01:38
Faizan
Longboard skateboards are generally those in lengths from 39 inches to 60 inches. Longboards have built their reputation on point A to point B transportation -- covering ground in the least time possible. But all that length comes at a sacrifice of agility and snap in turns. Built for travel and distance, longboards are not stunt or trick boards. The choice between a standard skateboard or a longboard is the primary dividing line in skateboarding. A rider's height and weight will influence some of the parameters of a longboard, but the universality of longboards makes these factors less important considerations than when choosing a standard skateboard.
Determine the EFP. By definition, longboards offer lots of rolling real estate to a rider. However, you can't really plant your feet and weight on every last inch of it. The Effective Foot Platform (EFP) figure refers to the length, expressed in inches, which is actually available for riding on a given longboard. For example, a 40-inch longboard might offer an EFP in the range of 26 to 28 inches.
Take a stance. What constitutes the most comfortable distance between your feet on a longboard is usually directly related to your height. For proper balance and weight distribution, stance always exceeds shoulder width. Tall riders will usually require a longboard of at least 42 inches with an EFP of more than 30 inches to achieve the most comfortable stance and the best control.
Get on the scale. A wooden longboard over 42 inches may flex excessively if you are a heavy rider. Control-wise, this makes the board mushier as weight shifts are absorbed by the flex of the board instead of converted into snappy control movements. Composite boards of fiberglass or carbon fiber are stiffer and handle heavyweight riders better. There's a comfort trade-off, however, as stiffer composites ride rougher and do not absorb shock as well as wooden boards.
Determine the EFP. By definition, longboards offer lots of rolling real estate to a rider. However, you can't really plant your feet and weight on every last inch of it. The Effective Foot Platform (EFP) figure refers to the length, expressed in inches, which is actually available for riding on a given longboard. For example, a 40-inch longboard might offer an EFP in the range of 26 to 28 inches.
Take a stance. What constitutes the most comfortable distance between your feet on a longboard is usually directly related to your height. For proper balance and weight distribution, stance always exceeds shoulder width. Tall riders will usually require a longboard of at least 42 inches with an EFP of more than 30 inches to achieve the most comfortable stance and the best control.
Get on the scale. A wooden longboard over 42 inches may flex excessively if you are a heavy rider. Control-wise, this makes the board mushier as weight shifts are absorbed by the flex of the board instead of converted into snappy control movements. Composite boards of fiberglass or carbon fiber are stiffer and handle heavyweight riders better. There's a comfort trade-off, however, as stiffer composites ride rougher and do not absorb shock as well as wooden boards.
Posted in: skateboarding
