Longboards

What kind of longboard do you actually need?

Longboard is a broad term, and the shape follows the purpose:

• Cruiser — for getting around, commuting and general riding. Stable, comfortable, forgiving. The default for most people.
• Drop-through — the deck mounts through the trucks for a lower ride height, which makes pushing long distances easier and adds stability. Ideal for commuting and distance.
• Pintail — the classic surfy shape, built for carving and flowing turns, a relaxed cruising feel.
• Downhill — stiff, low and stable, built to hold a line at speed. A specialist shape, not a beginner cruiser.
• Dancer — long, wide platforms for walking the board and freestyle footwork.

Most people who say they want a longboard want a cruiser or a drop-through. If you are not sure, that is exactly the conversation to have with us.

What size and setup suits Melbourne riding?

For Melbourne commuting and recreational riding, a mid-length cruiser or drop-through deck in the 38 to 42 inch range with soft 78a to 80a wheels is the practical sweet spot. Stable enough to ride confidently, manoeuvrable enough to navigate shared paths and city terrain, and soft wheels that roll over rough footpaths and tram-track gaps rather than getting hung up on them.

Why do soft wheels matter on a longboard?

They are the difference between a smooth ride and a rattly one. Longboard wheels are larger and softer than skateboard wheels (78a to 83a versus 99a and up), which lets them roll over cracks, gravel and rough concrete comfortably and hold speed. On Melbourne footpaths and bike paths, soft wheels are what make a longboard pleasant to ride rather than a fight. It is the single upgrade beginners most often overlook.

Is a longboard good for a beginner?

Yes, often better than a standard skateboard for someone who wants to cruise and commute rather than do tricks. The larger deck and soft wheels make it stable and forgiving, so the learning curve to just riding around is gentle. The key is matching the shape to the intent, since a downhill or dancer board is not a beginner cruiser. Tell us what you want to do and we will steer you to the right one.

Which longboard brands do you carry?

Landyachtz, Arbor, Loaded, Sector 9 and DB are the brands we back. Each has strengths across cruising, carving, distance and downhill, and we stock them because they hold up and ride well, not because they are the cheapest. If you are cross-shopping shapes and brands, come in and we will talk you through the differences.

Buying a longboard in Australia

Core Melbourne skate shop since 2013, authorised dealer on the brands we carry. If you are new to longboarding and not sure where to start, come in. It takes five minutes to work out what shape and flex suits your riding, and getting it right matters more with longboards than most board categories. Free shipping on orders over $90, with same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond showroom.

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