How to Choose a Longboard, Cruiser or Surf Skate
Longboards, cruisers and surf skates look similar but ride very differently, and there is no single sizing chart that covers them. Choosing the right one starts with being honest about what you actually want to do, because a board built for carving at speed is a frustrating daily commuter, and a cruiser built for flat-ground push feels dead on a hill.
The short version
- Commuting or distance: drop-through, 38 to 46 inches, 70 to 80mm wheels at 78a to 80a
- City riding and short trips: cruiser, 28 to 34 inches, soft wheels
- Carving or surf and snow cross-training: top-mount, or a surf skate
- Downhill: stiff, low, top-mount. Come and talk to us first
- Who should avoid a longboard: anyone wanting to learn tricks. Get a standard skateboard instead
- If you are still unsure: a drop-through complete suits most people getting into longboarding
What we cover: What you will use it for · Board types · Surf skates · Flex · Wheels · Protection · FAQ
What are you going to use it for?
Be honest about this before anything else. Most people buy a longboard for one of four reasons: commuting or getting around the city, casual cruising, carving and surf cross-training, or downhill and speed.
These need genuinely different setups. A commuter board is long, stable and easy to push. A carving board has specific truck geometry. A downhill setup is stiff, low and built around wheel grip at speed. Do not buy a downhill board for commuting because it looks cool.
If you would rather just browse the range, start with all longboards.
Which type of longboard should you choose?
| Type | Typical length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cruiser | 28 to 34 inch | City riding, short trips, campus commuting |
| Pintail | Varies | Relaxed surf-style cruising, tight turns |
| Drop-through | 38 to 46 inch | Commuting, distance pushing, stability |
| Drop-down | Varies | Maximum stability, low slung feel |
| Top-mount | Varies | Carving, surf and snowboard cross-training |
| Downhill and freeride | Varies | Speed and grip. Not a commuter, not a beginner board |
| Freestyle and dance | Longer | Tricks, walking and dancing the deck |
Cruisers
Any compact board built for getting around rather than tricks or speed. Wider than a standard skate deck, with softer wheels at 78a to 87a that roll over rough footpaths. Easy to push, easy to stop, fits in a bag. Not the pick for long-distance pushing or serious carving. Look at Globe, Landyachtz and Arbor. Shop cruisers.
Pintail
The original longboard shape, designed to look and feel like a surfboard. Great for relaxed cruising and tight surf-style turns. A top-mount shape, so it carves with a lively, surfy feel underfoot. Shop pintail longboards.
Drop-through
A drop-through deck mounts the trucks through the deck rather than on top, lowering your centre of gravity. That makes it easier to push over distance, more stable at moderate speed and more comfortable for long sessions. Best for longer commutes, bike-path riding and anyone new to longboarding who wants stability. Trades some carve response for an easier push. This is the shape most commuters end up on, so it is worth starting here: shop drop-through longboards.
Drop-down
Similar to a drop-through, but instead of the trucks dropping through the deck, the deck itself curves down near the trucks. This gives even more stability and a low-slung feel that a lot of riders compare to snowboarding. A great cruising and commuting board.
Top-mount
Trucks mounted under the deck in the standard position, giving more leverage and a more responsive, surf-influenced carve. More technical to ride than a drop-through but far more rewarding once you are comfortable. Best for riders who want to carve, or who are cross-training from surfing or snowboarding and want a board that feels alive underfoot. Landyachtz, Arbor and Loaded do this well.
Downhill and freeride
Stiff, usually top-mount, low centre of gravity, built for stability and wheel grip at speed. Often wider with coarse grip tape and a range of wheelbase options to dial in the ride. Not a commuter and not a beginner setup. If you are interested in downhill, come in and have the conversation, because it is a specialised category that needs more than a guide can cover. You will also want slide gloves.
Freestyle and dance
Freestyle boards come in various shapes, usually with a flexible deck, nose and tail for flipping and tricks. Dance longboards are longer, giving you room to walk and dance up and down the deck. Both are about expression rather than commuting or speed. Shop dance longboards.
How is a surf skate different?
Surf skates are a related but distinct category. They use specialised front-truck systems, including Carver CX and C7, YOW and OBFive, that pivot far more than standard trucks and generate pump and carve from hip movement alone. The motion is genuinely close to surfing, which makes them excellent off-season cross-training for surfers and snowboarders.
If that is what you are after, read our dedicated surf skate buying guide for the full CX versus C7 versus YOW breakdown.
How much flex do you need?
Every longboard deck comes in a range of flex, from very flexible to stiff, and the right choice comes down to riding style and rider weight rather than height. Softer flex feels lively and surfy and soaks up rough ground. Stiffer flex gives stability and control at speed. Heavier riders generally want a stiffer board than lighter riders for the same use.
Building your own rather than buying a complete? Start with the decks, then match trucks, bushings and grip tape.
Which longboard wheels should you choose?
Longboard wheels are larger and softer than skateboard wheels. For most Melbourne riding:
| Use | Diameter | Durometer |
|---|---|---|
| Commuting and paths | 70 to 80mm | 78a to 80a |
| Carving and surf skate | 65 to 70mm | 80a to 86a |
| Downhill and freeride | 70 to 75mm | 80a to 86a |
Bigger and softer rolls over everything and grips well, which is what you want on rough Australian footpaths. Smaller and harder is faster and more responsive through turns. Downhill wheels also depend on contact patch and lip profile, so talk to us before buying those. Orangatang is the benchmark for longboard urethane. Shop longboard wheels.
Do you need pads and a helmet?
A helmet, yes, and it matters more on a longboard than on a standard skateboard because you are carrying more speed. Falls at commuting or downhill speed are not the same as stepping off at a skatepark. If you are riding hills or learning to slide, add slide gloves and knee pads to that list.
Shop longboard helmets and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size longboard should I get?
It depends on what you are doing. Cruisers run 28 to 34 inches for city riding and short trips. Drop-throughs run 38 to 46 inches for commuting and distance. Longer and lower is more stable, shorter is easier to carry and turn in tight spaces.
What is the difference between a drop-through and a top-mount longboard?
A drop-through mounts the trucks through the deck, lowering your centre of gravity so it is easier to push and more stable at speed. A top-mount sits the deck above the trucks, giving more leverage and a livelier, surfier carve. Drop-through for commuting, top-mount for carving.
Which longboard is best for commuting?
A drop-through of 38 to 46 inches on 70 to 80mm wheels at 78a to 80a. The lower deck height makes pushing easier over distance and the big soft wheels roll over rough footpaths. Choose a cruiser instead if you need something that fits in a bag.
Are longboards good for beginners?
Yes, and they are more forgiving than a standard skateboard. Bigger, softer wheels and a longer wheelbase make them much more stable at low speed. Start with a drop-through or a cruiser and avoid downhill setups, which are stiff, fast and unforgiving.
What is the difference between a longboard and a surf skate?
A surf skate uses a pivoting front truck system, such as Carver CX and C7, YOW or OBFive, that generates pump and carve from hip movement alone. A longboard turns by leaning. Surf skates feel closest to surfing, longboards are better for distance and speed.
Can I try longboards in store in Melbourne?
Yes. Come into 435A Bridge Road, Richmond, open seven days. We have completes on the floor and staff who ride them, so you can stand on a few shapes before deciding. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $90.
Still not sure?
Give us a ring on (03) 9421 2293 or drop into the Richmond store and we will sort you out. We ride these boards ourselves. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $90.
Shop longboards: All Longboards · Drop-Through · Pintail · Dance · Cruisers · Surf Skates · Longboard Sale
Parts and accessories: Decks · Wheels · Trucks · Reverse Kingpin Trucks · Bushings · Bearings · Grip Tape · Helmets · Slide Gloves
Brands: Arbor · Landyachtz · Loaded · Travelol · Globe · Orangatang
Keep reading: Longboard vs Cruiser vs Surf Skate · Best Longboards Australia 2026 · How to Choose a Surf Skate · How to Choose a Skateboard
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