Skateboard vs longboard may appear identical to the casual eye, but upon closer inspection, they are completely distinct.
These two types of sidewalk surfing are diametrically opposed. There are even arguments on which is superior and which is more enjoyable.
We at Hamboards couldn’t stay away from the ‘Longboard vs Skateboard‘ argument and wanted to pitch in and help settle it.
If you’re stuck and unclear which one to choose, you should understand the fundamental distinctions and benefits of each. So, let’s get started.
Origin of Skateboard vs Longboard
Skateboarding originated in the 1950s as a byproduct of surfing. A group of surfers decided to take advantage of the flat days by building the first skateboards by gluing wheels to wooden planks.
Of course, the initial skateboards were not exactly what they are now, but they were refined over time into the shapes we know today.
Longboarding emerged later and has grown in popularity in recent decades. Skateboards were never able to perfectly mimic the surfing sensation because their design was nothing like an actual surfboard.
Longboarding culture emerged on the scene in the 1990s, and it was no fad. This was the age when sea surfers and snowboarders joined forces to experience the surf on land.
These people began adding roller-skate wheels on their boards and gradually shaped longboards as we know them today. The concept was to preserve the basic shape of the surfboard while adding flexible, squishy wheels to simulate riding the waves.
The 1990s also saw a shift in truck technology, with boards becoming more stable thanks to reverse kingpins.
Even even the longest longboards were far shorter than true surfboards, their designs were nearly comparable. Longboards grew in popularity because they’re versatile in size and shape and could be utilized on a variety of terrains.
The Shape
Longboards, as previously stated, are often significantly longer than skateboards. They are 33-60 inches long and 9-10 inches wide on average, whereas skateboards are 28-32 inches long as well as 7-10 inches wide. Longboards are great for beginners because of their size, which makes them more stable and gives rail-to-rail balance.
Skateboards can have a variety of designs, but the shape remains quite consistent. Its deck is typically curved upwards along both ends, allowing skaters to perform the Ollie and flip.
Longboards, on the other hand, have long, narrow decks and available in a variety of forms and sizes, providing a unique surfing experience.
The Hamboards series has seven different models, all of which are based on well-known surfboard designs. The Fish, dubbed ‘The Longboard Porsche,’ for example, is one of the best high-performance street-riders in the market since it is shaped just like a fish surfboard.]
And we based our Classic on the original longboard surfboard. We created a sleek and smooth board that is ideal for classic surf-style riding, land-paddling, and noseriding.
Wheels and Trucks
Longboards and skateboards both have trucks at the bottom, but they are not the same. Skateboard trucks are more stiff, making them ideal for grinds and making tricks easier to accomplish.
Skateboard trucks are typically thinner and employ a traditional kingpin (TKP). They come in a number of sizes, and ideally, you should choose one that is the same width as your deck’s maximum width.
For example, truck axles should be 6″-7.25″ for decks of 6,5″- 7,25″.
Longboard trucks are more flexible, which contributes to the boards’ total flexibility. They are primarily responsible for the smooth and comfortable nature of longboard riding.
Trucks for longboards are wider. They have a reverse kingpin (RKP) and hangers that are typically 150mm or 180mm in length.
As with skateboards, you should select your truck based on the width of your longboard.
A deck with a width of 9″ or greater requires 180mm trucks. Choose 150mm boards for smaller boards.
Longboards have larger and softer wheels, which make them faster and more suitable for all types of surfaces. They also cushion road impediments like pebbles and cracks, making prolonged rides considerably more comfortable.
Skateboards with smaller wheels are good for balance and tricks, but they can be quickly thrown off by road obstructions.
Moving The Board
Longboards and skateboards both receive their first thrust from pushing off the ground using one leg. Traditional skateboards are good for ramps and tight turns, and their light weight allows for leaps and flips. The same characteristics, however, cause them to feel less stable and uncomfortable.
Longboards, on the other hand, are created with transportation in mind, and riders may cruise for kilometers on any smooth ground. They are ideal for cross-country and downhill skiing.
Skateboarders must generate push and speed with their feet on the ground.
When cruising at high speeds, this is neither safe nor practicable.
The longboard design, on the other hand, allows you to ‘pump’ the board by transferring your weight back and forth. This generates thrust and force without requiring your feet to leave the board.
Longboard riders can now cruise endlessly on flat and downhill conditions with both feet on the board.
Gyrating is a variation of pumping in which you move via slightly turning your board left and right while you go forward.
The Purpose
The most crucial question to ask yourself while deciding whether to acquire a skateboard or a longboard is “what do you require it for?
Even with all of their similarities and contrasts, skateboarding and longboarding serve quite different purposes.
Skateboards are particularly uncomfortable for extended rides due to their length and wheels. They are better suited for skateparks because the surface is hard and flat and there is plenty of room for tricks.
You may ride your skateboard in the streets, although this is usually referred to as grinding, in which skaters use barriers in the streets to do impressive stunts.
Overall, they are designed for practicing tricks such as ollies, kickflips, darkslides airs, and so on. If that sounds appealing, a skateboard is a great way to go. However, be cautious because they are typically less stable and therefore more dangerous to ride, and are even prohibited in some parts of the world.
Longboarding has two primary functions: cruising and transportation. When it comes to street riding, the design is flawless. Its design, flexible truck, and soft wheels make it pleasant and easy to drive even on harder surfaces.
A longboard is also great for extended travels. You could, for example, utilize one on your commute while having fun on the path to work.
However, even on a longboard, you can perform some feats. You may attempt carving, downhill sliding, noseriding, and hand-paddling depending on the model. I guarantee they’ll look better on longboards.
If you want the very best of the two worlds – a longboard that is wonderful for cruising while also being terrific for tricks – try our Pinger and prepare for an exciting ride.
The Verdict
Skateboarding and longboarding both make compelling arguments and promise a lot of fun. You merely need to think about what you require from a board. Are you more of a laid-back, cruising type? Or do you prefer ramping and stunts?
Still, if you’re a novice, we prefer longboarding first since it’s easier to learn. It’s easy to get acclimated to the boards, find your balance, and learn your initial moves because of their shapes and sizes.
Longboards tend to be less agile than skateboards, but with the appropriate skill, you can flip, ramp, and barrel roll.
I hope this article addressed some of your questions about longboarding vs skateboarding.
So, what will it be? Longboard or skateboard?
