Imagine gliding down a sunny street, the wind in your hair, feeling totally free. That’s the magic of longboarding! It looks so cool, and you might be itching to try it yourself. But then you look at all the different longboards out there, and it feels like trying to choose a favorite star in the sky – overwhelming, right?
Picking your very first longboard can be tough. There are so many shapes, sizes, and brands! It’s easy to feel lost and worry about picking the wrong one. You want a board that’s easy to learn on, stable, and fun to ride, but how do you know which one that is? This guide is here to help you cut through all the confusion.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the basics of what makes a good beginner longboard. We’ll break down the different types and what they’re good for, so you can feel confident choosing a board that fits you perfectly. Get ready to ditch the confusion and get ready to roll!
Our Top 5 Longboards For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboards For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. New Olym Longboard Skateboard 41 Inch 8 Layer Canadian Maple Drop Through Longboards for Youths Beginners. Summer Flowers
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking for a cool new way to cruise around? The New Olym Longboard Skateboard, with its vibrant “Summer Flowers” design, is here to help! This 41-inch longboard is built with 8 layers of strong Canadian maple wood, making it tough and ready for adventure. It’s perfect for anyone, from kids just starting out to experienced skaters who want to try some tricks.
What We Like:
- It’s great for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
- The strong 8-layer Canadian maple deck can hold up to 660 lbs, so it’s super sturdy.
- The smooth-riding PU wheels and soft bushings make every trip feel awesome.
- It comes with a handy T-tool to fix or tighten your board anytime.
- The low drop-through deck helps you stay balanced and makes pushing easier.
- It arrives fully assembled, so you can start skating right away.
- The “Summer Flowers” design is really eye-catching and fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, advanced riders might want even more specialized features for extreme tricks.
- The soft bushings are great for smooth rides, but might feel a bit too wobbly for some who prefer a stiffer board.
This New Olym longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a reliable and fun skateboard. Grab yours and hit the pavement!
2. 31 Inch Small Longboard Carving Cruising Skateboard for Kids Teens Adults (Pink)
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to cruise in style with the 31 Inch Small Longboard Carving Cruising Skateboard in a vibrant pink! This board is designed for fun and learning, whether you’re a kid just starting out or an adult looking for a smooth ride. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, perfect for cruising around the neighborhood or hitting the skate park.
What We Like:
- Solid Construction: The 7-layer maple wood deck and 5-inch aluminum alloy trucks offer strong and dependable support. This board can hold up to 300 pounds.
- Stable and Easy to Ride: Wide 60mm PU wheels provide excellent grip and keep you stable. This makes it super easy for beginners to control and ride safely.
- Built to Last: Made with high-quality materials, this skateboard is sturdy and durable. It can handle different riding adventures and will be a trusty companion for years.
- Perfect for Beginners: This mini cruiser longboard is simple to control, making it an ideal first skateboard. It helps kids quickly learn the basics of skateboarding.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: While the pink is fun, more color choices would be great for different preferences.
- Deck Graphics: The graphics on the deck could be more detailed or varied for a more exciting look.
This pink longboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, reliable, and beginner-friendly skateboard. It offers a fantastic way to get active and enjoy the outdoors.
3. Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard – 44″ x 9″
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to cruise in style with the Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard! This 44-inch board is designed for fun and adventure, bringing the laid-back vibes of Southern California right to your feet. Whether you’re commuting to school, carving down hills, or just enjoying a sunny day, this longboard is built to handle it all.
What We Like:
- Inspired by California surf culture, this board has a cool, natural look.
- The 44-inch length with kicktails makes it super versatile for different riding styles, perfect for teens and adults.
- Big 70mm, 78A wheels are soft and grippy, making your ride smooth even on bumpy roads.
- The deck is made from strong bamboo and maple, and the sand grit finish gives you good grip.
- Gravity cast aluminum trucks and SHR bushings add extra strength and make for a better cruising experience.
- It’s a fun alternative to bikes or roller skates and can even be used for land SUP paddling!
- Magneto offers great customer service and answers messages quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for cruising and carving, it might not be the best choice for serious downhill racing due to its size and wheel softness.
- The natural bamboo design, while beautiful, might show wear and tear more easily than a fully covered deck if you’re doing aggressive tricks.
This Magneto longboard is an awesome choice for anyone looking for a fun, versatile, and stylish way to get around. Grab yours and start exploring!
4. Retrospec Zed Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser
Rating: 9.4/10
The Retrospec Zed Longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to hit the streets. It’s built for fun and adventure, whether you’re just starting out or have been skating for a while. This longboard offers a smooth ride and a classic look that makes cruising a joy.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough with strong Canadian maple and flexible bamboo. This makes it last a long time.
- The ride is super smooth thanks to good bearings and soft wheels. It makes commuting and carving easy.
- You won’t get “wheel bite” because of the special design. The wheels grip the road well, so you can ride without worry.
- It comes ready to ride right out of the box. This makes it perfect for beginners.
- The classic surfboard shape and special trucks let you carve the streets like you’re riding a wave. It looks cool too!
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for cruising and carving, it might not be the best choice for very steep downhill rides.
- Some advanced skaters might prefer trucks that can be adjusted more for their specific style.
Overall, the Retrospec Zed Longboard is a well-made and fun board for everyday riding. It’s a great way to explore your town and enjoy the outdoors.
5. VOLADOR Urban Freeride Pro Longboard Cruiser 40inch
Rating: 8.8/10
The VOLADOR Urban Freeride Pro Longboard Cruiser 40inch is your ultimate companion for both getting around town and having some fun. This board is built for riders of all levels, from beginners to those looking to master new tricks. Its cool design and smooth ride make it a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to cruise.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile! You can use it for school, work, or just cruising around the park.
- The drop-through design makes it really stable, and the big, soft wheels make riding on bumpy sidewalks feel smooth.
- It’s easy to control, perfect for beginners, and can hold over 220 pounds.
- The grip tape keeps your feet in place, and the wheels won’t get stuck.
- It’s made with strong Canadian maple wood and tough parts that won’t rust.
- The cool graphics look awesome and will definitely turn heads.
- It’s a complete package, so you get everything you need right away.
- It’s a great value for the quality you get.
What Could Be Improved:
- The adjustable trucks are great, but sometimes finding the perfect setting can take a little practice.
- While the wheels are great for cruising, they might be a bit soft for some advanced sliding techniques.
This longboard offers a fantastic blend of performance and style without breaking the bank. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and fun way to get around.
Choosing Your First Longboard: A Beginner’s Guide
Ready to cruise down the street or catch a gentle downhill slope? A longboard is your ticket to fun and freedom! Picking your first longboard might seem tricky with so many options. This guide will help you find the perfect ride.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re starting out, focus on a few important things.
1. Deck Shape
- Pintail: This is a classic shape. It looks like a surfboard with a pointed tail. Pintails are great for carving smooth turns and cruising. They offer a stable ride.
- Cruiser: These are often shorter and wider. They are easy to carry and maneuver. Cruisers are good for getting around town.
- Twin-Tip (Symmetrical): Both ends of the board look the same. This makes it easy to switch your stance without thinking. They are good for learning tricks or riding switch (backwards).
2. Deck Size
- Length: Most beginner longboards are between 35 and 45 inches long. Longer boards are more stable. Shorter boards are easier to turn.
- Width: Look for a board that is 9 to 10 inches wide. This gives your feet plenty of room and helps with balance.
3. Flex
- Stiff: Stiff boards don’t bend much. They offer more control at higher speeds. They are good for downhill riding.
- Medium Flex: These boards bend a little. They absorb vibrations from the road, making your ride smoother. They are a good all-around choice for beginners.
- Soft Flex: Soft boards bend a lot. They are very comfortable and great for cruising. They can feel a bit wobbly for beginners at faster speeds.
Important Materials
The materials used in your longboard affect its strength and feel.
- Maple Wood: This is the most common material. It’s strong, durable, and gives a good feel for the road. Most beginner boards use 7-ply maple.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is lighter than maple and has a natural flex. Boards made with bamboo can be very springy and fun to ride.
- Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber: These are sometimes added to maple or bamboo decks. They make the board stronger and lighter. They can also add a unique flex.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means a better and safer experience.
- Trucks: These are the metal parts that hold the wheels. Look for trucks made of strong aluminum. They should turn smoothly. Good trucks make your board easy to steer.
- Wheels: Softer wheels (around 78a durometer) absorb bumps better. They give a smoother ride and more grip. Larger wheels roll over cracks and pebbles easier.
- Bearings: These are small rings inside the wheels that help them spin. ABEC ratings (like ABEC-5 or ABEC-7) tell you how precise they are. Good bearings make your board roll faster and longer.
- Grip Tape: This is the sandpaper-like material on top of the deck. It gives your feet traction. Good grip tape keeps you from slipping.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you want to use your longboard.
- Cruising: If you want to ride around your neighborhood, go to the park, or just enjoy a relaxed ride, a pintail or cruiser shape with medium flex is perfect.
- Carving: This means making smooth, S-shaped turns. Pintail and some twin-tip boards are great for carving. They let you feel connected to the road.
- Commuting: If you plan to use your longboard to get to school or work, a stable and comfortable board is key. A longer, stiffer board might be better for keeping speed.
- Downhill (Gentle): For small hills, a stiffer, longer board with good trucks and wheels will give you the control you need.
Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
Q: What is the best longboard shape for a total beginner?
A: A pintail or a cruiser shape is usually best for beginners. They are stable and easy to ride.
Q: How long should my first longboard be?
A: Most beginners do well with boards between 35 and 45 inches long. Longer boards offer more stability.
Q: What is “flex” on a longboard?
A: Flex is how much the board bends. Stiff boards bend less, medium flex boards bend a little, and soft flex boards bend a lot. Medium flex is good for most beginners.
Q: Are bamboo longboards better than maple?
A: Bamboo boards are lighter and often have more flex, which can feel springy. Maple boards are strong and durable. Both are good choices.
Q: How important are the trucks on a longboard?
A: Trucks are very important! They connect the wheels to the deck and allow you to steer. Strong, smooth-turning trucks make a big difference.
Q: Should I buy a longboard with big or small wheels?
A: Larger wheels are better for beginners because they roll over bumps and cracks more easily. They also help you keep momentum.
Q: What does “durometer” mean for wheels?
A: Durometer is a measure of how hard or soft a wheel is. Softer wheels (like 78a) give a smoother ride and more grip, which is good for beginners.
Q: Do I need special shoes for longboarding?
A: You don’t need special shoes, but flat-soled shoes like sneakers are best. They give you good grip on the board.
Q: How do I stand on a longboard?
A: Place your front foot over the front truck bolts and your back foot near the tail. Keep your knees bent for balance.
Q: What safety gear should I wear?
A: Always wear a helmet! Elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards are also highly recommended, especially when you are learning.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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