What is Sliding and How Do I Do It?

Before learning how to slide, you will need to find a nice piece of flat land to practice your sliding stance. Practicing your sliding stance on flat land makes things easier, plus you don't have to worry about the whole falling off while going fast thing. If you're finding that the flat area isn't enough, move to the grass. It's even easier to balance on a good patch of grass.

There are many different ways to slide. The easiest method is to just think about how you have seen other people do it, and practice the movement. This consists of squatting down, grabbing your board, and shoving it out from underneath you using your back foot. This is easier said than done. Practice the motions a few times and when you are feeling good about them, try it on a slope.

The first time you try sliding, you will probably fall. This is unavoidable and is a part of the learning process. The other bad thing about learning to slide is that you can't really do a good slide unless you are really moving fast. This makes sliding terrifying.

Many longboarders prefer to use loaded longboards when riding downhill simply because they are one of the only boards that were designed for high speed skaters. The decks are shaped specially to give the user more control than they would have on a regular longboard. The positioning of the trucks is different as well. It's all about giving you easier ways to get the board sliding.

Now you are pretty much ready to start sliding a longboard. Make sure to practice your motions really well, or when you get to the hill, you might get some unexpected results (death, serious injury, or maybe just some bruises and scrapes.) You can do it, though. It is easy. Just wear your safety gear and a helmet when you try it the first time.

Loaded Bamboo Dervish

The Loaded bamboo dervish is a longboard renowned within the longboard community as a deck which offers one of the most pleasurable and responsive rides.

The secret to combining just the right amount of stiffness, flexibility and durability, which Loaded Carving Systems discovered, lies in how the board is made. The dervish is made of a tri-axle fiberglass and epoxy sandwich with a vertically laminated core. Loaded ups the ante on the dervish by shaping it in a convex camber, which is flexible enough to be compressed when a rider applies his weight or some force to the board. The board returns the force applied when the rider straightens his legs, taking his weight off the board. This results in little to no loss in forward momentum when going into and out of turns.

Flexibility and its low center of gravity also contribute to the board being one of the most stable decks in longboarding. The low center of gravity of the dervish is achieved by making precision cutouts on the deck used to attach drop-through reverse kingpin trucks. This stability has made it a favorite for riders who like dancing, carving, and riding down hills.

The board itself is shaped with both ends narrower than the middle, eliminating the possibility of the wheels biting onto the deck when taking those sharp turns. This ability to make difficult turns along with its responsiveness and stability make it a favorite of those who like to power slide and for those who use their longboards for short commutes. The narrow ends make shovits and manual tricks easier to pull off too.

Loaded recommends however, that riders avoid using the dervish for use down extremely steep hills. A stiffer board is more stable and responsive when one is traveling at very high speeds, where a flexible board will lose it. Nevertheless, Loaded maintains that the dervish can be used at speeds of about thirty miles per hour without losing its stability. More experienced riders may be able to handle faster speeds with the longboard, but for the rest of us, it would be wise to keep downhill skating with the dervish to moderately sloped hills.

While how the board's looks has little to do with its performance, Loaded raises the bar higher by making a board that is easy on the eyes. Stunning Middle Eastern themed graphics decorate the board, drawing as its inspiration the graceful movements Muslim whirling dervishes make when participating in rights to remember their god.

Loaded Dervish Complete

The Loaded Dervish has been praised as one of the most versatile, agile and stable platforms in longboarding. A Loaded Dervish complete with the suitable trucks, wheels, bearings and bushings can provide a longboarder with one of the most pleasant and enjoyable rides of his or her life.

The dervish is a flexible board made of bamboo with cutouts designed for drop through trucks. It is carved on both ends to prevent the wheels from biting into the board when taking sharp corners. And while great looks may have little to do with ride performance, it is an added bonus to own a board which is easy on the eyes-which the loaded dervish is. The bottom of the deck is decorated with a great looking graphic inspired by the fluid motions Persian whirling dervishes do when remembering their god.

The board is available in two flexes designed to accommodate persons of different weights. Flex one boards are designed for people weighing up to two hundred thirty pounds while the Flex two boards are softer and accommodates persons weighing up to one hundred eighty pounds.

The loaded dervish is noted for its stability while carving or sliding downhill, street, or parking lot. Its low center of gravity is made possible with drop through trucks which means that the base plate for attaching the truck gear to the board is actually mounted on top of the board.

But what most riders note about the loaded dervish besides its stable, agile, and smooth ride is its ability to spring out of turns without losing any forward momentum. When entering a corner, the movements and weight of the rider presses down on the board making it slightly concave. When coming out of the turn, the board rebounds with the straightening of the rider's legs with most of the energy he or she used in compressing it. The ride has been described a s lively, more responsive and forgiving.

Flexible boards are noted for their responsiveness and agility when doing tricks or carving down a hill at moderate speed. Loaded recommends that the dervish boards be used for speeds of up to thirty miles per hour. If you want to go faster, stiffer boards may offer more stability.

While a Dervish longboard, complete with trucks, bushings, wheels and bearings of your choice does not come cheap, the experience of riding the best longboard is truly priceless.

Loaded Dervish Board

The Loaded dervish board has an exceptional longboard deck, which offers the rider a lively, agile, stable and responsive ride. Those who have tried it out have also praised it for having one of the smoothest rides one could have on a longboard.

Renowned in longboard circles for its stability and agility, the Loaded dervish board is ideal for longboard tricks known as dancing. Dancing, as its name implies, involves fancy footwork while riding on the board. Longboarders often look at the complexity of the footwork and the smoothness and gracefulness in how the maneuvers on the board are carried out. Here are a few simple tips to get you started on dancing on your board.

The first thing to remember is to always use safety gear. This means that always wear a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads when using your longboard.

One basic trick you can try out is the toe-side cross step. First place your feet close to the toeside of the board and shift the foot in front closer to the foot in the back. Make sure that when you shift your front-foot, it remains on the toeside of the board and facing towards the front.

The next step is to shift your back-foot forward, crossing it over your front-foot still keeping both feet on the toeside of the board. Your feet should be facing forward slightly at a forty-five degree angle. Your back-foot is now the new front foot with the old front foot now your new back foot.

Next, using your new back foot, step forward towards the front, shifting to the heelside of the board. When shifting your new back foot, it should pass behind your new front foot. Notice that your new back foot has once again become your front foot and your new front foot is once more in the back.

Shift your back foot close to your front foot towards the heelside of your board then, staying on the heelside of your board, take your front foot and cross it behind your back foot towards the rear side of the board. Once more, your legs are crossed and your back foot is again your new front foot.

Finally take you're your new back foot back to the toeside of the board and assume the regular riding position.
This trick can be repeated several times or used in combination with other dancing tricks to make it look more complex.

Why The Loaded Dervish Is Better Then Most Other Longboards

The Loaded Dervish is one of the best longboards on the market today. What you should take into consideration is that the Dervish is made by a brand who has put the time and effort into researching and testing what works and what doesn't.

Loaded used a vert-lam bamboo core which is sandwiched between epoxy and tri-axle fiberglass. It is also pressed into a concave which gives the dervish a great responsiveness and liveliness that you just don't find in other boards. You will also find a convex camber on the board which gives you a high energy potential. It also has cutouts that have been milled to precision which eliminates any type of wheel bite. One of the main benefits of the dervish would be its size. The size of the deck makes it a perfect all around board for most people. The length of the dervish runs about forty one and a half inches or one hundred and five centimeters. The width is eight and a half inches or twenty one centimeters which is a perfect width for most people.

The flex on the dervish comes in two different options. Flex one is for someone who weighs 170 to 230 lbs and flex two is made for a person that weighs 100 to 185 lbs. Depending on your weight and how stiff you would like your flex to be you have two options to choose from. What you want to keep in mind when deciding on a flex is that a softer flex will give you a lot more control along with tighter turns when you are going slower but you will usually lose stability at higher speeds. So if your plans for the board are just to wing around at super fast speeds you will want to go for the stiffer flex which gives you more energy potential and stability. So you have two things to keep in mind when choosing a flex. Number one your weight and number two what your plans are for the deck.

Speed or cruising....

If you plan on mainly using the board for cruising around town go for the softer flex. Are you looking to go super fast and bomb hills and such? Then definitely go with the stiffer flex. Also keep in mind that the stiffer flex is better for tricks like shovits, manuals, etc.

All of these factors collide and give the Loaded Dervish great agility, versatility, stability and ease of ride. When doing sliding, pushing, or dancing you will find the stability is unparalleled. The agility that comes with the dervish allows you to take sharp turns with ease while cruising around town or hitting hills.

Plus the liveliness the deck possess just makes it a blast to ride....

Because of the quality and craftsmanship used to make this board you will find yourself riding it for years and years. Even if you end up getting other boards you'll find yourself going back to the Loaded Dervish because of its versatility and ride.

Loaded Whirling Dervish

The Loaded Whirling Dervish is one of the longboards manufactured by Loaded. Whirling dervish Muslims and the graceful movements they made during their religious ceremonies were one of the inspirations drawn upon by Loaded when they designed this board. And when one looks at some reviews made by skaters, the way they describe the way the board rides can be compared to something close to a religious experience in itself.

The Loaded dervish is renowned in the longboarding world for its agility, stability and forgiving ride. Also described as having one of the liveliest and responsive rides, the dervish has been found to be a great deck one can use in most everything one can do with a longboard.

Loaded Carving Systems makes the dervish out of a tri-axle fiberglass and epoxy sandwich with a vertical laminated bamboo core which not only makes the dervish flexible but durable too. When seen from the side it is shaped in a convex camber which compresses when the rider puts his weight or applies some force on it. The force applied is returned when the rider straightens his legs or takes weigh off the board. This results in little to no loss in forward momentum when entering and getting out of turns.

Adding to its stability is the fact that the loaded whirling dervish has a low center of gravity. This is primarily because it is used with drop-through reverse kingpin trucks. The board has precision milled cutouts that can fit most drop through trucks. Loaded recommends using trucks which are at least 180mm long.

Because of its attributes and great handling, the dervish is great for beginners starting out in the exciting world of longboarding as well as experts who have mastered the sport. Those who have experienced the Loaded dervish describe the ride as smooth, lively, stable, agile and responsive and, with the right trucks, bushings, wheels, and bearings is a great platform for doing almost anything one can do with a longboard. Its stable and smooth ride make it ideal for dancing and the short commute to the neighborhood store. Its responsiveness, agility and stability make it a great board for carving, pumping, bowls, and going down moderate hills. While Loaded recommends the use of a stiffer board when going down steep hills at high speeds (because a flexible board loses its stability at high speeds), the dervish can be used for speeds up to thirty miles per hour.

Five Special Spots For Extreme Longboarding

Here's a list of some interesting downhill spots. You may not actually want to skate these, but they would be cool to check out if you were in the area. Just do a quick Google search for any of these and you should be able to see what exactly I'm talking about when I mention these streets.

1. U.S. highway 50, nevada. This highway goes on for many miles and takes you from 3000 feet above sealevel to 0 above sealevel. It's very steep, and also very wide, thanks to a road revision made in 2000.

2. Lombard street, san francisco. If you can skate this, then you're a master downhill boarder. Lombard street is super crooked and bumpy; sketch to the max.

3. Interstate 80 - this 2899 mile highway connects california to new jersey. Its not all downhill, but some parts of it are. You can skitch the rest of the way. Or push yourself. 2899 miles is a long way on a skateboard.

4. Mauna kea, hawaii. 26 miles of road built on the side if one of hawaii's biggest active volcanoes. It's a shield volcano, though, meaning the lava flows rather than erupts (like mount st. Helens)

5. Baldwin street, new zealand. This is the steepest street in the world. At 300 meters long and with a 35 percent grade; baldwin street is the most dangerous place in the world for anything with 4 wheels. I don't think sliding would slow you down here.

Chances are good you won't skate any of these (and neither will anyone else) but at least you have something to put on your bucket list... right?

Introduction to Longboards and Longboarding

Getting into Longboarding?

Are you a sports activities fanatic? In that case think about going into longboarding. This particular exercise is usually generally known as skate boarding on concrete due to the similarity to that particular sport. This calls for the usage of surf-board like gear known as the longboard.

Exactly what are longboards?

The longboard is known as a surf board having added wheels. Longboards can be used for smooth sailing, slalom sporting, down hill racing along with other boarding tricks. Also, they are used for simple transportations. This kind of boarding gear may differ when it comes to form with respect to the designed action as well as tricks which the riders approach. Besides the form, the longboards furthermore differ in dimensions. One of the well-liked shapes may be the pintail. This particular deck looks like a teardrop. It can be smooth and therefore well suited for novice. Additionally there is the Drop-through deck. With this one, the center of the deck is positioned less than in which the trucks tend to be installed. Additionally, there are hybrid boards. These types of types consist of wheel cutouts that permit the wheel to turn at razor-sharp angles as well as simultaneously staying away from wheelbite. These types of boards are often thirty to forty in. long. This enables the rider to become innovative on his / her tricks. This kind of board also offers disadvantages. One of them is actually that it's open to shoe bite. Once the shoe rubs on the wheel it decelerates or perhaps halts the rider.

Purchasing Longboards?

There are numerous factors to think about whenever your buy these boards. One is the length. The length carries a large effect on the overall performance of the rider. The board having forty inches and more offers much better balance to the riders when compared with scaled-down boards. These types of boards additionally provide the rider control even at high-speed. You have to additionally think about the kind of skate board truck for use in your board. The kind of bearings to make use of is one additional element to take into consideration. Your decision should also rely on your budget as well as on your own riding style.

Longboarding is definitely an interesting activity. In order to make this particular sport more enjoyable, you need to select your equipment nicely. And you can make use of the information and also the ideas mentioned previously so that you can pick the ideal board to suit your needs. This particular equipment could be bought through numerous sports supply stores. In addition to that, you may also have it from online stores. Buying online is the most efficient method to shop for a longboard because it removes the requirement to leave the conveniences of your house to purchase a board.

Do Longboard Wheels Really Matter?

With all the hype on longboard wheels, aren't they just a piece of rubber, "does it matter if I just get a knock of brand and save some money?" That of course is always an option, but keep in mind that a longboard wheel goes through a lot, they are what take the initial brunt of all the bumps, cracks, and rough surfaces you ride over. Just imagine your hand getting road rash from falling on the hill you were bombing the other day.....your longboard wheels have to deal with that non-stop, especially if you are doing any power sliding. Though they may cost a little more up front, the better known wheel manufactures make a more quality product that will last you a lot longer than the cheap ones and save you quite a bit in the long run.

However, duration is only a small part of it, you need to also keep in mind that your longboard wheels greatly affect the performance of your board, bigger wheels make your longboard faster and give your ride more grip. Also keep in mind that the hardness of your wheel will make a huge difference in how your board rides as well. The softer the wheel the more grip it has (the softest wheel rating is 75a) but the harder it is to slide. The harder wheels give you less grip which makes them great for sliding. Be sure to make sure you get longboard wheels that fit your needs and riding style.

Types of Skateboards Short and Longboards Explained

If you're into skateboarding, you're obviously familiar with the standard short skateboard, but have you ever seen someone ride a longboard? Other than the difference in length, I bet you wonder how these two types of boards are different. Keep reading to learn the similarities and differences of the skateboard and the longboard.

A longboard is just a skateboard that's much longer than usual, and used for longboarding (as opposed to skateboarding). Instead of street style skating using ramps and pipes, longboards are almost always used for downhill racing, getting from point a to point b, or cruising around town. Since longboards are heavier than a standard board, they are not ideal for doing any kind of tricks. Longboarding is compared to surfing, like "surfing on land" or "surfing on concrete". The design of the longboard allows big turns and quick carves just like the surfers do.

Longboarding started becoming popular around the same time as surf culture back in the 1950's. People say that longboarding started in southern California where riders enjoyed rolling hills and streets, but some believe longboarding started in Hawaii. This is still arguable today.

The equipment used for longboarding is nearly the same that is used for skateboarding. You'll notice longboarders will wear gloves and a helmet at a minimum. Longboarders participating in downhill races will wear special gloves to protect their hands while maneuvering the board (this is done in a lying position). Of course wrist, knee, and elbow padding is always recommended, especially for a beginner.

Most longboards are 35-60 inches long. Shorter boards can still be called longboards if their main purpose is the same as longboarding (cruising, downhill racing, travel). Longboards come in all kinds of shapes such as: pintails, flat nose, and boards shaped like a longer shortboard. Pintails allow looser trucks and larger wheels to be installed for more of a smooth surfing feel.

Longboard wheels can be much larger than regular skateboard wheels. The size difference is because smaller wheels have to spin faster to maintain the same speed, so larger wheels create less friction for a faster and smoother ride. Smaller wheels sometimes have problems with sticks, rocks, and cracks in the street or sidewalk. The larger the wheel size, the less likely it will stop rolling, and more likely to just roll over the obstruction.

Other hardware such as trucks and bearings are exactly the same on a skateboard and a longboard. There are a few types of trucks specific to longboards, which make the boards easier to use for downhill racing. Two of these are called Randal R-I Downhill style trucks and Torsion trucks.

Many Longboarders as well as skateboarders like to build their own decks in order to get the exact board they want. Board builders have a variety of materials like fiberglass, bamboo, and even a foam core. If you're thinking of building your own skateboard or longboard, everything can be purchased on the internet or local skateshop, including board building instructions.

Longboard Wheels Like Shredding The Wave

Ever since kids nailed roller skate wheels to wooden boards to make scooters, not much had changed until the early to mid 1960's when skateboarding began a new trend. Today, we have a variety of skateboard wheels, and longboard wheels depending on your style and type of ride you want.

As a trendy new toy for kids, skateboarding popularity began around 1955. These boards were basically just a painted wooden board of no specific species of wood with four thin steel wheels; two in the front and two in the back screwed on with two small frames. They were stiff and had a rough ride which resulted in little or no traction. So, you could pretty much only travel in a forward motion with a very small turning radius. Depending on the type of ride you want, now we have choices in size and hardness for traction on street boards, and choices in longboard wheels for distance and coasting.

Soon after metal wheels, came clay wheels which were the pinnacle of this 'stone age technology'. These were wider than the steel wheels, but also had a rough ride, as they were still made from a hard substance and had open bearings exposed to the the elements causing them to wear out faster. These hard wheels couldn't roll over sand, grit or pebbles so, if you came into contact with any of this debris on the road - watch out! A fall would inevitably be in store for you!

Then in the early 70's, East Coast surfer, Frank Naysworthy, came up with the idea of using the newly popular urethane, a product made from oil that had started gaining popularity and was being used for many products. The use of this product in a skateboard wheel made softer wheels that could grip (as in climbing walls) and had a more even ride that made turning smoother, with the added extra benefit of making even the hardest turns not only possible, but much easier. This invention along with his company, Cadillac Wheels, renewed an even bigger interest in skateboarding. However, because of the simple open bearings used, the sand and grit from road debris would again wear them out quickly. Not until the use of precision sealed bearings did wheels get a better, smoother and longer-lasting ride. Since the innovations of using these sealed bearings, wheels have not changed much today, except for the hardness, shape and size depending on what type of skating a rider chooses to do.

Because skateboarding was really an extension of surfing, today you can get the same ride on longboard wheels. When riding on a longboard, the ride is like shredding the waves, coasting and turning like you're on a longboard surfboard. It's an awesome feel, especially when there are no waves at the beach - this is the next best thing.

With longboard wheels mounted on your longboard, you can twist and turn and coast like riding the waves.

Understanding Lowrider Longboards Finding The Right Longboard For You

Longboards are essentially skateboards but are wider and longer, used for transportation purposes and for slalom, exhibition, and competitive riding. Typically, a longboard is made up of a deck, a set of wheels, bearings, and trucks in varying sizes depending on the kind of riding to be done. They may also be made from synthetic materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass or natural woods like maple or birch.

Kinds of longboards to choose from

Pintail longboards are best for general transportation, flatland cruising, and downhill bombing. They are very narrow skateboards at just about nine inches in width and extending up to 48 inches in length. Along with trucks installed at the farther ends of each side, they also have semi-slanted riser pads, allowing the rider to make deeper turns. However, because of this, beginners might find that pintail longboards may be difficult to maneuver. Lowrider longboards, on the other hand, are best meant for street riding. With decks made from durable laminated wood, lowrider longboards also have low profiles ideal for pushing and carving. Lowrider longboards also have trucks installed nearly at the tips to achieve better control and stability.

Choosing longboards: some tips

If you're more of a recreational rider, go for decks made from natural wood. They are inexpensive yet strong enough to handle the beating that accompanies general transportation. If you're more of a competitive rider, look for decks made from synthetic materials for more durability, since competitive riding is more punishing than recreational riding.

Longboards with stiff bushing is ideal for downhill bombing or adventure riding since they offer stability at high speeds. Softer bushing offers more control so they're more suited for general transportation.

General recreational riding calls for steel ball bearings, while downhill skating benefits from ceramic ball bearings because they lessen thermal resistance and friction. Ceramic ball bearings, though, are more expensive.

How To Get Into Longboarding

The size of your own wheels plays a purpose around how your longboard operates on top of that. Smaller longboard ones may hasten quickly, but you won't be capable of maintain a high pace for lengthy period. With larger wheels it might take a bit longer to generate up speed, but it is realistic to travel at a DSL web cable for longer. This means that deciding on using your longboard for transportation, you might desire to go with larger wheels. Keep in mind that will with large wheels you want to put risers on your own personal skateboard so that the added wheels don't hit the deck.

Picking wheels for longboard skateboards is merely as important as some other a part of your set up. Your wheels will determine the way fast your longboard will go and also how smooth your ride are going to be. Assess what you anticipate in your longboard for before buying added wheels.

Getting longboard wheels that would be the appropriate hardness to your skateboarding style is essential. Longboard wheels (as effectively as inline skate wheels and other materials) are measured inside durometers. The particular lower the durometer rating, the particular smoother the material. This implies that a longboard wheel with a durometer rating of 78a are going to be softer than those which has a rating of 99a. Smoother added wheels move more slowly than trickier wheels, but additionally, they provide a smoother journey by gripping the particular surface better. Soft wheels absorb the terrain and small obstacles which you come across more easily. Tender wheels are perfect for the and carving. Should you be looking to go fast on your longboard or plan on slipping, you should consider harder added wheels.

How To Get Into Longboarding

You may have noticed that longboarding has become increasingly popular and has grown from an obscure past time for teenagers in California to a fully fledged sport for adults! In fact there are a number of pro riders who make a living from longboaring and there is no reason why you shouldn't have a go and enjoy the sport.

Longboarding is similar to skateboarding, the most obvious difference being the size of the board. Skateboards are smaller and great for tricks and flip whereas longboards are primarily designed for cruising and slalom racing. If you are new to longboarding you may decide to purchase a complete longboard, if your budget permits it is always advisable to avoid cheaper boards and spend a little more so as not to compromise your longboarding experience. There are a variety of designs available from manufacturers including Sector 9 and Loaded.

It is also important to remember that you won't become the next 'Tony Hawk' overnight, that comes with hard work and plenty of practice but do be prepared for a number of 'bails' or falls. Ensure that your budget includes the purchase of, at the very least, a helmet and gloves and if possible, knee and elbow pads, they may not look that cool but you'll be pleased to have them on as concrete is not a very forgiving surface!

So what can you expect from longboarding? As well as cruising and slalom it is also possible, with practice, to boardwalk. This type of board 'dancing' is usually only possible on boards over 40 inches in length and can involve 'cross stepping' (moving the feet, in front of, or behind the other up and down the deck) and the 'shanker' (turning 180 degrees with your foot on the nose so that the tail of the board pops up then returning to normal stance).

Longboard Skateboard Wheels Explained

As any skater would know, skateboard wheels are attached as a pair at the bottom of skateboards, held and mounted in place by specialized axles which are also known as trucks.

The longboard wheels or even those used by skateboards are normally made from polyurethane, which is a very hard type of rubber. These wheels also range in size between 48 to 100 millimeters. Other than size, the wheels are also available in different hardness and is measured by a durometer A scale.

The softest wheels used are at about 75a while the hardest one are at 99a. There were instances that I've seen some wheels having ratings of 101a and above but this would be inappropriate since the durometer A scale maximum measurement is up to 100.

Last but not least, longboard wheels and skateboard wheels are available depending on the skaters styled and preference of skating. For example, street style skaters would use the smallest wheel sizes of between 48 to 55 millimeters. Vert skaters who prefer using their jumping on ramps typically use sizes between 55 to 65 millimeters.

Slalom skaters would prefer using bigger wheels than vert wheels at 60 to 75 millimeters, which allows for constant maximum speeds at a longer period of time. Longboard wheels meanwhile are made typically for transport and cruising. The common sizes used for longboarding range from 65 to 100 millimeters and they provide better stability and comfortable rides.

For beginners just starting to skate, the best choice of wheels would be the softest you can get your hands on to provide grip and from there you can gradually increase the hardness as you advance in skill level.

Longboard Wheel Guide Understanding Your Longboard

If you've got yourself a longboard, then you must be one of many enthusiasts who take to the streets to cruise for a ride. But this activity is not always about having fun. You also need to ensure that your longboard is properly taken care of to make sure that you've always got a ride when you need one. Need to change your longboard wheels? Here's a longboard wheel guide you can use.

The basics

Longboard wheels are designed for use in cruising and transport, ranging in size but available between 65 to 100 millimeters. Since they are bigger than other skateboard wheels, they are more stable and provide the user with a more comfortable ride. Because solid polyurethane combined with their size would make the wheels thick and heavy, hard plastic cores are usually used instead.

The issue of hardness and softness: a longboard wheel guide

Longboard wheels, as well as other skateboard wheels, can come in varying degrees of hardness, measured using the durometer A scale. The softest kind of wheels are rated at 75a, while the hardest are there on top with ratings of 99a. For those beyond the durometer A scale, it might be better to rely on the B or D scales, which have more accuracy and cover a wider range of hardness types.

Choosing your wheel: a quick tip

Wheel size is not just about finding something that fits your skateboard. Rather, you also need to factor in your own body size. The smaller you are, then the smaller your wheels will be. As for a longboard wheel guide, bigger folk actually have the advantage of using longboards since the wheels needed by a longboard are bigger, with sizes between 65 to 100 millimeters. This means that there won't be much need to go looking for the right wheels when you're big person using a longboard.

My loaded Dervish-Getting Some New Wheels

I have to admit that I love my Loaded Dervish longboard just the way it came, but this "sliding machine," may get even better come February 2nd.

What Happens February 2nd?

Well, Orangatang is scheduled to release its newest wheel design "the Balut." From all the chatter online, it sounds like Orangatang went out of their way to design a wheel specifically for maximizing the slide aspect in DH longboarding. It was not their goal to merely tweak on a Fat Free, or the Durian or one of their already successful wheels, but to develop a totally new and unique wheel. Up until now, the focus on downhill free-riding has been for a wheel optimized for traction while negotiating high-speed curves, with minor emphasis on the slide, for speed reduction. Orangatang, however, sees a need for wheels that can provide longer drifts, quicker rotations while MINIMIZING speed loss. That is nearly opposite to current DH wheel design emphasis.

Slip Sliding Design

So how do you reverse the wheel properties for application in a world of drifting? Well, it starts with the rounded edge shape, that sits on a core slightly wider than the wheel itself. Then you lighten up the whole thing by eliminating massive amounts of urethane between the edges of the core and the seats of the bearings to increase flexibility when rotating and flipping. After a year of testing, this narrow shape design, proved ideally suited for incredible long standup slides, but urethane formulations currently in use were unable to withstand the drifting abuse.

The Magic Thane

So finally, after a year of waiting, Orangatang, found a material to meet the abuse of drifting, durable and resilient to flat spots, which they described as the "Euphorethane formula."

Extended Reliability

Rotation, rotation, rotation, the three things that can extend the life of you wheels. Most boarders know this, but high-speed drifters, live by them.

Ten Tips Concerning Wheel Ware

1. "To maximize wheel life exchange the position of the most worn with the least worn wheel, then switch the others."

2. "Uphill wheels want to cone and downhill wheels tend to reverse cone."

3. "Expect the front wheels to wear faster than the rear wheels, when using a center stance with weight over front wheel."

4. "If using a kicktail, or a rear stance in general, expect the rear wheels to ware faster"

5. "If you conventionally stand in one direction, right foot forward or left foot forward, rotate your wheels diagonally."

6. "When your stance is mixed (either foot forward), then rotate wheel with one on the same truck."

7. "A symmetrical center-set shapes generally designed to flip each wheel to reduce coning."

8. "While rotating wheels check for coning and flip those showing the signs."

9. "Remember if you are heel-side slide your heel-side wheels will experience coning, while your toe-side wheels will be the one reverse coning. "

10. "Finally, periodically flip all wheels when it seems appropriate. "

Things You Shouldn't Do While Longboarding

1. Don't jump up and down on the board while you're moving. As a matter of fact, don't jump up and down on the board at all. Sure, it's springy and trampoline-like, but it just won't be the same when it snaps into two pieces.

2. Don't ride backwards. It's fun at first; but you'll start to pick up some speed and then things will be terrifying. Especially if you're going down a hill that's next to a cliff and there aren't any guard rails. Woo. Hoo.

3. Don't whip out your phone and start texting. One second you're telling your friend what a good time you're having, and the next second you're picking broken pieces of wood out of your body and trying to get your front teeth out of the tree you ran into.

4. While we're on the subject of phones, it's a good idea to not take your phone with you. Leave it in your car; if you fall, then your phone is likely to get broken. Well, maybe you should bring your phone just in case you have an accident. OK, so bringing your phone is optional.

5. Don't tailgate a car, bus, or anything else that has brakes. These vehicles can stop, but you can't. There's a good chance that you'll run into whoever you decide to tailgate if they stop, and it will probably hurt. This rule also means don't go skitchin'

6. Don't ride in front of anything with 4 wheels, either. Just because they have brakes doesn't mean they're going to be used. Your helmet probably won't keep your head from getting crushed, either. Think of that ad where the watermelon gets broken because it didn't wear a helmet.

7. Don't ride when it's wet! Longboarding is lots of fun, but slick pavement is not. Wait at least a day after rain has fallen to skate. If you feel dangerous you can go for it, but I warned you.

8. Don't skate without pads, unless you're just doing some light skating. Anything hardcore needs at least a helmet and some knee pads. Knee pads are great because they transfer sliding energy to the plastic shields instead of your skin.

9. Wear proper shoes! Anything with laces. Don't bomb a hill in your loafers, and definitely don't get on a longboard without shoes. That's just asking to get yourself hurt!

10. Don't skate if you don't feel like it! Longboarding is supposed to be fun. If you feel like it's a chore to hop on your board and go skate, then you're doing it wrong.

Yea. That's about it. Go skate now.

Worlds Longest Longboard Skateboard

Thanks to "Nervous Ned" on Silverfish I found someone who would actually road an 100 INCH beast. Ned said that it was in 2005 at the New Jersey Fatboy Garage Fest. So it's no longer an 88 INCH record, we are up to 100 now.

A guy called George won the "longest board" contest by riding a homemade 100 inch board (carving, board walking, sliding, and racing), and i think he actually came in third place in the downhill race somehow. it was amazing watching him drifting 90 degree corners around the garage. he won pie that day.

Im sure this kid looks no older then 17, decent effort for the board! Congrats George!

After writing this post I found the official "Longest Longboard Skateboard World Record.

After the two previous Longboard Skateboard World Records I talked about were impressive and I thought they would not get any longer. But no! Here is the official longest longboard ever built!
Longboard

Ever thought you had seen some longboards that are just to long? Well check out this one! It would sure make things interesting if you wanted to turn sharply on it. But would be the king of board walking kings!

Introducing the worlds Largest Longboard "Texas Rolling Thunder" - 80″A massive solid wood juggernaut - 80″ Long with dual tandem trucks Titanium bearings. Rock steady on downhill rolls. Comes complete with custom soul kryptonic wheels.

I tried hunting the "World's Shortest Shortboard" but it seems no one has taken that title yet. I wonder how short it can get, you would probably end up looking like you just had rollerskates on. World's Longest Longboard wins!

- If any one has a video of a mentally long longboard or a stupidly short shortboard, send them in here!

Complete Longboards Who Are They For?

Complete longboards are convenient, you can get one over the counter at your local skate shop and in just a few minutes you're cruising along enjoying the ride.

Another reason for getting a complete longboard is that you can usually get a good deal since you're getting the complete package. Most skate stores will carry a variety of completes, ranging from mini boards to huge boards like the Bustin Cigar. Ask the store clerk if you can test ride one so you can get the feel of the board, more of the time they'll let you take it for a short test ride.

A few things to consider before buying new complete longboards:

What kind of riding will you be doing? Each longboard is tailored to a different style of riding. Cruising, riding bowls, commuting, bombing hills or dancing?

Loaded carries a range of complete longboards ranging from the cool ceviche cruiser board to the wicked Loaded Dervish that is ready to take on anything with a vengeance. The awesome thing about the Loaded boards is that they are all made of bamboo, so they're really strong and super responsive.

Another popular brand is Sector 9 which is probably the most widely know complete longboard brand with nearly every type of board imaginable plus they always have the gnarliest graphics which make for an extra sweet ride.

If you're looking to get a good deal on a board and appreciate the convenience of having a board ready to ride out of the shop then complete longboards are for you.

What is a Longboard?

There are two kinds of longboards, one is a longer style surfboard and the other is like a skateboard but longer. This article will focus specifically on the skateboard type. A longboard is similar to a skateboard in many ways, but has some significant differences. A longboard is made for cruising and not as much for the flip tricks etc done in regular skateboarding, Be it as a means of transportation or as a form of entertainment most longboards are longer and wider than a typical skateboard and often times have very different shapes than a skateboard designed mostly to help with carving (like on a surfboard or snowboard).

Their original background comes from surfers putting trucks or roller skates on the bottom of waterskis, surfboards, etc to help them practice and keep them riding when there were no waves to surf. There are many reasons to get a longboard, whatever your reason is for getting one, exercise, transportation or just having fun, they are a great investment. For a relatively cheap price you can pick one up online in the convenient form of a complete longboard and without any more effort than opening a box you are ready to go.

So why get a longboard? To get started, because they are a great way to get some exercise. Longboarding is a very fun and relaxing way of getting some good cardio exercise and getting your blood pumping (and if you are looking at one for your kids or grandkids, you don't even have to tell them that it's good exercise!).

They are also a great way of relaxing, try riding one just to unwind, especially down your local bike trail or through a nice park. Longboards are also a very cheap and fairly quick form of transportation and are very environment friendly, not to mention how good you'll look to all your friends as your ride your new longboard around. I will often ride my longboard to the store for a quick shopping run rather than riding if the store isn't too far away. Longboarding is also a great way to relieve stress, leave behind the daily grind and just get outside and enjoy the fresh air for a minute, I frequently will go and ride my board out in the parking lot at work on a break if I need a chance to get out and unwind for a few minutes. Riding a longboard is also a great way to learn and / or improve your balance.

The biggest reason to get a longboard is just to go out and have some fun! There is nothing like feeling the wind in your hair, your board under your feet and a nice hill to keep you and your longboard in motion. It is a great way to help your friends try something new, go on a date or just fill up some free time in a very satisfying way. That being said, you have nothing more left than to get yourself a longboard and start riding.

Insider Tips For Buying Longboard Bearings

Longboard skateboards are unique and require their own set of accessories than your standard skateboard does. It is important to distinguish the difference between the various trucks, decks and wheels required for these kind of boards before buying one. If you aren't familiar with the parts and accessories you need, you could end up wasting a lot of money.

One of the most important parts of any longboard is the bearings. These parts go inside the actual wheels and help control the speed at which the wheels turn. A good set of bearings can be the difference between a fast, smooth board, and a clunky, slow board.

This is why it is important to educate yourself about the various types of bearings available for your longboard and the types you should be using for maximum performance.

Most longboard bearings come in either ceramic or steel. A ceramic bearing will have a set of ceramic balls encased inside the bearing. They are almost always used by all pro skateboarders due to their reliable performance standards. The ceramic bearings are rust resistant and more resistant to friction, which basically means they can take more of a beating than steel bearings. They are also lighter than the steel bearings.

The steel bearings are of course made out of steel and are generally cheaper than ceramic bearings. Steel bearings are susceptible to rust and in many cases the rust will prevent them from spinning at all, which will then make them completely worthless.

When you visit your local skateboard shop, don't be afraid to ask the employees for their recommendations. Keep in mind that the better the bearing quality, the higher the price. The final decision will come down to how much you skate and how aggressively. If you just do a lot of cruising, then paying top dollar for the bearings probably isn't a good idea. However, if you do a lot of trick skating, then it is probably worth investing in a high quality bearing.

As a final thought I can't recommend ceramic bearings highly enough. Many consider the extra cost a small amount to pay for their remarkable performance and durability. In the end, you will probably go through lower quality bearing much faster than the ceramic ones, and spend just as much as you would have on one set of ceramic bearings.

A Look Into Different Kinds Of Longboards

A longboard is just like a skateboard, only longer. It is mostly used for transportation and for downhill racing among others because its form allows the user to easily maneuver through sharp street turns. Its longer and wider base offers more stability so riding it is relatively safer and, in most cases, more comfortable as compared to a shortboard.

Because longboards tend to be on the heavier side, they are unsuitable for performing tricks that are typical of skateboards. Many beginners also find it difficult to ride them at high speeds when going downhill. But on the upside, because of their weight, they also have allow for a more fluid motion through increased momentum.

There are many different kinds of longboards available these days. Your choice is mostly dependent on your intended use. If you're new at longboarding, it's only normal to feel overwhelmed by the variety of decks that you can choose from.

• Transportation - Those that are used for commuting or for transportation are the most common among the different kinds of longboards. These boards are 100-130 cm long and they don't have a short nose as is typical with other skateboards. They are more flexible and are known to offer a more comfortable ride. This type of longboard is also usually shaped like surfboards with trucks that are designed to allow the user to navigate through narrow turns.

• Slalom - these longboards are mostly used for racing and navigating through small cones. They are 63-89 cm in length and are made of carbon fiber and other high tech materials. Shorter varieties are used for tighter courses while the longer ones are for faster and steeper courses.

• Downhill - among the different types of longboards, this one is the most suitable for riding downhill at high speeds. This type is 95-110 cm long and has trucks that are attached to its ends. It can also come with a lowered platform.

Why to Read Longboard Reviews

Choosing or picking a brand new longboard, for most longboarding starters, may be a scary and unfamiliar task. However, this is of extreme importance simply because of the fact that a newbie's first board is always of utmost importance, and carries great weight to a longboarding rookie's virgin experience of longboarding, and the entire sport as whole.

Longboarding is an supremely rewarding and enriching extreme sport and most of the time can energize even the clumsiest beginner with a life-changing experience. There is nothing more exciting than racing downhill off a quiet hilltop on a cool night, with the wind in your hair and adrenaline in your veins from the breakneck pace & speed. Such an amazing sport only deserves to be enjoyed with the best equipment, and nothing else.

Therefore, a great method of finding opinions for longboarding is to be regularly updated by reading longboard reviews. Many longboard reviews have relevant and up-to-date information about different boards - the plethora of sizes and technical details. Also, importantly, many boards are optimized specifically such that they are made most fitting for certain longboarding activities, such as, but not limited to: hillbombing, downhill riding, cruising, carving, slaloming and freeriding. There are so many possible activities with regards to longboarding that questions such as these will ultimately emerge when choosing a longboard: What kind of board should you get? What wheelbase is good for cruising? What length is suitable for carving? What flex allows you to hillbomb with ease? To simply avoid the confusion from such troubles, simply read some longboard reviews; they are a great resource for a board choice.

Longboard reviews can also offer valuable second-hand opinion on aboard you might have wanted to pick. Maybe someone has found that a certain longboard you would have bought isn't great for carving, like you would want it to be. Thus, reading longboard reviews might save you from a purchase you might regret.

Longboarding is such an awe-inspiring experience that it would be extremely unfortune if someone was to be put off by the sport just because they ended up with a sub-par board. Ipso facto, one should always try to pick a good, reliable board instead of getting hung up over the potentially high price-tag - this is simply because a reliable board can be around for ages to come and help you fall in love with longboarding. Since the entire sport of longboarding itself will revolve around your longboard, there is no excuse to skimp and buy a cheaper board - you will definitely suffer in the long run if you purchase a sub-par board. In the worst case scenario, the board could be dangerous and may get you injured, so buyer beware! Therefore, there is quite simply no better way to deciding on a longboard than to just read longboard reviews.

This applies to every other consumer product decision you make: just imagine that reading longboard reviews would be a smart, time-saving way to make a product choice. Except, for this particular case, this decision may very well evolve into a full fledged passion, so why take the risk? You should be acquainted with a number of longboard reviews before deciding on your first longboard.

Guide to shopping for longboards - Different types of longboards

A longboard is a longer version of a skateboard. It is mostly used for downhill racing, cruising, and transportation. There are different types of longboards according to the intended use. If you're looking to shop for one, it would serve your best interests to be familiar with these types to help you make the right purchase decisions.

Types

There are generally two different types of longboards: the pintail and lowrider varieties. Pintail longboards are great for general transportation, flatland cruising and for downhill bombing. This type of longboard is quite narrow at around nine inches in width but is 48 inches long. The trucks are installed on its opposite ends. A pintail longboard also has semi-slanted riser pads so you can make deeper turns in narrow streets. If you're new at longboarding, you might find it a challenge to maneuver this type of longboard.

On the other hand, there is the lowrider longboard. This type is a suitable choice for street riding. It comes in decks that are made from durable wood laminate. It also has low profiles that are great for pushing and carving. The trucks of a lowrider longboard are placed at the tips to provide the user more control and stability when riding.

Buying guidelines

Regardless of which one of the different types of longboards you prefer, you need to consider the deck material when purchasing your longboard. Recreational riders, for instance, should opt for longboards made from natural wood because these are relatively more affordable but durable enough to handle general transport. Competitive or exhibition riders, however, have to go for those that are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. These varieties are more durable so they can handle jumps, high speeds and other abuses. They are more expensive than the wooden longboards, though, so you want to opt for these longboards only once you have decided that longboarding is definitely for you.

Longboarding a skateboard alternative for adults

Many people look for a new hobby to pursue when they start having more free time in their lives. Unfortunately, most people over the age of 30 limit themselves to certain hobbies that seem appropriate for their age. Granted, there are many hobbies that are only pursued by a certain demographic, but in some case it's okay to defy the status quo. Skateboarding has long been associated with the young and rebellious, so many adults don't even entertain the idea of picking it up as a hobby, when it's actually a great form of exercise and transportation among other things. Fortunately, the longboard gives the older crowd a socially acceptable way to break into skateboarding.

The difference between the image of skateboarding and longboarding generally comes from a difference in intention. While riding a longboard is essentially skateboarding on a different type of board, the physical alterations in the board are there to make travelling easier. Many people use longboards not only for fun and exercise, but also to save on gas. On the other hand, the modern day skateboard is built to withstand grinds, jumps, and tricks, but is not ideal for a 5-10 mile ride. Furthermore, longboards are built to be more stable, so there's less of a learning curve compared to skateboards. the design of the board also allows the rider to cruise for longer periods of time and more comfortably due to softer wheels.

Due to a different intention than skateboarding, the longboard attracts people with a different attitude that is more in line with mature thinking. Wearing helmets and other safe practices are actually encouraged, not frowned upon. Since many longboarders aren't doing anythign more than just getting across town, they tend to be more respectful because they don't have anything to prove. There is more of a sharing vibe instead of a territorial one because there are endless miles of asphalt to ride on. Some longboarders like to go on long, fast rides with their buddies for fun, so the group aspect of skateboarding is also present. This is definitely an activity you can do with your friends and family, should you decide to pursue it.

Longboarders generally tend to get less hassle from the police and other people out in public. It helps that longboarders have the image of a more respectful crowd, but this might also be due to physical differences in the board. Skateboards have harder and shorter wheels, which tend to cause damage to property. Many shopping centers do not allow skateboards on the premises, and traffic laws usually do not permit skateboards to be on the streets at all. Doing this could risk getting your board confiscated by the police, but longboarders seem to have fewer problems with this.

Many longboarders hold some disdain for skateboarding because it is so commonly associated with teenagers who act disrespectfully and destroy public property. While this is only a stereotype, it's an image that is sometimes hard to get away from. Using a different type of board actually allows some people to differentiate themselves from this image, not only to their friends and family, but also to cops and pedestrians. This makes it possible for adults who are afraid of being too old for skateboarding to break into a similar hobby with fewer constraints.

Learning how to longboard Vs Learning how to skateboard

While skateboarding is largely more popular than longboarding, they each have their own merits. If you don't know how to do either, you should know that both are a lot of fun, but it's slightly easier to learn how to ride a longboard. While longboarding has not become so popular that it has become a full-blown sport like skateboarding, there are people who make a living by longboarding and getting sponsored. At its essence, the longboard is really just a variation of the skateboard, but it's different in the sense that just about anyone can learn how to longboard much faster than they could learn how to skateboard. The bad news is that it can take quite a while before you are longboarding at the same level as the pros, but this is the same as most pursuits. It will require hard work, but here are some great tips to get you started.

It takes time to figure out which foot goes in front and which foot goes in back. First of all, it really makes no difference if you're right-handed or left-handed. You'll have to know which leg is your dominant leg, but that should be easy to figure out. The best way to do this is to think about the way you approach things. Which leg do you always use to kick something like a ball? With which foot do you usually start walking up a staircase? If you begin to lose your balance, which leg do you use to save your balance with? The side you always use in those situations is the side that goes to the back of the longboard. It really has to do with your dominant leg and nothing to do with the direction you want to face.

Start with an inexpensive but very durable longboard. High quality, beautiful longboards can be outrageously expensive. They're so expensive you'll probably just want to hang it on a wall and look at it! This is why you need to start with a beginner's board. They have strong wheels and are thicker. These boards will be able to take the pounding and abuse the beginner longboarder will give it. Ask your local skate shop to point out the more newbie friendly longboards.

Next, you should know that stopping the board is a bit more involved than starting is. To practice, it's probably easiest to drag one foot to slow down and eventually stop. You can also try taking small steps to lose speed, kind of like the opposite of the push-off. This is a lot like stepping in the reverse direction of your travel.

This isn't great for your feet, but it should do the trick. When you get better at this, you can stop yourself quite smoothly by dragging the tail-end of the board, but you do want to avoid tail-grinding if you're going a bit fast. With practice, you'll begin to take note of differences in the stances of other longboarders. You'll just need to practice and in time you'll discover what you like best. It's important to make an effort to work on the basics. You'll make excellent progress before you know it, and then you may realize just how comfortable you really are on a longboard.

Cheapest Longboard Providers

Introduction

Longboarding is one of the coolest sports of the latest decade. However the sport isn't very affordable.

Longboard prices can vary from a few hundred bucks to thousands of dollars for a professional longboard. The longboard sport is much more expensive than the skateboard industry because the huge demand for longboards and the relative low amount of longboard suppliers. Also longboards are often made of more expensive material such as bamboo. This makes the sport expensive for students and other people who can't spend too much money. The purpose of this article therefore is to give an indication of the cheapest longboard suppliers around.

Extreme Sports Trader

This is a British website that is a sort of Craigslist for extreme sports. You can find a great variety of longboards here for cheap prices. The only disadvantage is that the longboards provided are mainly from the United Kingdom, so shipping costs to the United States will be higher.

eBay

eBay is a good resource for cheap longboards. Especially the British, German and Spanish versions of eBay are recommended. The supply is big and you can immediately see which suppliers are credible and which ones are to be avoided. You are furthermore protected by eBay's buyer rules. This is a highly recommended place to start searching for beginners.

Skateboard Express

This is great Australian outlet for longboards. The longboards here are directly shipped from the factory to the customer. You don't have to pay here for marketing and shelf space. The service is good too. However the shipping costs is a bit high, but even then this shop is much cheaper than all normal stores.

Forums

Another good option is specialized longboard forums. The longboards found here are with distance the cheapest. However you have to be careful, you never know for sure if the seller is credible. Therefore it is advised to only buy from authoritative people on the forum like admins or moderators.

Conclusion

There is no best option to buy longboards. However each option has its pros and cons. EBay is highly recommended for beginners, while forums should only be used by more experienced long boarders. The Skateboard Express is the cheapest provider of brand new longboards. Extreme sports trader is only recommended for British people, although it does no harm for foreigners to look here for a second hand longboard for sale. All in all you can't go wrong with all of these options.

Gravity Longboard Reviews

For many years, I've seen and read Gravity Longboards reviews singing different praises and good feedback about Gravity. Established around the mid 90s, Gravity has been a legendary and one of the oldest manufacturers of longboards in the market. Many Gravity Longboards reviews have claimed this and that about the company and I think it's fair enough - for I have never seen longboards with such quality as Gravity. Although in all honesty, as a cruiser for 3 years now, I do expand my options to other brands and therefore, I have other boards from other companies as well. However, functionality and sturdiness wise, Gravity boards are always on the top of my list.

As I began getting more interested with skateboarding, I came to the conclusion that not all boards actually run the same even if they look alike and shapes alike. Somehow, they don't really feel alike, if you know what I'm saying. My first Gravity longboard is a Hypercarve given by my older sister and I have to say, the quality blew me away. Before I receive my Hypercarve, I already have a few months of knowledge and training about skateboarding and possess at least 5 skateboards from other brands. Frankly, I would not say Hypercarve was the best board I had - maybe just a lot better than 2 of my top boards- but it was instantly in my favorite list just one day after I've ridden it.

About 3 months later, Gravity Longboards reviews and forum began raging about the latest Kalai Drop Carve. I was perplexed of how people around American got crazy over the Kalai drop so out of curiosity I decided I'd like to get one too! I purchased it online and around a week of riding, Kalai was instantly my top favorite.

The batches of the newest Gravity boards produced were also not something you could miss and not regret it, particularly if you're a fan of downhill and sliding. Gravity Longboards reviews have claimed 2 things of why Gravity has remained as one of the most reputable longboard brands in the industry - Downhill and Sliding. For many American longboards, this is no longer an unknown fact. Gravity is a famous producer of the best downhill and sliding boards. However, there are another 2 things that I like about Gravity - speed and sturdiness. My first Hypercarve has not been used for ages, but every time I use it, it still runs like the first time. Unlike many cheap boards, most Gravity boards are designed to match a speed of 40mph and more, which is why they are my absolute favorite.

Guide to Buying a Longboard

You will want to think about the type of longboarding you're going to be doing before you just go out and buy a longboard. If you want to go downhill as fast as possible, you'll need a high tech board, like something from sector nine or loaded longboards. If you just want to cruise the streets and do things at low speeds, then most any other board will work just fine.

You may just want to go out and buy a longboard that's already setup for you. This is called a complete longboard. The best advice that this guide can give you if you take the route of buying a complete longboard is this: don't waste your money on a cheap board. Your experience will be infinitely better if you spend a good chunk of money on a good longboard. If you'd rather put a deck together, you will need to buy all the parts. We'll explain wheels first.

Longboard wheels vary in size and hardness. Longboard wheels are typically very soft. Softer wheels grip the road more easily and give the rider a smoother riding experience. Softer wheels also work better when a person slides - they act more like a brake than harder wheels do. This is at the cost of the wheels, though. Softer wheels tend to not last as long as harder ones.

You will also need a longboard deck. The only company that really makes these is loaded longboards. Fortunately, loaded longboards are great decks. You can also buy a loaded complete, but some people like to put their own together. Be sure to read about the different types of flex that loaded longboards offer, as it will affect your riding experience.

The last thing to pick is a good set of trucks. There are different sets of trucks out there and the best way to find out which ones work well for you is to try them. Most stores should have the trucks you're looking at setup on another board and should be happy to let you try them out. If you can't test them, though, just make sure that you buy yourself some wide trucks. They can always be replaced later.

That's about it for putting together a longboard. You'll find as you go through everything that the best way to piece a skateboard together is to go to a shop and look at all the components. Find parts that suit you and your riding style, then put everything together. You shouldn't be too disappointed if you've taken the time to find quality parts.

Sector 9 Longboards

If you're looking for flexibility, functionality and a competitive price range in longboards, you're probably looking for Sector 9 Longboards. If you haven't known about this brand yet (although this I truthfully doubt), Sector 9 Longboards is one of the big longboards manufacturer in the US and has been in business quite longer than most of its competition. Perhaps a lot of skateboarders in America have been fascinated with skateboarding through Sector 9 Longboards as well. Figuratively, S9 has directly or indirectly invited a lot of newbies to try and get into the skateboarding sports. It's most fascinating to know that even those who are no longer using S9 will tell you that at some part of their lives, they've actually used S9, especially during their newbie years. In fact, a lot of skateboarders in American were "born" from Sector 9 Longboards.

Sector 9 Longboards are best for amateurs because it's not exactly built for speed. Therefore, there's a lot of space for you to learn without worrying about going too quick. They are so far, the best practicing boards. That is the reason why newbies love S9s.

Stability is where S9 is best known for. Since there are a lot of skateboarders who are still having problems with balance, especially when doing complex tricks, this is where S9 longboards come in. This is also another reason why it's the best beginner boards - its sturdy and stiff, perfect for amateurs who have not yet practiced their balance. We have to admit that there are 2 things we probably had problems with during our newbie years - balance and speed. Unless you're like some skateboard prodigy, you may have shortcomings in these certain areas while still beginning.

Learning on more complex and larger boards may be too much for a beginner, not to mention the increased chance of getting into accidents. At first, skateboarding can be quite hard and dangerous but that's the reason why you're learning it - because you're up for the challenge. Therefore, you need a good supporting board and a good supporting board will most likely come from Sector 9 Longboards.

Despite it's lack of adequate speed, a lot of professionals still like riding with S9 longboards mainly because this company produces some of the sturdiest longboards, perfect for keepsake and leisure rides in the future. My first S9 longboard is the BH deck and although I've changed some of its components and added some innovative experiments on my own, I was thrilled to find out I can still use it after 3 years of dormancy. Also, if you haven't known, S9 also have good concave decks. Maybe some of them may not be too exaggerated and sophisticated in designs but they seriously ride stiff! Perfect for downhill!