191
For those who are not particularly interested in sports and an active lifestyle, the name "longboard" will be more than a curiosity. But in fact, it is just a variation of the well-known skateboard, only with some but significant differences.
The word longboard comes from the English phrase "long bord" - a long board. To the surprise of the Russian citizen, it was already widespread and actively used since the 50s in the USA, then in the 70s it moved to Europe, but then it was forgotten and perceived as an inconvenient and impractical item. But already in the 21st century, the fashion for longboards has returned again, and now it has reached us. And now buy a skate this type is quite simple.
What characteristics does a longboard have, with the help of which you can distinguish it on the street among many skateboards?
First, the longboard is longer, about 30 inches, and wider, which gives it stability and makes it possible to ride in a sitting position.
Secondly, the wheels of a longboard have larger bearings than those of a skate, and, therefore, the board is at a greater height from the surface and can develop greater speed.
Thirdly, the use of a longboard is somewhat limited, unlike a skateboard, since it is not desirable to perform any tricks on it (due to its size), by and large it will be inconvenient and unsafe to do so. But instead, the longboard has a high speed, and you can ride it almost anywhere.
Most often, boards for longboards are made of Chinese maple, but they are also made of plastic. Unlike wood, plastic cannot be broken, and besides, there are more colors for it, as well as opportunities to make any picture.
You can make a longboard yourself - it is enough to cut a board from plywood or parquet (13-15 layers) and install suspensions with wheels.
Longboards come in various shapes and for different styles of skating. For example, "classic" or universal longboards combine the parameters of a surfboard and a skateboard, which allows you to ride them in any position (standing, sitting, and even lying down) and move around the board. Sometimes longboards do not differ in size from their inspirations - skates, and there are hybrid longboards that are convenient both for performing tricks and for high-speed skating.
Longboards are also divided into 4 separate groups:
– carvings and cruisers. They are intended for riding on asphalt, they can be both small (80 cm in length) and larger (130 cm). A distinctive feature is the upturned back end of the board.
- boards for downhill. Downhill - literally translated from English "down the hill", - a style of riding in mountainous and hilly terrain, on a serpentine. Longboards for downhill develop very large speeds, and if you want to try it yourself, you must buy protective equipment for the body (helmet, knee pads).
– boards for slalom, on them you can go around obstacles, cones, etc., they are intended precisely for maneuvers when skating.
- surf style - longboards up to 3 meters in size, you won't be able to develop high speed or perform tricks on them, but you can ride comfortably in any body position.
