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 are an intermediate or experienced rider, there are plenty of things 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 plate 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 general purpose form of transportation. It’s a board that can turn wide so you feel like you’re surfing on concrete. It will get 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 riding involves a lot of technical tricks on a flat surface. It’s all about creativity: dancing, fun rides, slides, board tricks, and regular rides. 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 crouch position to gain more speed. If you are a beginner, it is best to take it easy with this style until you gain some more experience.

What shape of longboard should you choose?

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

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

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

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 “falls” between the wheels and is very low to the ground, which makes it very stable, ideal for cruising and free riding activities.

• Descent: Trucks mount through the board, which lowers the platform, for long-distance travel, free rides, and descents.

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

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

Go shred it and have fun!