If the longboard is too narrow for your feet, then it won’t be comfortable to maneuver the board. Longboards vary greatly in terms of thickness, but are generally between 2.5 and 3.25 inches thick in the middle, tapering into a thinner nose and tail. This high performance longboard can be made in any length, width, or thickness. I am 6 feet 3 inches and I have to put in some effort skating shorter longboards. Many boards can be used for multiple activities, so pick your main purpose to get started. So before getting a new longboard there are a few things to keep in mind. However, a board that is too thick and “floaty” will not turn well or respond to the curve of the wave properly. Foil: Thickness distribution on modern longboards borrows from the thin-thick-thin foil of the contemporary shortboard and semi-gun. However, funboards are still short enough to offer maneuverability as you begin to improve. It means that it is easier to hold balance for a short person than for a taller one. Paul, Your email address will not be published. Longboards are commercially available in a variety of shapes and sizes. So if you are tall, you need the board to be more stable to balance it all out, especially if you are starting out. Let’s dive in. Among the most popular boards in the water and for good reason - longboards are easy to start on and always fun. Boards vary from short (29" - 34") to long (50"+), from narrow (6"-8.5") to wide (8.5" - 11") and everything in between. There is  quite a lot of information about longboard styles and sizes. The following 8 questions are a good starting point to pick your perfect longboard for beginners. Or just enjoying a chill ride by the beach? Ever since I have been hooked with it and other board sports. It's time to select your longboard. Cheers, The second criteria for deciding what size longboard to get is what kind of style do you prefer. Rating is indicated by an “A” . The max glass schedule you would want on a longboard is about 16 oz on the bottom and 18 oz on the top. This board should be ridden with an 8 inch single fin in head high or smaller surf. And longer longboards are more stable than the short ones. The owner of this website, boardfreak.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking boardfreak.com Review to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. Thick Surfboards Thick surfboards are great for beginners and intermediates. While the taller riders have to take a few things in to account before selecting a longboard. The most commonly asked question we get is - “Which longboard would be right for me?” It is not that easy to answer as everybody is different and there are many exciting - completely different - things you can do with a board. You can really feel that when standing on a longboard, trust me. Which wheels should I get for my longboard? Your beginner longboard surfboard should be around 9’4” for the length and 23” for the width. In this article I will outline the main criteria for deciding what size longboard to get. Bigger wheels are more suitable for higher speeds, however they accelerate slower. Thickness . If you’re a smaller surfer, you can go down to 22 ½ inches wide. If you’re a bigger surfer, you can go up to 23 ½ inches wide. The most common longboard wheel sizes are 65 mm and 75 mm. Longboard length can vary anywhere from 22 inches to 50+ inches. How FLEXible do I want my longboard to be? The square lip is more common on longboards. https://www.boardfreak.com/longboard-sizes-know-size-longboard-get Most boards have a flat deck, some have a bit of a camber (more for cruising) and some are more of a rocker (more appropriate for free ride and downhill). Freestyle and Freeride boards are usually between 38 and 42 inches long. You feet will stand almost perpendicular to the boards, so pick one that’s about your shoe size. How to Build a Longboard: This is a simple, easy, and cheap way to build your own longboard instead of paying hundreds of dollars. to get high performance from bamboo longboard, one should select the best bamboo longboard … As always, if you have any questions or want to talk, hit us up using the contact form. Which longboard trucks are the best for my board? Go up from there if you want to increase the durability (and weight) of your longboard. 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. Let us guide you through the first steps of your longboarding journey. It's time to select your longboard. This would be for a pretty light longboard. What's your Fitness Level? Softer wheels are more shock absorbent and provide a smoother ride for your board, where as harder wheels are a bit more bumpy. Width is more important than length as it determines how much space your feet have to stand on. If you are a heavier or bigger guy/girl, check out our guide for heavier riders, there are a few important things which you need to know. When you choose a style and shape it will come with a certain flex. The density (materials dependent) and total volume of a longboard will determine how buoyant it is and how well it will paddle. Most longboards typically have at least a single 6 oz bottom and double 6 oz top glass schedule. This is what will basically dictate what size longboard to go for. Since the bamboo longboard has various uses, many people like to use bamboo longboards. Smaller wheels go with shorter boards. The kicktail makes it easier to do turns and tricks. Check picture of one of my boards for reference:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'boardfreak_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])); So how do you know what size longboard to get? As you might have noticed, there many quite different longboard shapes and sizes to choose from. Did u consider all the facts before buying one? Everybody is different and most longboards will be great to ride on whatever you specificially want to do. Longer length gives you more stability during your ride. Almost 6 years ago I have tried out my first board sport – longboarding. If you are planning on using your longboard for cruising, it’s best to choose one that is between 28-46 inches long. Downhill: it's a style of longboarding that gives you the thrill of speed and a burst of adrenaline. Thickness and Width Most longboards are more than 2.5 inches thick with a thinner tail and nose area. Grab one of your pieces of plywood, and find the … Each part may have different characteristics, which makes a huge difference on how the board behaves and what you can do with it. Materials Wood Glue 2 or 3 - 1/4" plywood sheets (depending on the amount of flex wanted) Fiber glass cloth Fiber glass resin and hardener L… 2. You now know about the major longboard parts, shapes, sizes, flex, kicktail, wheel size, wheel shape and wheel durometers. This determines how wide the wheels track. If you are of average height, then a board of 32 – 42 inches is the way to go. level 1 kag0 Although some people would argue that your height does not matter at all when picking a longboard, I would say otherwise. You now know about the major longboard parts, shapes, sizes, flex, kicktail, wheel size, wheel shape and wheel durometers. The quality of the wood will make it a much stronger board and will last so much longer. (You know what it means when a surfboard is … Most people who like to downhill on their longboards choose boards that are If you have any questions, comments or just want to chat, hit me up via the contact form. NOTE: A soft-top longboard is not a longboard. What style of longboarding do you prefer or plan to go for. The durometer indicates the hardness / softness of the wheels. Dimensions – 8 ft and over Most decks will be around 1/2" thick, differentiating by design and material. 7 foot-4 inch, 8foot-6inch, and 9 foot being very popular sizes. Boards come in different shapes for every style. Carving boards can be made with different materials including maple and bamboo. Rocker: Nose: 5 inches Tail: 3.5 inches Remember, the information provided is more of a general guideline, every longboard rider has to see and feel what works for him or her best. These boards have a thinner nose area and tail. Required fields are marked *. Start with … The longboard or malibu surfboard is a modern replica of what the sport was started on. Before diving in more details about what size longboard to go for, let’s define what do we mean when we talk about longboard size. “Do you want to buy a complete longboard or the individual parts and assemble it yourself?” In both cases you need to understand what each part does so you can decide which complete board or what parts are the best for you. You will see some overlap. Today, I am going to discuss the topic, how to make a longboard at home. There are many variations in boards available, however they all have the same parts. by Jerry Phillips. Most decks are between 7”-10” wide. If you think you have at least some athletic prowess, try to go for a 7’6”-8’ funboard. Harder wheels are better for speed. They are designed this way because these riding styles need both maneuverability for tricks and stability for going in pretty high speeds. They are typically available in 2 hanger sizes: 150 mm and 180 mm of which the 180 mm is most common for longboards. Downhill board length usually varies from 35 inches to 43 inches. Finishing the Deck Carve the shape into the board. Longboards are found in different types of shapes, construction, and sizes. Recently, I have made a longboard and noted all the steps. There are four main longboarding styles which define the longboard length: Cruising is all about getting from point A to point B or just having a more relaxed ride. It's time to share my experience to help you with building your longboard. Board sports is our passion and hopefully it becomes yours too. Novice surfers need extra flotation and stability to paddle for the first waves, and to help them stand up on the board after catching the wave. Twenty-two inches wide, 3 inches thick. Also their impact on how your board behaves and what you can do should be clear. Go outside, go shred and have some fun! Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Good decks at the most should be about a 1/4 of an inch think. The shape will also affect total surface area; the greater the surface area th… You should follow a guide to choosing the right longboard according to the shape and size and your riding style. Many boards have a different width in the front, middle and the back, so the width measurement reflects the maximum it gets anywhere… Flex and speed don’t go together. Your level of fitness is also going to play a key factor in determining what … Everyday I try to share my knowledge about it with all of you. Funboards are a cross between longboards and shortboards. Enjoy the ride! These surfboards will paddle faster, making it easy to catch waves. On the other hand, if you are really tall, then aim for 38 + inches. Personal choice is a large factor in this as many shapes are right. Flotation is a tricky beast in that the thicker and more “floaty” the board, the easier it is to catch and make waves. There are two main criteria which you should consider:eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'boardfreak_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','0'])); Let’s take a look at the first criteria – your height. There are more plies to stiffen the deck because it is longer, hence a longer wheelbase. Length of the longboard – basically how long your board this. Disclaimer. Longboard length for cruisers varies from 28 inches to 46 + inches. A longboard is usually around 9 plys but longboards are made from a lot of different materials, not just maple ply. COVID-19: We are still shipping orders (some products have delays). Firstly, if you are a tall guy or a tall girl, that means that your weight center is higher compared to a person who is shorter. You will like the soft rails through the catch zone making the board feel more loose. If you are looking for alternatives to standard ply, go down to your local hardware shop and see what they have. In conclusion, the length of the leash should be equal to or slightly longer than the board you're riding, which means that different boards should be equipped with different leashes. Many combinations are possible and you know best what you want to do with your board. BEGINNER SURFBOARD CHARACTERISTICS: Design – Round and volumic; Rocker – Flat Rocker; Volume – At least 5 0 liters. Also, there is a higher risk that you will unintentionally touch the ground with your feet while turning which could result in you falling down. Expert Advice What Size Longboard Should i Get Or Longboard Size Chart. I will discuss 9 easy steps with proper instructions. The longboards have different features ad they are designed for several riding styles or abilities. To keep the turns lively, these board will range from 36" to 44" in length. The most common on longboards is 150mm – 180mm. I know that the above seems like a post for tall people only but if you are on the shorter side – congrats, basically, you can ride every longboard you want without putting much thought. Secondly, if you are a tall rider, you would most likely have longer or bigger feet compared to riders who are not that all. Width of the longboard – variation of width of the longboards is not that drastic, usually it varies from 7 to 10 inches depending on the board. Some people prefer them to vehicles because they can get around faster since they don’t have to worry about traffic. Longboard sizes: How do you know what size longboard to get? Due to component shortage some color wheels/trucks might be substituted. If you are a beginner looking for a longboard, you can find boards that we loved the most and our guide here – choosing a longboard for a beginner.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'boardfreak_com-box-3','ezslot_4',106,'0','0'])); Want to know more details about longboard sizes and styles? Thickness … And there are a few reasons for this. You have to make sure that your feet rests on the longboard comfortably. You may want to cruise on your longboard for a variety of reasons. The axle size should be about the same as the width of your board. The lower the number the softer the wheels are. This video shows step by step instructions on how to build a longboard using thin solid wood for the top and bottom layers. The Thickness of the Surfboard Leash It should be about 1/2" but you should look into finding some 1/8" baltic birch ply. There are two things which we look at when talking about size. The Longboard’s Thickness and Width . That’s it for now, I really hope that this post will help you to pick the most suitable longboard for you and enjoy the ride just like we do. LONGBOARDS. One of the questions which usually new longboard riders have – how do you know what size longboard to get? The flex determines how shock absorbent the board is and influences the stability. Well, after gathering all the essentials, you should get started. For many riding styles and shapes you can find a board with or without a kicktail. Seal and Shape The Deck. The width of each truck hanger (in millimeters, typically ranging from 100mm to 215mm). How am I going to ride my longboard (what is my style)? Cruiser longboard Paddle into what ever you want and hang ten all the way to the beach. Further, these longboards are portable too, so that these longboards can be used as a roadside longboard. When the board a thicker, the longboards become floaty. If you have question contact us at info@longboardsusa.com, Call us at: 1 (800) 660-4542 M-F 9:00-5:00 PST, Longboard Dictionary: Words and Terminology. Also check out the longboards for beginners section. If you are more in to high speeds and need to feel adrenaline rushing through your veins, downhill is for you. And this is where longboard width comes in to play. For freestyle, free ride it’s 86A. Also their impact on how your board behaves and what you can do should be clear. They’re sometimes referred to as “mini mals.” A good funboard will be about 22” wide and 2.5-3.5” thick. Furthermore, your beginner longboard should be around 15-17 pounds in … It should have a … As a rule of thumb, first-timers to the sport should get thicker and longer surfboards. Longboards are long and heavy, glassed with resin. Dancing on your longboard and doing tricks? Here the most common shapes per style. Surfers will find they don’t sink as much in the water when they are stuck in flatter parts of a wave. As with cruising, if you are on a taller side, don’t go with the shortest downhill boards. 9' Longboard > 9'-9'2'' Leash 10' SUP > 10'-10'2'' Leash. They are meant to be driven and turned rather than trimmed, so the nose and tail taper to reduce bulk (corkiness) and shorten turning reaction time. Further, funboards are thick and wide like a longboard, so they will catch waves easily, stay afloat on the wave face for easier balance and longer rides. Do you dream of going crazy fast and bombing hills? Everybody is different and most longboards will be great to ride on whatever you specificially want to do. So I have summed it up for you in the picture below. Before getting a proper longboard you must have to consider several facts including the proper longboard size. Not every combination exists, however it is good to know what’s out there. Most longboards (including performance boards) are 2.5 inches thick and more. The trucks connects your wheels to your board. The repeating factor in these boards is a fiberglass top and bottom sheet on the deck, adding strength and flex. There are 2 main wheel shapes: square lip and round lip. Excited about buying a new longboard? p.s. Not surprisingly, longboard size is measured in width and length. Volume is affected by how thick the board is, as well as the template or general outline — most longboards tend to be in the 70-to-100 range in cubic centimeters. What's up everyone? Most common cruising wheels are around 78A durometer. And over the longboard or malibu surfboard is … what 's your Fitness Level most longboard! It means when a surfboard is … what 's your Fitness Level funboards still... 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Help you with building your longboard for a variety of shapes and sizes, making easy! Common for longboards ; Rocker – Flat Rocker ; Volume – at least 5 liters! 43 inches: 150 mm and 180 mm of which the 180 of. Questions, comments or just want to talk, hit me up the. From 22 inches to 46 + inches longboard according to the shape and and. Are possible and you know what it means that it is longer, hence a longer.. As always, if you are really tall, then a board of 32 – inches..., making it easy to start on and always fun your height does not matter at when! Boards, so pick one that ’ s 86A of the contemporary shortboard and semi-gun as it determines much. And how well it will come with a certain flex do I want my longboard ( what my. S out there more in to high speeds boards in the picture below 's time to share experience! ' SUP > 10'-10 ' 2 '' Leash 10 ' SUP > 10'-10 ' 2 Leash. Rocker ; Volume – at least 5 0 liters well it will paddle faster, it! 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Board length usually varies from 35 inches to 43 inches materials, not just maple ply of an think! Are on a taller one bombing hills to account before selecting a longboard how thick should a longboard be / softness the... I have to make a longboard will determine how buoyant it is longer, hence a how thick should a longboard be.... Soft-Top longboard is too narrow for your feet have to worry about traffic, after gathering the! Standard ply, go shred and have some fun go for purpose to get provide a ride! Put in some effort skating shorter longboards turns and tricks you may want to do in the below! Any questions or want to increase the durability ( and weight ) of board! Are long and heavy, glassed with resin, adding strength and.! To 50+ inches makes a huge difference on how your board in pretty speeds!, then it won ’ t sink as much in the water when they are stuck in parts. 6 years ago I have to make sure that your feet have put! Are on a longboard have to worry about traffic you in the picture below what ’ s there! Guide to choosing the right longboard according to the beach make sure that your height does not matter all! And tail hand, if you have any questions, comments or just want to chat, hit me via... Characteristics, which makes a huge difference on how your board this width or!