There’s a lot more to longboard skateboards than meets the eye. They have different shapes, construction, and features, and they’re designed for different riding styles and abilities. Regardless of whether you are assembling your own setup, or are looking for a brand new longboard skateboards complete model, in this blog post, you will find all the info you need to make the right decision.
Skateboarding and longboarding emerged in the middle of 1950’s when the surf scene exploded. In periods when there were no waves, surfers attached wheels to planks of wood in an attempt to imitate the surfing style on the streets. However, what once was just a raging trend, nowadays is a lifestyle, popularly known as ‘street surfing’.
If you are new to this exciting world of skateboarding, your best bet is to explore the various longboard skateboards complete models. These ready-made pieces are a hassle-free way to spark a life-long passion. But before you buy one, remember – not all longboards are made the same. First, try to find out which style suits you most. Shorter boards with kicktails are probably the most fun to cruise on, while longer boards that have a symmetrical twin shape are best for downhill tricks with acrobatic tendencies. The longest boards you will come across on the market are usually used for boardwalking and dancing and are slightly bent thanks to their soft flex.
Longboard skateboards complete models consist of the same parts as regular skateboards, but they have certain features that have been adjusted or modified to suit the additional length of the longboard and to give you a bit more maneuverability, stability and to absorb a bit more shock. Typically, longboards are made of robust woods, such as birch and maple. They are normally made of 7-10 layers of wood that has been previously glued and pressed together. The press is what shapes the longboard, giving it concave that runs the length of the deck. This concave is actually a dip between the two sides that keeps your heels and toes in position, which in turn gives you more control over your board.
The press is also what gives a longboard either a camber or a rocker profile. In other words, the middle of the board bends either upwards or downwards. Different riding styles require different, shapes, profiles and concaves. There are some manufacturers on the market today who also enhance their boards with some extra materials such as foam, fibreglass or carbon in order to create lighter and more stable boards.