LONGBOARDS 101: The One-Minute Guide To Getting Your First Longboard

For immediate release

Please contact Melissa Horwitz at 503-281-5123 or email melissahorwitz@gmail.com

PORTLAND, Ore., September 4, 2012 – If you’ve been on campus for more than a minute, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen other students cruising around on longish skateboards called longboards. Like skateboards, longboards are a really good time. However, longboards differ from skateboards in that they are, well, longer and typically have big, soft wheels. Consequently, the boards are more stable and can obtain higher speeds (because the wheels are bigger) than skateboards. So it’s easy to get from Point A to Point B on a longboard. Add in the fact that longboards, unlike bikes, can be carried inside classrooms, and you have a pretty potent commuting machine.

If you’re intrigued and want to look into longboarding, here are a few things you should consider:

Board Shape
If your main concern is riding around campus, you will benefit much more by sticking to the basics. You can’t go wrong with a classic “pintail” shape board. They are modeled after surfboards – but much smaller – and are very easy to get around on. Another great style of board is known as a “drop-thru.” Drop-thru longboards have a unique truck (the axle) and wheel mounting system, which allows them to sit lower to the ground creating a more stable ride. Both styles of boards are made with a generous amount of flex. Flex helps provide for a more all-around comfortable and smooth ride.

Board Size
While a lot of companies make some enormous boards, for a good cruising-and-commuting board, you will want to stay in the range of 34″ to 40″ long. Boards in this size are generally stable enough for anyone to ride, and they’re lightweight enough to carry around anywhere you go.

Wheels
Like board size, when it comes to wheels, bigger definitely does not mean better. A standard longboard wheel is 70mm’s tall which is plenty big enough to make it over any cracks or rocks that are in your way. Using wheels that are taller than 70mm’s puts you at risk of your wheels hitting your board when you are turning. Since longboard wheels are so soft, any contact with your board will stop you abruptly and send you flying forward. To avoid this, it is highly recommended that you do not use anything larger than a 70mm wheel.

Keep these things in mind when picking out a longboard and you will be zipping around like a pro in no time. If you have any questions or just want to learn more, feel free to give us a call at Daddies Board Shop, the largest longboard online retailer in the country.

For more information on longboards, visit Daddies Board Shop, call us at 503-281-5123 or email help@daddiesboardshop.com.

###