as compared to skateboards. They’re more significant and more stable, making them perfect for beginners. Once you get the hang of it, you can switch to a skateboard for more maneuverability.
Are longboards faster than skateboards?
No, longboards and skateboards both have the same top speed. The difference is in how they accelerate; longboards take longer to reach their top speed, while skateboards accelerate more quickly. This is because longboards have bigger wheels, which offer more rolling resistance.
Which is more secure, longboarding or skating?
There is no definitive answer, as both skateboards and longboards come with their risks. Nevertheless, longboards are generally more stable than skateboards, making them a better option for novices. Skateboards might be more challenging to manage at high speeds despite being more maneuverable. Learning how to ride safely on either type of board is essential before hitting the streets.
Conclusion
Skateboards are more maneuverable because of their average shorter length and smaller wheels. They are, therefore, perfect for tricks and navigating confined places. Longboards, on the other hand, have more expansive decks and are substantially longer.
As a result, they become more stable and are thus more suited for travel and cruising. Therefore, it depends on your intended board usage and which is best for you!
