Longboard (skateboard)

A longboard is a type of skateboard typified by longer decks and wheelbases, larger-diameter and softer (lower-durometer) wheels, and often lower riding height compared to street skateboards, though there is wide variation in the geometry and construction of longboards.

Among the earliest types of skateboards, longboards were inspired by surfing, with early longboards drawing from the design of surfboards, resembling and mimicking the motion of riding a surfboard, but adapted to riding on streets in a practice known as sidewalk surfing.

Available in a wide variety of shapes, longboards are typically designed and optimized for cruising (covering distances at moderate speeds), commuting (as a practical means of personal transport), and downhill (racing).

Early skaters built dangerous, improvised boards out of planks of wood and roller skates.

Longboard technology has evolved rapidly to accommodate unique modern skating disciplines including downhill, slalom, freeriding, dancing, and freestyle.

Modern longboard decks can be made from a variety of materials including fiberglass composites, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

Pintails permit looser trucks and larger wheels which are better suited for carving or a "smooth" feel, whereas drop decks and drop throughs allow the rider to be closer to the ground, hence a lower center of gravity which increases stability and allows these boards to support more high speed downhill riding disciplines.

Their greater weight and bulk makes them less suitable for many skateboarding tricks, but contributes to a fluid motion by providing more momentum.

The longboard's design allows for big turns or quick short carves similar to the motions of surfers or snowboarders.

Longboard decks are typically made from plywood: anywhere from two to eleven layers, each of usually 2 millimeters (0.079 in) in thickness, composed of birch, bamboo, maple, koa, or oak wood.

Each variety has certain advantages and disadvantages, which come into play depending on the technique or personal preferences of the rider.

However, some carbon fiber boards feature concavity by the drops instead of foot pockets giving more leverage while turning.

A "rocker" shape is the opposite of camber, which sets the center of the board below the truck mounts when it is being ridden.

Carbon fiber and fiberglass are used to strengthen or completely replace wood in decks because of their better strength to weight ratios.

The fishtail or pintail's shape is used to prevent the wheel from coming in contact with the board (called "wheelbite") while still providing ample footspace.

They use the motion of the rider's feet and body to turn the board by pivoting a joint in the middle of the truck.

While they are usually considered to have more grip and stability (two important things in the downhill discipline), conventional trucks have a very different feel that is often preferred by many longboarders.

More restrictive bushing seats generally found on trucks designed with faster riding in mind as they offer more stability and lean.

They also reduce the strain on the deck from the trucks being directly in contact with it and the vibration caused through riding.

Angled risers are usually used in long distance pumping to help aid the rider in propelling the board without pushing.

This allows for the axle nut to be tightened all the way down eliminating the high frequency wobbles and increasing the lifetime of the bearings.

The performance of longboard wheels is determined by five characteristics: height, lip shape, contact patch, durometer, and hub setting.

Some longboarders prefer centerset wheels for sliding because they wear more evenly and when they become coned they can be flipped and still have the same feel.

They allow the rider to touch the road and lean on his or her hand(s) to slide to a stop, to pre-drift into a corner, to touch the road to regain balance if balance is lost, and to protect the hands and support the rider's body during a fall.

The shape allows riders to manually remove, turn and replace the attachment to promote even wear and extend its useful life.

The focus is on foot pushing and relaxed riding at low speed along roads, paths, and city streets.

Carving is a surf-like riding style that involves chaining quick successive turns back and forth in an S-like shape trajectory, in order to build and maintain momentum and speed.

Pumping – Involves swaying your body back and forth and shifting your weight in a way that makes your longboard perform quick small turns, gaining momentum by leveraging centripetal forces, without your feet ever touching the ground.

Commonly referred-to as "LDP" ,this is a minor subset of longboarding that has an avid, global group of riders.

Freeriding involves downhill riding at low to moderate speed, with a focus on performing stylish power slides and drifts to control descent.