Best Longboards for Beginners
Every year, more and more riders are starting to enjoy the sport of longboarding, both as an adventurous new hobby and a great way to travel.
With a growing number of people stepping on a longboard for the first time each year, the top longboard companies are designing more and more longboards for beginners.
While the features that make up the best beginner longboard are essentially quite similar to those that make up any great longboard, there are several specific factors to consider if you are looking for a longboard to get you started in the sport.
In this guide, we’ll look at what goes into a great beginner longboard, as well as review of some of the best longboards for beginners on the market today.
Top 5 Picks
Best Longboards for Beginners
Quest Super Cruiser Longboard
The Quest Super Cruiser is a beautifully designed artisan bamboo longboard that rides incredibly smooth, especially for a longboard in its price range.
Its kicktail design will be familiar to those who already have experience with skateboards, making the transition to longboarding much more natural, and the Super Cruiser’s durable wheels, trucks, bearings and deck are built to handle the mistakes of someone just learning how to ride.
The Super Cruiser has a number of reviews written by people who have just begun longboarding, with most all of them stating they couldn’t have picked a better longboard to start out with.
Top all that off with attractive graphics and a gorgeously polished sheen and it is easy to understand why the Super Cruiser is one of the top selling longboards available today.
The Playshion 39 Inch Freestyle Longboard
If you are looking for a board that rides smoothly, this Playshion option should definitely be up there on your list of considerations. The board is constructed using top-quality aluminum and maple, ensuring that you will get plenty of years of use out of the purchase.
The wheels are 70 millimeters in size and are made out of polyurethane. The board comes in a variety of colors and patterns, giving you plenty of options when choosing an aesthetic. The product is also sold at a reasonable price, making it a top option for skaters shopping on a budget.
Krown Rasta Freestyle Elite Longboard
As mentioned, one of the best, most versatile deck shapes for someone looking to explore and discover their own riding style is the freestyle longboard.
Of all the freestyle longboards, the Krown Rasta Freestyle Elite is one of the best, especially for beginners. Its low price tag and durable construction alone make it worthy of a purchase, however, it is the way that the Rasta Freestyle Elite rides that really sets it apart.
With a great set of wheels, bearings, and a nice, stable deck, the Rasta Freestyle Elite rides and turns like a dream. Along with this, the colorful lion artwork makes the Rasta Freestyle Elite stand out in the crowd.
Read our in-depth review of the Krown Rasta Freestyle Elite Longboard.
Related: Best Krown Longboards
The APOLLO Cruiser Longboard
This longboard features LED wheels, making it perfect for use at night. More so, the stunning artwork gives it a great look and aesthetic. The board comes in a variety of sizes and shapes; however, it is important to know that the larger the board, the more hefty the price tag.
This board features smaller wheels. Made out of top-quality maple wood, you will be sure to get plenty of use out of the investment. The product was designed and engineered in Germany by experienced skaters. Upon purchase, you will receive additional screws and wheels in case you need to replace them over time.
Atom Pintail Longboard
Atom is a company that is renowned for making excellent beginner longboards, and of these, the Pintail is one of the best.
Its light weight and maximum durability make it optimum for beginning riders. Even more important than this, however, is how smoothly the Pintail rides.
Pintail shaped longboards are naturally easy to turn, and a board such as the Atom Pintail that is equipped with great wheels and bearings is even easier to maneuver, making it ideal for those with less riding experience.
To complete the package, the Atom Pintail comes embellished with beautiful artwork on its maple laminate deck.
Related: Best Atom Longboards
Atom Bamboo Drop Through Longboard
Another great Atom longboard, the Bamboo Drop-Through is an excellent choice for those wanting the stability that a drop-through deck style provides. Whether you plan to be traveling at higher speeds or plan to go on longer distance rides, the stability of a good drop-through longboard is a very nice bonus.
Along with being stable, the Atom Bamboo Drop-Through comes equipped with a number of other features that make it well-suited for beginners such as a coarse 46-grit grip tape for maximum traction, ABEC 9 bearings with high-speed lubricant for a smooth ride, and durable Navigator Drone trucks that are highly durable.
The Volador 40 Inch Maple Longboard
The Volador longboard is also made out of high-quality maple. If you are looking for a product to use for years to come, this longboard should be on your list of considerations. The board is also very reasonably priced, making it a great choice for skaters shopping on a budget.
You will be able to choose from a variety of patterns and colors when purchasing the board. This 40-inch drop-through cruiser was designed to meet the basic needs of longboard beginners. In other words, if you are an experienced skater who enjoys doing tricks, this board may not be the best option for you.
Yocaher Punked Stained Kicktail Complete Longboard
The Yocaher Punked is a great, high-quality longboard whose two primary selling points are durability and affordability.
Made with premium grade grip tape, a 7 ply maple board with deep wheel wells, Abec 7 chrome bearings, and aluminum alloy trucks, the Punked is an excellently constructed board that is built with an emphasis on rugged durability.
Along with this, the Punked’s proven pintail shape is great for allowing fluid turns and easy carving. To complete the Yocaher Punked’s appeal, the board comes available in six different colors to choose from, each one of them beautifully stained into the maple deck.
The Minority Downhill Maple Longboard
This Minority skateboard has a very unique design and shape. Constructed using top-quality maple wood, aluminum, steel, and polyurethane, you will be sure to get plenty of use out of the purchase.
This 40-inch model is constructed specifically for downhill use. The board features a super strong 8-ply cold-pressed, hard rock maple deck, ensuring that it can handle falls and crashes. This product is also very reasonably priced, making it an excellent option for skaters shopping on a budget.
New Olym Longboard
This New Olym longboard is made out of top-quality maple and aluminum, ensuring that it lasts you a very long time. The deck length measures 112 centimeters, making it much longer than standard longboards.
If you are looking for a board that gives you a smooth and steady ride, this option should definitely be up there on your list of considerations. The product is sturdy and strong, making it perfect for skaters who enjoy doing tricks.
Atom Longboards Atom All-Terrain Longboard
This maple longboard is the most expensive option on our list. With that being said, it is also the best quality and will last you for many years to come. Made out of high-quality maple, the board will take a number of falls to show wear and tear. Featuring rubber wheels, this product is perfect for downhill skaters.
The wheels also feature grip, meaning that the board can be used on a variety of terrain types. The sturdy maple-lam drop deck will keep your center of gravity low, making it very easy to stay on the board and push off the ground.
FISH SKATEBOARDS 41-Inch Downhill Longboard
If you are looking for a reasonably priced longboard, this product should definitely be on your list of considerations. Made out of top-quality materials, the price tag does not affect the overall durability and longevity of the board.
With a deck length of 104 cm, the board is slightly longer than standard products. The wheels are made out of polyurethane and can easily be replaced. More so, you will be able to choose from a variety of colors and patterns upon purchase.
Quest Totem Longboard
The Quest longboard is made out of top-quality bamboo, maple, and aluminum. To be more specific, the board features a 7-ply all cold climate hardwood maple and bamboo deck, ensuring that the product does not get badly damaged after crashes. The wheels are also incredibly durable, making the board perfect for anybody who rides frequently.
This rugged and lightweight longboard is perfect for downhill skating. If you are looking for a board that offers a smooth and steady ride, the Totem longboard should absolutely be considered. You will also be able to choose from a variety of colors and patterns upon purchase, so you can choose a board that suits your preferences perfectly.
SOLA Bamboo Longboard
This SOLA longboard comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. The product is very reasonably priced, making it a great choice for any skater shopping on a budget. Made out of high-quality bamboo, you will be sure to get plenty of years of use out of the purchase.
With a deck length of 92 cm, the board is slightly smaller than standard options. The board is perfect for downhill skating, freeriding, and carving, making it incredibly versatile. The board comes assembled for you upon purchase and includes a number of additional parts in case anything needs replacing down the line. This makes it easier for you to enjoy the board without concern for replacement parts.
DEBROO Bamboo Longboard
This longboard is made out of top-quality aluminum, bamboo, and maple. With a deck length of 102 cm, the board is longer than standard options. This product is ideal for cruising and freeriding. However, it is important to note that the wheels are too small for downhill riding.
This DEBROO longboard offers a very smooth and steady ride. The board requires no assembly upon arrival and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The product is also very reasonably priced, making it a great choice for skaters shopping on a budget.
The Factors That Make a Great Beginner Longboard
In order to get the most enjoyment out of starting out longboarding, you will want to purchase a board that has specific characteristics that are tailored towards beginners.
Longboarding for beginners can seem challenging at first, however, with the right board, it can be a whole lot of fun.
To begin with, you are probably going to want to purchase a longboard that isn’t all that expensive. There is a number of great, cheap longboards available, and since you will very likely be eventually purchasing another longboard once you figure out your favorite riding style and other preferences, starting out with an inexpensive longboard is usually a good idea.
Along with being affordable, the best beginner longboards are also easy to ride. Having a board that rides smoothly and turns easily makes starting out longboarding less frustrating and much more enjoyable.
The longboard that will be the easiest to ride, however, depends on your own riding style:
- If you are wanting to travel long distances, a drop-through longboard is a good choice to consider as drop-through boards are more comfortable and stable on long distance rides.
- The easiest type of board to control, however, is a cruiser, which often comes in a pintail deck shape.
- If you are not sure what type of riding you will be doing, a freestyle longboard would probably be the best board for you to purchase, as they are a great, well-rounded style of board for beginners that lets a rider learn and adapt into their own riding style.
Beginner Longboarding Tips
If you are just starting out longboarding, chances are you may have plenty of questions on how to get started. In order to make your beginning in longboarding as fun and enjoyable as possible, consider following these four tips:
Buy a Longboard from a Reputable Brand
Many beginners make the mistake of purchasing a cheaply made longboard from a knock-off brand simply because it costs less. Because of this, far too many people’s first experience on a longboard is unenjoyable and frustrating. In order to get the most out of longboarding, purchase a quality longboard from a quality company. There are plenty of affordable longboards made by reputable brands. Buy one of these as your first longboard and your start into longboarding will be much more enjoyable and fun.
Purchase Safety Equipment
If you are just starting out longboarding, chances are you are going to have your share of falls. If you are traveling at very high speeds, some of these falls can be quite punishing. If, however, you are wearing the proper safety equipment such as a helmet, pads, and slide gloves, these falls will not be nearly as dangerous. Until you become an experienced rider (and, in all reality, even then) it is highly important that you purchase and wear the correct skating protective gear.
Be Patient
You’ve seen videos of people carving down hills and performing amazing tricks, and now you’re ready to try for yourself. Starting out, however, chances are you’re not going to be able to ride as gracefully as you might imagine. You will probably have to start out slow and simple and advance forward as your skills increase. As with anything, practice is crucial, and with enough time you will be riding a longboard like a pro. Until then, be patient and practice often.
Do Your Research
Before you go out and buy the first longboard that catches your eye, take the time to learn about the various parts that make up a longboard, the various types of riding styles that longboard riders enjoy, and the tips and tricks necessary to really enjoy longboarding. Watch videos, read customer reviews, and browse through company websites. The more information you take in, the better equipped you will be to tackle the sport of longboarding.
Final Words
If done right, longboarding is most certainly a hobby that can be picked up and enjoyed by a beginner right away. By choosing the right longboard, one that is durable, affordable, and easy to ride, you will be able to get started on an adventurous new pastime and a great way to travel that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.