Longboarding

What is longboarding and its history

 The name "longboard" comes from the English words longboard, which literally means "long board". A longboard, like a skateboard, is a board with four wheels and is designed for street riding, but this is where their similarity ends. A longboard is fundamentally different from a classic skateboard. The longboard is most often used for fast, extreme street riding, because, due to its stability, it is able to reach high speed. The longboard rolls very smoothly on a flat road, it is easy to push (even lighter than a skateboard) and it is much easier to maintain speed on it. In terms of design, the longboard has a longer wheelbase and decks, and the larger wheels are softer. Even in the presence of significant bumps on the road for riding, the well-thought-out design features of the longboard allow it to move smoothly. On a perfectly flat surface to ride (for example, on flat pavement, in a stadium or specially equipped tracks for sports such as skateboarding or longboarding), a longboard can reach unusually high speed. So, the highest speed that was developed on a longboard - 129.94 km / h, was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as a record.
As you know, the first longboarders, like skaters, were surfers. And the very word longboard also comes from surf culture. On a skateboard and with a surfboard in hand, they got to the surf spot. And when there were no waves imitated surfing, riding a skateboard through the streets of the city, and then in empty pools, which, by their design, had the shape of a wave (pool).

Longboarding has absorbed many surf movements such as carving, pumping, boardwalking, sharp turns with the rear foot on the tail. Longboard freeride is very similar to snowboarding. And from skateboarding, many tricks are borrowed that can be performed even on the longest board. But, with the evolution of longboarding, there are many new moves, tricks and maneuvers, as well as new riding styles that did not exist before.

Longboarding is very versatile. And everyone can find in it something for themselves. Some people like the crazy speed and adrenaline that comes from downhill. Someone likes freeride and long standing slides, combined with tricks. Others are interested in just riding quietly around town.

You don't have to ride aggressively to have fun. One of the most exciting disciplines of longboarding is boardwalking/dancing/crossteping. All that is needed for this is a relatively long and moderately flexible longboard and a gentle stretch of asphalt. A huge arsenal of movements, from simple cross-stepping to the most complex variations, leaves no one indifferent.

Longboarding brings together a lot of interesting people. They may be people of different ages, different professions, but by communicating with them you can find so many common interests... Competitions and festivals, which we spend in Kyiv is always fun. We really love what we do here at theride.com.ua. Contact us and we will be happy to advise you, help you choose a longboard that best suits your needs and riding style.

Why you should buy a longboard in our store.< /h2>

It would seem that buying a longboard in Kyiv is not a problem. With the growing popularity of this type of activity, in Ukraine, longs begin to appear in the offer of many stores. An inexperienced buyer who chooses his first longboard can easily be misled by a beautiful pattern and a cheap price.

As a rule, cheap longboards that are sold assembled without the ability to choose components, almost unsuitable for skiing. In addition, riding them is dangerous. A deck without a concave, Chinese skate-type suspensions that either do not turn at all or rub the wheels on the deck at every turn, wheels that are not suitable for slides on bearings that spin poorly - this is what distinguishes a cheap longboard from a quality one.
We offer you the most interesting longboard models from leading manufacturers, assembled from components that meet the highest industry standards.

How to distinguish a longboard from a regular one skateboard?

Ordinary people or even experienced riders do not understand the difference between an ordinary skateboard and a longboard. Of course, if you look from afar, the difference is definitely imperceptible: this transport works the same way. But, there are several distinctive characteristics that are unique to a longboard.

Unlike a skateboard, a longboard has a long deck, its dimensions are from 70 to 90 centimeters. In addition, it is more elastic and soft. What is important, the shape of the deck is completely straight (pennyboards, cruisers have a curved deck). Some longboard models have a tail with a raised tail, in which case they are called kicktails.

Longboard loves everything wide. In addition to the deck, it is equipped with wide suspensions and matching soft wheels made of polyurethane. Thus, the board easily grips the road, it is maneuverable and fast. The wide suspension allows the longboard to be more stable, and the wide wheels perfectly smooth out vibrations, which may occur due to uneven asphalt or other defects. Longboards are usually bought by riders who already have experience in boarding, but often children choose such a skateboard as their first. They are not designed for big jumps, but are designed for comfortable riding on city roads and steep descents.

Longboard: technical side

Before you buy a longboard, you need to know its strengths and weaknesses. So, what characteristics make a longboard durable and practical?

• Sturdy deck: it can be plastic or wood. In any case, such a deck will not crack (if all the rules of use have been observed).
• Finish: ribbed, rough, glossy or matte. Depending on the model of the longboard.
• The longboard is able to withstand a heavy load: 80-120 kilograms.
• The base (suspension) of such a skateboard is metal, not painted.
• Used abec7-abec9 racing bearings that attach the wheels to the suspension.
• The wheels are polyurethane, soft, and interact well with the road.

How to care for a longboard?

Of course, the developers of longboards made sure that their products were reliable and durable. But, without proper care, this is almost impossible to do. Like any sports equipment, such a skateboard requires at least minimal attention.

In the case of a longboard, you need to carefully monitor the wheels and its deck. Manufacturers recommend not to use the board after rain and, moreover, not to ride through puddles. If liquid gets on the longboard, it can deform from this (if we talk about wooden, not plastic boards). The metal base of the longboard can also suffer: corrosion may occur. If your longboard gets wet, don't worry, just wipe it dry. By the way, do not wash such a board entirely. Better wipe it with a damp sponge. So you will achieve not only cleanliness, but also do not damage the elements of the longboard.

If your longboard gets wet, don't worry, just wipe it dry. By the way, do not wash such a board entirely. Better wipe it with a damp sponge. So you will achieve not only cleanliness, but also do not damage the elements of the longboard.

If your longboard gets wet, don't worry, just wipe it dry. By the way, do not wash such a board entirely. Better wipe it with a damp sponge. So you will achieve not only cleanliness, but also do not damage the elements of the longboard.