Choosing the right longboard can be confusing. There are so many different styles, sizes, and shapes available, and as a beginner, it can seem overwhelming. Even if you’re an intermediate or experienced rider, there’s plenty to choose from.

To make things easier, start by understanding your preferred driving style and the most common ways. That way you can choose which board you need. The better you understand styles and shapes, the easier it will be to choose the right longboard.

What is your longboard riding style?

Cruising and Carving [Beginner]

• It is used for a fun form of general purpose transportation. It’s a board that can turn wide so you feel like you’re surfing on concrete. It will take you from A to B and has smooth rides.

free style [All levels]

• This is one of the oldest, original styles used in skateboarding. Freestyle driving involves a lot of technical tricks on a flat surface. It’s all about creativity: dancing, fun rides, sliding, board tricks and regular walks. This style is fine for both beginners and advanced longboarders.

free ride [Intermediate]

• This is for performing downhill maneuvers, for example, fast sliding at various speeds and technical tricks in quick succession.

Downhill [Advanced]

• Speed, speed, speed! This style is used to go down the hill as fast as you can. Bombing the hills and going fast while staying in control. You are using a crouched position for more speed. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to take it easy with this style until you gain some more experience.

Which longboard shape should you choose?

Depending on the style you choose above, you can now see the shapes. there are 2 generals longboard shapes in which all designs fall. Both shapes are for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.

directional: these boards are meant to go in one direction: forward. The most popular is pintail.

Symmetrical: These tables look the same no matter how you look at them. The rear looks the same as the front. These boards are commonly used in freeride and freestyle.

The boards come in different deck styles for every style of riding. Here are the top 3 common deck styles:

• Cruiser: The board is flat and these are the most popular.
• Descending – The board “drops” between the wheels and is very low to the ground making it very stable, ideal for cruising and free ride activities.
• Lowering: Trucks mount through the dash, which lowers the bed, for long haul rides, free rides, and descents.

Both directional and symmetrical boards come in these 3 deck styles. As you can see, there is some overlap between the shapes and riding styles. In the end it is your personal choice which one you like best. Many ways are correct.

If possible, try out a few longboards before you buy, so you know which one suits you best. What is the best board for your friend does not have to be the best for you.

Go shred it and have fun!