In this guide
Choosing a longboard feels harder than it is, mostly because every listing uses jargon. Strip that away and you are making five decisions: how you want to ride, which shape suits that, what size fits you, what is on the parts list, and what you want to spend. Work through them in that order and the shortlist builds itself.
1. Start with how you want to ride
Different riding styles want different boards. Be honest about what you will actually do in the first few months, not what looks exciting in a video.
- Cruising: relaxed rides on smooth paths and quiet streets. Comfort and stability matter most.
- Carving: long, flowing turns, a bit like surfing on pavement. You want a board that turns easily.
- Commuting: getting somewhere. You want a board that is easy to push for long stretches and stable on imperfect roads.
- Dancing and freestyle: footwork on a long, flexible deck.
- Freeride and downhill: slides and speed. These are advanced disciplines that need skill, gear and the right location. They are a poor choice for a first board.
Not sure? The match quiz turns a few answers into board characteristics to look for.
2. Pick a shape that suits that style
The shape decides how the board feels underfoot. In plain terms:
- Pintail: a teardrop outline that suits smooth, surf-like carving.
- Drop-through: the trucks bolt through the deck, which lowers the ride. It is stable and easy to push, which is why it is popular for commuting and first boards.
- Cruiser or kicktail: shorter and often upturned at the tail. Easy to carry and quick to turn, but less stable at speed.
- Top-mount: the trucks sit under the deck. It feels more responsive and suits carving and more technical riding.
Our guide to longboard types compares them side by side.
3. Choose the right size
Length is mostly about riding style, and width mostly about your feet. As a starting point:
- Compact cruisers are around 28 to 36 inches and are easy to carry.
- All-round boards for cruising, carving and commuting are usually 36 to 44 inches.
- Dancing boards run longer, often 42 inches or more.
Taller or heavier riders usually prefer a longer, wider deck, and shorter riders often find the lower end of each range easier to control. The size guide goes into detail, and the size guide tool turns your height, weight and riding style into a starting range.
4. Check the parts list
You do not need to become a mechanic, but four parts are worth understanding.
- Wheels: bigger and softer wheels roll over cracks and rough pavement more easily. A common beginner setup is around 65 to 70mm with a hardness near 78a. Read the wheels guide for the detail.
- Trucks: most longboards use reverse kingpin trucks. Look for trucks that match the width of the deck.
- Bearings: ABEC ratings are a loose guide at best. Sealed, cleanable bearings from a known brand are fine for a first board.
- Deck construction: maple, bamboo and blends of the two are all common. Flex affects comfort and stability: more flex absorbs bumps, a stiffer deck feels more stable at speed.
5. Complete board or custom build?
For a first board, buy a complete. It arrives assembled, the parts are chosen to work together, and you can upgrade wheels or bearings later once you know what you want. Building your own makes sense when you already know your preferences.
Set a realistic budget
We do not quote prices because they change constantly, so check the live listing before you buy. As a rule, very cheap complete boards tend to save money on bearings, bushings and deck quality, while paying more for a reputable brand mostly buys better parts and construction rather than a different way of riding. A good approach is to spend where it matters (trucks, wheels, bearings) and put the rest toward safety gear.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a speed board first. Downhill and freeride setups reward skills you do not have yet.
- Going too small or too narrow. A deck that is too small for your feet is unstable and tiring.
- Skipping safety gear. Falls are part of learning. Read what safety gear you need.
- Choosing hard wheels for rough roads. Hard wheels transmit every crack. Softer, larger wheels are more forgiving.
Where to go next
- Compare specific boards in our best longboards for beginners guide.
- Learn the basics in how to ride a longboard and how to stop.
- Browse board categories on our beginner longboards page.
Beginner questions
What length longboard is best for a beginner?
Most beginners do well between 38 and 42 inches. That is long enough to feel stable and short enough to stay manageable. Smaller riders or anyone who wants something portable can go shorter.
Are longboards easier to ride than skateboards?
For cruising and getting around, usually yes. A longboard has a longer wheelbase and larger, softer wheels, so it feels steadier. See our comparison of longboards and skateboards.
Should my first board be a complete?
Yes for most people. A complete board is assembled and matched, and you can swap parts later as you learn what you like.
