speed, racing and longboards #6

longboarding is an art of riding a long skateboard, from 24" to 80" in length. It comes from a surfer's style of riding. Due to the speed longboards ensue, you have to carve aggressively like a surfboard, so naturally, its a surfers game from the get go. Longboard trucks are usually 180mm to 215mm wide. Now the wheels and trucks were the bigger shifting point in this. The average skater uses smaller, harder wheels (for pop, or slides) Longboards, however, incorporate an array of larger softer wheels, keeping a ride smoother and the board steady and rooted. Now to me things like this are more important than the board itself in how I ride. However it was long ago when I last long boarded, the style I always skated on my short "street" board, I was always told I MUST be a longboarder at heart because of how I ride.

Downhill boards are typically in the mid 40" range. These boards are stiff and low to the ground. Having a lower center of gravity to increase the speed. In competitions, downhill skaters will wear a full face helmet and protective clothing. Skaters can hit speeds over 40 MPH, easily on a longboard. Races take place all over America all around the year. Iv recently put in to participate In a few after learning the logistic detail involved in safety and speed.