Ever seen someone cruising down the street on a longboard and thought, “Wow, that looks like so much fun!”? Maybe you’ve felt that pull to experience the freedom of gliding along with the wind in your hair. Longboarding is a fantastic way to get outside, get some exercise, and explore your surroundings. It’s a hobby that’s both exciting and accessible for almost anyone.
But when you start looking for your first longboard, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and brands! You might be wondering: What makes a longboard good for beginners? Which one won’t break the bank but will still be fun to ride? It’s easy to get lost in all the jargon and end up feeling confused instead of excited.
Don’t worry, though! This post is here to help you navigate the world of beginner longboards. We’ll break down what you need to know, so you can pick a board that’s perfect for you. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about your choice and ready to hit the pavement. Let’s get started on finding your perfect ride!
Our Top 5 Beginner Longboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Longboard Detailed Reviews
1. Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard – Adult Skate for Commuting & Carving – Smooth 78A Wheels for Cruiser Skateboard – Bamboo Longboard Construction with Maple Core – 44″ x 9″
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to cruise with the Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard! This board brings the chill vibes of California skating right to your feet. Its long design and smooth wheels make it perfect for zipping around town or just enjoying a relaxed ride by the beach. The cool blue color and stylish bamboo look mean you’ll be turning heads wherever you go.
What We Like:
- It’s inspired by California skater culture, giving it a rad, laid-back style.
- The 70mm soft urethane wheels are super smooth, so you can glide over bumps easily.
- It’s versatile and works great for both beginners and experienced riders, teens and adults alike.
- The bamboo and maple deck is strong and looks awesome, with a grippy finish to keep you steady.
- It’s an adventure-ready board, perfect for exploring parks and paths as a fun alternative to other rides.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if protective gear is recommended or included, which is important for safety.
- More details about the weight of the board could be helpful for those who need to carry it around.
This Magneto Kicktail Cruiser is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a fun, stylish, and smooth ride. It’s built for adventure and ready to roll with you!
2. Retrospec Zed Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser
Rating: 8.8/10
The Retrospec Zed Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser is built for fun and adventure. It’s made with strong wood that bends a little, so it feels good when you ride. This board is ready to go right out of the box, making it perfect for anyone who wants to cruise around town or try some cool tricks.
-
What We Like:
- It’s made to last with strong Canadian maple and flexible bamboo.
- Riding is super smooth thanks to good bearings and big wheels.
- You won’t get wheel bite, which means no rubbing when you turn.
- It comes ready to ride, so you can start skating right away.
- The longboard shape and special trucks let you carve and turn easily, like surfing.
-
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s good for beginners, serious downhill riders might want something more specialized.
- The 85A PU wheels are great for grip, but might feel a bit stiff on very rough surfaces.
This longboard offers a fantastic blend of style and performance for everyday riding. It’s a great way to explore your neighborhood or just enjoy a smooth ride.
3. Magneto Bamboo Pintail Longboard Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard with 70mm 78A Wheels – Stable 8-Ply Maple Core Longboard Deck – Skate Tool for On-The-Go Adjustments – 42 in x 9 in
Rating: 9.3/10
The Magneto Hana Pintail Longboard is your ticket to a super chill ride. It’s built for anyone who wants to cruise around and feel the good vibes. Whether you’re a total beginner or have been skating for years, this board makes it easy to glide and enjoy the ride. It looks as good as it rides, too, with a cool bamboo finish and awesome graphics.
What We Like:
- It brings those awesome California chill vibes, perfect for cruising.
- The board looks super sleek with its bamboo finish and cool laser-etched designs.
- Its classic pintail shape with wheel wells means no annoying wheel bite, and the subtle curve keeps your feet comfy.
- The big 70mm wheels are super smooth, making every ride feel like you’re floating.
- It’s ready for any adventure, from hitting the beach to just cruising around town.
- It comes with a skate tool, so you can easily fix it up on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for cruising, it might not be the best for advanced tricks or downhill racing.
- The 8-ply maple core, while strong, might feel a bit stiff to some riders looking for more flex.
This Magneto Hana Pintail is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a fun and stylish way to get around. Grab yours and start cruising!
4. Junli 41 Inch Freeride Skateboard Longboard – Complete Skateboard Cruiser for Cruising
Rating: 9.4/10
The Junli 41 Inch Freeride Skateboard Longboard is your ticket to adventure. This complete cruiser is built for fun, whether you’re cruising the boardwalk, carving down hills, or trying out some cool freestyle tricks. Its “Grey Zone” design looks sharp and is ready to roll right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The 7-inch aluminum trucks are super responsive. They give you great control and keep you stable.
- The deck is made of 8-ply maple. It’s strong enough to hold up to 330 pounds. The brushed black surface stops your feet from slipping.
- The 70mm PU wheels are tough and smooth. They have high-speed ABEC-11 bearings for a fast ride.
- This board is great for downhill, speed, and freestyle. It turns easily, making it good for all ages and skill levels.
- It helps you get stronger, improve your balance, and react faster. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
- It’s lightweight and has shock-absorbing rings for a smooth ride.
- It comes with a handy T-tool for making adjustments.
- Junli offers a 30-day refund if there are any quality problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the deck is strong, some riders might want a slightly wider board for more foot space during advanced tricks.
- The “Grey Zone” design is stylish, but a wider variety of color options could appeal to more people.
This Junli longboard offers a fantastic balance of performance and fun for skaters of all kinds. It’s a well-built board that’s ready for just about anything you can throw at it.
5. Playshion 39 Inch Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Skateboard Cruiser Black
Rating: 9.3/10
The Playshion 39 Inch Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Skateboard Cruiser in Black is a fantastic option for anyone looking to start longboarding. It’s designed for fun and ease of use, making it a great choice for both younger riders and adults just getting their feet wet in the world of cruising. This board is built to offer a stable and enjoyable ride from your very first push.
What We Like:
- The 39-inch deck is a good size for learning and cruising.
- Its eight-ply maple construction makes it strong enough to support up to 250 pounds.
- Big, soft 70x51mm PU wheels roll smoothly over different surfaces.
- ABEC-9 bearings help you glide effortlessly.
- The 7-inch aluminum trucks with soft bushings provide a comfortable and stable ride.
- The drop-through mounting makes the board lower to the ground, which is super helpful for beginners to learn balance.
- It’s easy for both kids and adults to learn on this board.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for beginners, more experienced riders might seek a board with more advanced features.
- The black color is classic, but a wider variety of color options could be appealing to some.
This Playshion longboard offers a great entry point into the world of cruising. It’s a well-built board that makes learning fun and accessible for everyone.
Your First Longboard: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you want to cruise around on a longboard? Awesome! Longboarding is a super fun way to get around, feel the wind, and explore your neighborhood. But with so many options, choosing your first longboard can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry, this guide will help you find the perfect board for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re starting out, focus on these important parts of a longboard:
-
Deck Shape: This is the flat part you stand on. For beginners, a pintail shape is great. It looks like a surfboard and has a wide nose and a narrower tail. This shape helps you turn easily and offers a stable platform. Cruiser shapes are also good. They are shorter and often have a kicktail (a slightly curved-up tail) that lets you pop the board up for tricks or to hop over small obstacles. Avoid boards with very aggressive concaves (dips in the deck) or sharp edges for your first ride.
-
Deck Size: Longboards come in different lengths and widths. For beginners, a board that’s around 36-42 inches long and 9-10 inches wide is a good starting point. This size offers stability and enough space for your feet.
-
Wheel Size and Durometer (Hardness): Wheels make a big difference! You want larger wheels (around 65-75mm). Bigger wheels roll over cracks and bumps more smoothly, giving you a better ride. The durometer tells you how hard the wheels are. For beginners, softer wheels (around 78a-85a) are best. They grip the road well and absorb vibrations, making your ride comfortable and less bumpy.
-
Trucks: These are the metal pieces that connect your wheels to the deck. For longboarding, reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks are common. They allow for deeper, smoother turns, which is perfect for cruising. Make sure they are the right width for your deck.
Important Materials
Longboard decks are usually made from maple wood. Most beginner boards use 7-ply maple. This wood is strong and flexible, giving you a good balance of durability and responsiveness. Some boards might have a layer of fiberglass or bamboo, but for your first board, pure maple is a solid choice.
-
Trucks are typically made from aluminum. This material is strong and lightweight.
-
Wheels are made from polyurethane. The hardness of the polyurethane is what we call the durometer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
-
Good Quality: A well-made longboard will feel solid under your feet. The trucks will turn smoothly without wobbling. The wheels will roll freely and quietly. The deck will be free of cracks or warping. Brands that focus on quality often use better wood and hardware.
-
Lower Quality: A cheap longboard might feel flimsy. The trucks might be stiff or wobbly. The wheels might be slow or make a lot of noise. Sometimes, the glue holding the layers of wood together isn’t very strong, which can lead to the deck breaking.
User Experience and Use Cases
Longboards are fantastic for cruising. This means riding around your neighborhood, going to the park, or heading to a friend’s house. They are also great for carving, which is making smooth, S-shaped turns. If you want to feel like you’re surfing on land, a longboard is for you!
-
Commuting: Some people use longboards to get to school or work. They offer a fun and eco-friendly way to travel short distances.
-
Downhill (Advanced): While beginners shouldn’t focus on downhill, more experienced riders use longboards for speed. However, a beginner board is not designed for high-speed downhill riding.
-
Dancing (Advanced): Some longboards are designed for “dancing,” where riders do tricks and step across the board. This is for advanced riders.
Your first longboard should be about comfort, stability, and ease of turning. Focus on these things, and you’ll be cruising in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Beginner Longboards
Q: What is the best longboard shape for a beginner?
A: A **pintail** or **cruiser** shape is best for beginners. They offer stability and make turning easy.
Q: How long should my first longboard be?
A: A good length for a beginner longboard is between **36 and 42 inches**.
Q: What kind of wheels are good for beginners?
A: You should look for **larger wheels (65-75mm)** and **softer wheels (78a-85a)**. They make riding smoother.
Q: Are expensive longboards always better?
A: Not always. You can find good quality beginner longboards at a reasonable price. Focus on the features that matter for beginners.
Q: Can I use my longboard for tricks?
A: Some beginner longboards have a kicktail that allows for simple tricks. However, they are mainly designed for cruising and carving.
Q: How do I take care of my longboard?
A: Keep your longboard clean and dry. Avoid riding it in rain or puddles. Check your trucks and wheels regularly to make sure they are tight and in good condition.
Q: What does “durometer” mean for wheels?
A: Durometer measures how **hard or soft** your wheels are. Softer wheels are better for beginners because they grip the road and absorb bumps.
Q: Should I buy a complete longboard or build my own?
A: For your first longboard, buying a **complete** is usually easier and more affordable. You get all the parts already put together.
Q: How important is the width of the deck?
A: Deck width affects stability and how much room your feet have. For beginners, a width of **9-10 inches** is usually comfortable.
Q: Can I learn to longboard on any surface?
A: It’s best to start on a **smooth, flat surface** like a paved path or empty parking lot. Avoid rough surfaces or hills when you are just 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.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the mind behind darkviolet-cobra-206266.hostingersite.com!! As a passionate sports enthusiast, I created this platform to share my experiences and insights about the dynamic world of sports. From in-depth analysis to personal stories, I aim to bring you closer to the game and inspire a deeper love for sports. Join me as we navigate this exciting journey together!