Best Longboards for Beginners 2023 – Ultimate Guide

November 3, 2022 by Brad Hanson

Want to try longboarding, but aren’t sure where to begin? That’s fine! In this article, we will cover everything you need to know when looking for the best longboards for beginners.

A longboard is a popular choice for those who want to cruise around town or head out on the open road. The longboard provides an easy and comfortable way to get from point A to point B, and they can also look stylish! They come in many different shapes and sizes, but it’s important to find the right board for you. 

We’ve compiled a list of the best longboards for beginners and how to select the right one for you. From types of boards and features to what size is best suited for you, you don’t want to miss this guide!

Best Longboards for Beginners 2023 – Comparison Table

Let’s hop on to the reviews now!

1. Landyachtz Drop Cat Seeker Longboard

Landyachtz is a popular brand of longboards that offers a variety of models and sizes. They construct their decks from Canadian maple of the finest quality.

There are two sizes available in the Landyachtz Drop Cat Seeker: 33 inches and 38 inches. Although they have different bottom designs, they are close in width and have the same Landyachtz logo on the grip tape. The 33 measures 9.6′′ wide, while the 38 measures 9.9′′ wide.

With its 29″ wheelbase and a strong truck-to-truck rocker, this board offers maximum stability at speed. As their gravity center is lower, low-riding boards are generally harder to push into slides but can be controlled better.

Initially, a drop-down will feel most comfortable, but as you advance, you may want something more responsive.

The Drop Cat is constructed with maple, like all Landyachtz decks. Also, the Bear Grizzly trucks and Hawg wheels are known for their superior quality. In general, this is a very solid and innovative product. I recommend it highly for beginners.

2. Retrospec Zed Longboard

There are several types of boards, but longboards are the most common. Retrospec offers an excellent alternative and is one of the best longboard brands we recommend. 

The Retrospec Zed is a pintail cruiser board that has become popular in recent years. Zed is available in many different colors, each unique in its own way. 

Retrospec’s retro-inspired longboard boasts tapered ends. Not only does it give you surfer vibes, but it also allows you to carve with precision without risking wheel bite.

The deck construction of ZED’s 44-inch artisan longboard makes use of 8-ply Canadian maple and sustainably sourced bamboo to create a perfect blend of strength and flexibility.

The aluminum bearings on this board are relatively unreliable. The board’s flexibility further makes it feel slightly wobbly for some skaters.

As a whole, the Retrospec Zed Longboard is a great option for those looking for a beautiful board for long-term use. The Retrospec longboard is a classic design that performs very well.

3. Loaded Boards Icarus Longboard

Icarus Longboard is probably the most popular longboard in the world, so you might want to have a look at it. 

Icarus Longboards are available in two different designs and two different sizes. Blue, matte brown and matte black are all neutral colors chosen for Icarus Longboards.

Although the Loaded Longboard is quite pricey for beginners, its quality is unquestionable. The product is thought to be carefully crafted so that it can provide you with the best riding experience possible.

Furthermore, the Loaded Longboard is regarded as being extremely versatile. The product has a special construction, which makes it suitable for multi-purpose use such as freeride, freestyle, and carving.

Other than the price, there are no downsides to this longboard.

The features this longboard offers are suitable for users of any level. Whether you are just getting started or you are a professional, this product will meet all your needs.

4. Santa Cruz Lion God Rasta Longboard

The Santa Cruz brand is the king of longboards, and for good reason. There are no better longboards for the money, and it really only has a few competitors for its class.

With a 40 inch deck, this board is a great choice for those who like a long deck. With this, you can hold yourself upright while cruising, keeping your balance and being more stable. 

This longboard deck’s stability can be attributed to several factors, including its length. Additionally, the trucks help to improve its stability.

Santa Cruz’s Lion God Rasta Longboard is the perfect board for beginners and intermediate riders. This is a great longboard for those who are interested in using it for commuting.

Like most longboards, this board is made for commuting. As a result, it isn’t supposed to be used to show off tricks due to its longer size.

All in all, the Santa Cruz Lion God Rasta Longboard is an excellent longboard. A mid-range deck with excellent features, this deck is a great buy.

5. Volador Longboard

The Volador longboard is ideal for commuters and traveling. It’s extremely comfortable and easy to maneuver, and it features a solid shock absorbant maple wood deck with a lightweight body.

I find it to be quite beginner-friendly, easy to do basic tricks on, and best for moving between spots. The board makes longboarding very easy for beginners.

The deck is made of 8-ply hard rock maple wood. As a result, the deck is extremely durable and stable. The deck also comes in 10 different design options, which makes it a great option. 

The truck’s baseplate angle can be adjusted from 50 to 45 degrees. Thus, you can make it 50-degrees for the front truck and 45-degrees for the back truck. This will give you stability while turning.

One drawback of this board is the poor quality of the wheels as well as how easy it is for White wheels to get dirty.

This Volador Longboard is a durable and high-quality board at an affordable price. It is a great board for learning on as well as for cruising and performing basic tricks.

6. Sector 9 Aperture Longboard

Sector 9 is a relatively new name in the world of longboarding, but that hasn’t prevented them from quickly becoming one of the best companies to buy boards from. They offer top-quality longboards in various styles. 

The Sector 9 Aperture Longboard reacts immediately to any slight movement created by the rider. The board is absolutely perfect for carving.

Besides being beautifully designed, the board is aerodynamic, which only enhances its speed. Because of this, it has an extraordinary speed. The maple longboard with 7 ply construction is 36 inches long and 9 inches thick at its thickest point.

For those riders looking for a longboard that’s stable, smooth, and allows them to turn quickly, the Sector 9 Aperture is an excellent choice.

The longboard is not for people searching for budget-friendly models. It is suited to those who do not mind spending a bit more money to receive exceptional features.

The Aperture Sidewinder is a great choice for riders who want fast, smooth, and highly constructed longboards. It’s not surprising that we’ve also chosen the Aperture as one of the best beginner longboards.

7. Magneto Longboard

The Magneto Cruiser Longboard is perfect for beginners. The riding deck features a 44-inch long, strong, durable design that offers plenty of room. The deck is made of bamboo wood and maple wood of high quality. 

Having the kicktails on this board makes it super versatile for all kinds of riding styles. As it is stable and safe without much flexibility, the deck is easy to ride. 

Soft wheels make turning easier and smoother over rougher roads. The board features a 7-inch hanger and Paris Style trucks.

The materials and components it uses are the best on the market. You no longer need to add grip tape to your deck at the expense of its cool design since it features a sand grit finish for extra grip.

Sadly, the trucks can’t be adjusted, but that makes this an excellent board for beginners.

In summary, with its flawless finish and a smooth roll, this longboard represents an exceptional value for money that is worth considering.

8. MBS All-Terrain Longboard

No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned longboarder, this board can get you where you want to go. A very strong, fast, and smooth-running machine.

For off-roading and pushing, it has a very sturdy 9 ply maple-lam Drop Deck.

Wheels are marketed as All-Terrain, which implies that you can use them offroad. As with all soft longboard wheels, these wheels do chip a bit around the edges.

There is a lot more strength to this board than most others. The weight limit is 220 pounds. Even so, it can handle a lot more weight without a problem.

I don’t like the weight of the wheels, but there has to be some tradeoff. The weight makes it difficult to carry for long distances.

Those who ride in rougher conditions, want a little more foolproof wheel and don’t mind a heavier setup will most benefit from this board.

9. Atom Longboard

This board is an excellent choice for beginners who want a board that won’t take up too much room. It not only provides you with optimal stability but it is also designed for different uses, especially downhill.

Officially, the weight limit is 220 lbs. However, heavier riders up to 300 lbs will be able to manage just fine. Officially, I guess the limit is just a safety precaution.

This board has been designed to be kept close to the ground. This allows for the board to be more stable, which is exactly why beginners should choose it.

When it comes to commuting boards, this is a great choice. It can easily maneuver around the neighborhood and can handle a variety of surfaces impressively.

There’s one drawback, though, and that’s that the trucks need constant lubrication and adjustment.

If you are just getting started with longboarding, this would be an ideal choice. Whether you want stability or maneuverability, this board is right for you.

10. Apollo Longboard

It is impossible to compile a list of the best longboards without including the Apollo Longboard. Apollo longboards feature a sturdy aluminum chassis and a composite maple wood deck, allowing for heavy cruising. 

No matter what level of longboarding you’re at, there’s an Apollo longboard to suit you. With a medium-sized deck, these boards offer high flexibility.

Apollo longboards are lightweight yet durable, with 7-inch aluminum alloy trucks and durable soft wheels for quick acceleration and an enjoyable ride.

Different styles of decks are available; each is unique in its design and size, so you have a wide range of options.

As it may not be the best choice for experienced riders, we do not really care as we are currently reviewing beginner boards.

This board is an excellent choice for beginner riders who are looking to take their riding skills to the next level. With a drop-through deck, it is an easy choice for beginners.

What is a Longboard?

Longboards are actually like skateboards but longer. The longer size of these boards means you can have more control and a greater level of safety, particularly on some of the city streets. Other benefits of longboards are that they are easier to balance and transport. Plus, they are inexpensive like the skateboards. And while they may be relatively simple to master, they can be a lot of fun.

Best Longboard for Beginners Buyer’s Guide

Now let’s hop on to a detailed guide about buying a longboard as a beginner.

What to Look for in a Good Longboard?

To begin with, it’s important to decide how you will use your longboard. There are some people who enjoy riding something fast and cruising around. Many people use longboards to get around and explore local trails. Additionally, you need to decide what kind of longboard you want. 

Riding Style

Longboarding is a lot of fun. And, with the right longboard, it can be easy to learn too. But finding the best longboard for beginners isn’t so simple. There are so many different boards out there! 

So, how do you choose? Well, first, you need to figure out what you want your board to do for you. Here are some of the most common things people look to do with a longboard:

• Downhill Riding
• Cruising
• Freeriding
• Freestyling

1. Downhill Riding

When downhill longboarding, the goal is to keep the board in control while descending steep slopes. It is possible to reach speeds of more than 80 mph.

Some of the stiffest, most technically advanced boards available are downhill longboards. For greater control and stronger carving, downhill is usually done on a top mount. The wheels tend to be a bit grippier since they can slide anything rapidly.

2. Cruising

During cruising, skaters ride for long periods of time without stopping or performing tricks.

A typical cruise board hangs at the top of the trucks, so it stands on top. These boards usually have a pintail shape. Longboards that are designed for carving usually have very smooth BIG wheels to roll easily and not catch on curbs or cracks in the sidewalk. 

1. Freeriding

Longboarding freeride is technically more advanced than racing downhill, but less organized. There are many variations of maneuvers that reduce speed. 

Several longboard styles are preferred by freeride skateboarders, including drop-through boards, drop-platforms, and top-mounts. Riders can choose from stiff or flexible ones depending on their preferences.

3. Freestyling

Usually called “dancing”. Longboard skateboarding incorporates the freestyle of early skateboarders. This is longboarding’s creative side, so try whatever you like. Riders of all skill levels can participate in this discipline, which incorporates many technical skills. Freestyling skills include sliding, riding, board walking, dancing, etc.

Different Types of Longboards

There are many different types of longboards, and they come in a variety of sizes. These include beginner’s longboards, longboards for riding on smooth surfaces, downhill longboards, and even cruiser longboards. Let’s look at the common types.

1. Pintail

With a teardrop shape, pintail longboards can carve deep with a minimum chance of wheel bite. They are the best choice for cruising and carving on flat surfaces and hilltops.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo longboards, without a doubt, are very flexible and lightweight. These longboards are incredibly popular with youngsters. 

3. Drop Down

With their lower nose and deck, Drop-Down longboards offer good stability. It becomes easier to push, resulting in a more comfortable long ride. A drop-down longboard with a cut-out-shaped deck offers ample wheel clearance.

4. Drop Through

Having the trucks “dropped through” the deck when mounting them to a longboard. By dropping through the bike frame, the rider’s center of gravity is lowered and stability is increased. By mounting this way, the lower body and hips are less stressed because it is easier to push and brake.

5. Cruiser

Skateboards that are called cruisers are designed specifically for cruising down city streets, such as city sidewalks. A cruiser board typically has a kicktail, which is the part that curves upward at the back. Compared to skateboards, they have big, tough wheels. And it is easy to transport.

Major Features

Now that you know what you need, let’s talk about some features you should consider before buying.

1. Deck Material

Longboards come in a variety of different types, from traditional to raw wood to bamboo and maple, but they all have one thing in common: the deck. 

What determines whether the board will be comfortable to ride is its deck, the surface on which the rider stands. 

When buying a longboard, it is important to check the quality and durability of the deck, which is why you should do your research well before purchasing.

2. Deck Concave

Concave is the curve of the deck; it adds grip and control to the rider, as well as strength to the deck.

A lot of experiments are done by longboard companies on concave shapes to improve grip and control. However, there are three main types of concave shapes:

Mellow Concave

The curvature of the Mellow concave is the least. During cruising, it gives the rider more stability and comfort. However, mellow concave makes stunting difficult.

Medium Concave

In longboards, the medium concave is the standard. There is more curvature on this concave than on the Mellow concave.

 Beginners or those unsure about which concave to select should choose this model.

Steep Concave

A steep concave has a greater amount of curvature. It is suitable only for experienced riders and can be used for tricks and stunts.

3. Wheels

A longboard’s wheels determine how fast it can go and how effectively it can turn because they provide grip between you and the road. 

The performance of a wheel depends on a number of factors. The shape, height, and width of the core and durometer are the factors to consider. 

Durometer

Durometer refers to the hardness or softness of a wheel or bushing. The greater the durometer the harder the wheel and vice versa.

A longboard wheel’s durometer is generally between 78 and 85 a, whereas a shortboard wheel’s durometer is typically between 99 and 101 a. The reason for this is that shortboards are used on very hard and smooth surfaces, creating faster travel.

4. Trucks

The trucks allow the wheels to attach to the deck and pivot around the axle. On longboards, the kingpin is inverted or reversed, unlike on normal skateboards. 

In this way, more stability and control is provided. In the same way that skate trucks can be adjusted, these are also able to pivot.

Here is a chart for the truck size according to the deck:

Baseplates

Baseplates are connected to the board through four bolts through which the truck is attached.

Hangers

This part of the truck acts as an axle, keeping the wheels in place, thanks to its pivot point on the baseplate.

Bushings

The bushings on a truck sit between the baseplate and hanger, and they are typically rubber. Bushings are located on each truck. The tougher the bushings, the more energy they return, which is why they spring back to the center or provide more resistance for pumping. As a result of softer bushings, turns are easier.

5. Bearings

Bearings make longboards smooth and easy to glide. There are many types of bearings, such as roller bearings, rocker bearings, and magneto bearings. 

Basically, bearings keep your wheels turning. The ABEC rating is a measure of the speed at which your wheels will spin, and the higher the rating, the faster they will spin.

6. Size

Choosing a deck size within your ability is always preferable to choose a really large or really small deck. The toes of your longboard need to be in contact with the deck in order to prevent you from continuously pushing off. 

Since there are so many different types of longboards available, a 42 inch long medium-sized model might be suitable for you as a beginner. Longboards are often favored by beginners, but older riders can also use them. 

To help you even further here is a size chart according to height:

Other Things to Consider

1. Grip Tape

Other than those features make sure that you have a proper grip tape applied to your deck.

The grip tape is usually black (sometimes another color) and is applied to the deck to improve its grip.

2. Protective Gear

In order to avoid all injuries or at least to reduce the impact of falling. The skateboarder must always wear the necessary protective gear and follow all the safety measures.

The essential protective Gear includes:

1. Helmet
2. Wrist Guards
3. Elbow and Knee Pads
4. Skate Shoes

Best Longboards for Beginners FAQs

Final Verdict – Wrapping it up

Longboards are perfect for people who want to commute to work or who enjoy riding through urban areas. Longboards give you the power and movement you need for cruising. There are numerous activities you can do with them, regardless of whether you prefer riding at night or along your local bike path. 

In this article, we’ve put together a list of some of the best longboards available today and a buyer’s guide to help you narrow down your choice of a longboard. Longboards for commuting, touring, cruising, and anyone who wants to cruise down a bumpy street are all included here. 

You now have a pretty straightforward process for choosing a longboard that will work for your needs.

So that’s all for this article, I hope I discussed all the information needed to purchase the best longboards for beginners, if you think I missed anything out, get in touch with us via our social media platforms.

Happy Skateboarding to you all!