What size longboard skateboard should I get? It's a question that we get asked a lot by customers seeking a new board, and it depends mostly on the type of skating you are looking to do.
The good news is that there are a few general guidelines that can help you choose the right size longboard for you. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
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The basics
First things first: what is the difference between a longboard and a skateboard?
A longboard is generally longer and wider than a regular skateboard, which gives it greater stability and makes it easier to ride. Longboards can come with either traditional kingpin trucks or reverse kingpin trucks. They tend to have softer and bigger wheels that allow one to cruise without getting hung up on small pebbles and debris on the pavement. They are great for sidewalk surfing, cruising and carving, and boards with a lower center of gravity even be used for downhill racing and bombing big hills (all else equal, a lower center of gravity = more stability). Longboard skateboards come in a variety of shapes.
Skateboards, on the other hand, are typically shorter and narrower, with harder wheels which are better for tricks and street skating, and not as good for long-distance riding. The sizes are a bit more standardized, with deck length being around 32" and width ranging from 7" to 10". You can find more information on longboards vs skateboards in our guide.
In this article we are going to focus on longboards specifically. If you are seeking advice on standard skateboard sizing, click here.
Now that you know the basics, let's dive into how to choose the right size longboard for you.
How do you know what size longboard to get?
Choosing a longboard size is a little different from choosing a skateboard. With traditional skateboards, you can pretty much go by your shoe size, with a little variation for the type of skating you'd be doing. Longboard decks, on the other hand, come in many different styles, and range from around 34 inches to a massive 60 inches, so there is a lot more personal preference involved.
The number 1 way we recommend choosing your longboard size is not the overall length, but the wheel base.
Wheelbase
Longer = larger turning radius, more stability
Shorter = smaller turning radius, less stability
Wheelbase (the distance between inside bolts of the trucks) should be the top factor in determining which size longboard you purchase. The wheelbase of a deck usually co-insides with the length of the deck, but not always. This means that smaller decks could have a wider wheelbase than a longer deck (within reason). It is best to compare boards by aligning the front wheels. This way you can easily see differences in the wheel base.
Wheelbase contributes to everything about the board, from the way it turns, to the way it handles speed. The longer the wheelbase, the bigger the arch it takes to turn a skateboard with the same amount of lean.
In downhill and freeride applications, some people prefer shorter wheelbases for more grip and longer wheelbases for more drift. This is because shorter wheelbases allow the rider to focus more weight directly over the trucks.
Wheelbase by longboard style:
Circling back to the question of 'What size longboard should I get?', we need to look at what type of riding you'll be doing.
|
Type |
Recomended Wheel Base |
Recomended Length |
|
Longboard Dancing |
30 - 33" |
44 - 48" |
|
Freestyle Longboarding |
27 - 30" |
40 - 44" |
|
Long Distance Pumping (LDP) |
29 - 30" |
37 - 38" |
|
Freeride Longboarding (tricks, slides) |
24 - 29" |
38 - 40" |
|
Downhill Longboarding (speed) |
28 - 35" |
38 - 42" |
|
Cruising |
21 - 30" |
35 - 40" |
|
Cruising (portable - mini) |
14 - 15" |
28 - 30" |
Please note, this is just our recommendation and an element of personal preference will come into play.
Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of how to choose your longboard size. Simply put, opt for a shorter wheelbase for a more responsive and snappy ride, or a longer wheelbase for a more stable and smooth ride.
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What size longboard is best for beginners?
If you are a complete beginner, it is recommended that you choose a board that is neither too long nor too short. A good rule of thumb is to choose a board that is between 30 and 40 inches in length, and in line with the riding you will be doing (see table above). You may also want to consider choosing a board has a larger deck width to ensure that your board is more stable and easier to control.
Once you have chosen the right size board, it is important to make sure that you purchase a quality product. In general, we recommend avoiding 'Amazon brand' boards (aka boards that are cheap AF with poor quality parts - usually anything under $100/120 for cruiser longboards), as it doesn't represent how a skateboard should feel or ride particularly well. If you can, we would suggest going to your local skateboard shop and talking with the staff to get you sized up correctly based on what you want to achieve.
If you are purchasing online, be sure to read reviews of the longboards before making a purchase. This will help you to find a board that is well-made and suited for your needs. Also, opt to shop somewhere with free shipping and easy returns just incase you need it. With a little research, you can find the perfect longboard for your skating needs. Here are a few of our recommendations based on our 15+ years in the game:
Best Longboard for beginners - Comparison Table
Now that we understand which size & style of board we need, let's take a look at some of our top recommendations from reputable brands. These are all longboard completes vs separate items.
|
Discipline |
Product |
|
WB |
Length |
Width |
Complete Cost |
|
Dance |
 |
29.5" |
45.5" |
9.25" |
||
|
Dance |
 |
30.5 - 31.25" |
47" |
9.5" |
||
|
Freestyle |
 |
27" |
39" |
8.75" |
||
|
Freeride |
 |
24.5 - 26" |
39" |
9.5" |
||
|
Freeride |
 |
29 or 31" |
38 or 40" |
9.8 or 10" |
||
|
Downhill |
 |
31.7 - 32.2" |
39.25" |
9.8" |
||
|
Downhill |
 |
31.5" |
42" |
9.6" |
||
|
Cruising |
 |
23.9" |
33" |
9.625" |
||
|
Cruising |
 |
30.5" |
40" |
8.8" |
||
|
Cruising |
 |
14.75" |
29.5" |
8.5" |
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Other considerations for your longboard
All the recommended boards above come complete. This means they come with longboard wheels, trucks, bearings and grip, fully built and ready to skate. As with any skateboard you will, over time, learn what you like/dislike and start to upgrade components. Urethane wheels, for example, will have a huge impact on the ride - lower duros will give a softer ride, while higher duros will slide more easily and are generally better for skateboarding tricks. Somewhere in the middle would be ideal for high speeds, giving the best of both worlds. We have a selection of Ultimate Skateboard Guides on various topics we recommend checking out when this time comes.
For now, if you have any further questions that are not answered below, please feel free to drop an email to help@stokedrideshop.com.
Assuming you already have a longboard, the first thing you need to do is find a flat, open area to practice. A parking lot or an empty street are both good options.
First, get comfortable with your board. Place one foot in the center of the deck and the other on the ground for balance. Then, push off with your foot on the ground and coast along. Try to keep your speed consistent and avoid braking if possible.
If you push off with your right foot on the deck, this is called 'Goofy' stance. If your right foot is on the floor when pushing off, this is called 'Regular' stance.
After you've gotten comfortable coasting, it's time to start learning how to turn. To do this, lean your body weight into the direction you want to turn. For instance, if you want to turn left, shift your weight to your left foot. As you turn, keep your eyes focused on where you want to go and resist the urge to look down at your feet.
Once you've mastered the basics of longboarding, you can start experimenting with different techniques and tricks. But remember, safety comes first. Always wear a helmet and protective gear when you're skating, and never skate in traffic or crowded areas. With a little practice, you'll be longboarding like a pro in no time. Check out this beginners guide to longboarding to learn more.
[Soft vs. hard skateboard wheels.]
Frequently Asked Questions:
f you're 5'4", you'll likely want to choose a longboard that's around 9" wide. This will give you plenty of room to move around and stay stable while riding. You may also want to consider a board with a bit more concave, as this will help keep your feet in place while carving. As for length, a board between 38-42" should be ideal for someone of your height. Ultimately, it's important to find a board that feels comfortable and natural to ride. Experiment with different sizes and styles until you find the perfect match.
Is a 40 inch longboard good for beginners?
A 40 inch longboard may be a good option for beginners. This size board can provide stability and control, while still being maneuverable. If you are just starting out, it is important to find a board that feels comfortable to you and that you feel confident riding. With a little practice, you'll be carving up the streets on your new longboard in no time.
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There are four main types of longboards: cruiser, downhill, freestyle, and slalom. Cruiser boards are great for cruising around town or campus. Downhill boards are designed for speed and stability while racing down hills. Freestyle boards are perfect for doing tricks and stunts. Slalom boards are built for carving turns and going fast.
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A longboard is longer than a skateboard and typically has larger wheels. Longboards also have different shapes that offer different riding styles. For example, some longboards have a concave shape that helps with turning, while others have a kicktail that allows for doing tricks. We explore the longboard vs skateboard debate here.
The deck is the main part of the longboard where you stand. The trucks are the metal axles that attach to the deck and hold the wheels. The wheels are made of polyurethane and come in different sizes, durometers, and colors. Usually for longboards they are softer wheels to give you a smooth surface for skating. The bearings are what allow the wheels to spin. Finally, the grip tape is applied to the top of the deck to help keep your feet in place while riding.
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Choosing a longboard can be tricky because there are so many different types and styles. A good place to start is by thinking about what kind of riding you want to do. Are you looking to cruise around town, race down hills, do tricks, or carve turns? Once you know what type of riding you want to do, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect longboard for you. Check out our table of recommended boards in the article, above.
See the main article for our recommendations!
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