Beginner's guide

So you're getting into longboarding

Longboarding is one of the most satisfying ways to get around — you can go from never having stepped on a board to cruising a bike path in a single week. Unlike skateboarding, it's not about tricks. It's about the flow: carving smooth pavement, commuting to work, maybe learning to dance. Pick the right deck shape, put on a helmet, and stop overthinking it.

By Colin B. · Published May 23, 2026 · Last reviewed May 23, 2026

man in black jacket riding skateboard during daytime

Photo by Bradley Dunn on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Complete Longboard — Landyachtz Switchblade: the gold-standard beginner drop-through — stable, forgiving, and ready to ride.
Triple Eight Dual Certified MIPS Helmet — Triple Eight Dual Certified MIPS: the only helmet we'd ride with — dual-certified with rotational protection.
Triple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack — Triple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack: wrists, knees, elbows — all the spots you'll actually land on.

Budget total

$130

Typical total

$230

A solid complete board plus a helmet runs $150–220. Add the Triple Eight pad set and you're fully kitted out under $280.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

Category	Top pick	Price	Where to buy
Complete Longboards	LandyachtzLandyachtz Switchblade 40 Complete Longboard	$$$	See on Amazon →
Helmets	Triple EightTriple Eight Dual Certified MIPS Helmet	$$	See on Amazon →
Protective Pads	Triple EightTriple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack	$$	See on Amazon →
Wheels	OrangatangOrangatang Stimulus 70mm 80A Longboard Wheels	$$	See on Amazon →
Shoes	VansVans Old Skool Skate Shoe	$$	See on Amazon →

Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Start with a complete, not a custom build. Buying a deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings separately sounds satisfying but adds cost, complexity, and mismatched components. A quality complete from Landyachtz, Loaded, or Sector 9 ships with everything dialed in. Build custom after six months when you know what you actually want.

The deck shape decision matters more than brand. Drop-through decks sit lower to the ground — most stable, easiest to push, best starting point. Pintail decks are classic top-mount with livelier carving. Dancer decks are long and flexy, built for footwork. If you're not sure, start drop-through.

Wear a helmet every single time. Longboarding falls happen fast and unexpectedly — a moment of inattention on a slight downhill is all it takes. The $60 you spend on a helmet is not optional.

The gear

What you actually need

Complete Longboards

Your deck shape is the most important decision you'll make. Drop-through mounts sit lower to the ground — most stable, easiest to push, and best for beginners commuting or cruising. Pintail top-mounts feel more responsive and carvy but are less forgiving at first. Dancer decks are long and flexy, purpose-built for footwork cross-steps. Most people should start drop-through. All the boards here ship as completes — deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings included. Don't build custom on day one.

Complete Longboards — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Drop-Through

Deck mounted through the trucks. Lowest center of gravity, stable at speed. Best for commuters.

Stability: Highest
Push effort: Lowest
Carve feel: Mellow

Best for Beginners, commuters, downhill cruising

Tradeoff Less responsive turning than a top-mount pintail

↓ See our pick

Pintail / Top-Mount

Classic raised deck. More responsive carving feel, classic longboard aesthetic.

Stability: Medium-high
Push effort: Medium
Carve feel: Lively

Best for Carving, all-around riding after your first month

Tradeoff Higher center of gravity — less forgiving for new riders

↓ See our pick

Dancer

Long, flexy deck built for footwork tricks. A completely different discipline from cruising.

Stability: Lower at speed
Length: 42–48"
Flex: High

Best for Longboard dancing — cross-steps, pivots, freestyle footwork

Tradeoff Not for speed riding or beginner cruising

↓ See our pick

Best starter

Landyachtz

Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Complete Longboard

$$$

The Switchblade is the board we recommend first to anyone who asks. Drop-through mount puts you low to the ground — easier to push, easier to balance, more stable at speed. Landyachtz is one of the most respected brands in longboarding, and this setup ships with quality trucks and wheels that don't need immediate replacing. Ride it for six months before thinking about upgrading.

What we like

Drop-through mount gives the lowest center of gravity — easiest for beginners
Landyachtz trucks and wheels are quality out of the box
40-inch length is stable without being unwieldy to carry

What to know

Larger board is harder to carry on transit or store in small spaces
Drop-through has mellower carving feel than top-mount pintails

See on Amazon →

Budget pick

Retrospec

Retrospec Zed Longboard Complete

Retrospec makes the most reliable budget completes. The Zed runs around $80–100 and ships with aluminum trucks and soft wheels that actually roll. It's a real longboard, not a toy — good enough to ride for a year before you feel limited. Smart choice if you're not sure the hobby will stick.

What we like

Under $100 and a genuinely rideable longboard, not a toy
Soft wheels handle sidewalk cracks and debris without jarring you
Good starter board if you're not yet sure the hobby sticks

What to know

Bearings need greasing out of the box for best performance
Trucks feel stiffer and less responsive than premium alternatives

See on Amazon →

Upgrade pick

Loaded Boards

Loaded Boards Icarus Flex 1 Complete Longboard

$$$$

Loaded Boards makes premium longboards used by serious riders worldwide. The Icarus with Flex 1 is a top-mount freeride and cruising deck that ships with Caliber trucks and Orangatang wheels — quality components riders choose anyway. Step up to this once you're riding 3-5 times a week and want more responsive turns.

What we like

Caliber trucks are the benchmark for carving and cruising performance
Orangatang wheels pre-installed — premium choice riders buy anyway
Flex profile tuned to rider weight for natural, lively board feel

What to know

Over $280 — meaningful spend if you haven't confirmed the hobby sticks
Top-mount feels less stable than drop-through for new riders

See on Amazon →

Specialty pick

Loaded Boards

Loaded Boards Tarab II Bamboo Longboard Complete

$$$$

If you've watched longboard dancing videos and that's the reason you're here, the Tarab is the board. Long, flexible, and sized for footwork cross-steps and pivots. Not for day-one cruising — this is a dedicated dancer that rewards months of practice. If dancing is your goal, buying it first beats convincing yourself to upgrade later.

What we like

Dedicated dancing deck from the brand that defined the discipline
Flex profile tuned for footwork cross-steps, pivots, and manuals
Works for casual cruising too once you have the fundamentals

What to know

Not a stability-first beginner board — learn to cruise separately first
Higher price than most entry-level completes

See on Amazon →

Helmets

Longboarding without a helmet is genuinely dangerous. Falls happen fast and without warning — one moment of inattention on a gentle slope is all it takes. The key decision: get a dual-certified helmet (CPSC + ASTM), which is rated for both cycling-style impacts and repeated skate-style knocks. MIPS adds rotational protection that standard helmets don't have. Spend at least $50. Anything cheaper is not worth the risk.

Best starter

Triple Eight

Triple Eight Dual Certified MIPS Helmet

The Triple Eight Dual Certified is the standard recommendation in longboarding and skating. Dual certified means it meets both ASTM and CPSC — covering skate and cycling impacts. The MIPS liner adds rotational impact protection that standard skate helmets lack. This is what instructors recommend and what most experienced riders end up on.

What we like

MIPS liner reduces rotational brain injury risk on oblique impacts
Dual certified for skate and cycling — covers all your board riding
Trusted by instructors and experienced riders worldwide

What to know

Costs more than non-MIPS skate helmets — it's worth it
Slightly heavier than entry-level helmets due to the MIPS liner

See on Amazon →

Budget pick

Pro-Tec

Pro-Tec Classic Skate Helmet

Pro-Tec invented the modern skate helmet in the 1970s and still makes a reliable one. The Classic is the cheapest helmet we're comfortable recommending — CPSC certified, real foam liner, and it doesn't look like a road cycling helmet. Spend at least this much; don't go cheaper.

What we like

Classic skate profile — doesn't look like a bike helmet
CPSC certified with real foam liner, not a toy
Under $50 from a brand with 50+ years in skate protection

What to know

Not MIPS — less rotational protection than the Triple Eight
Single standard certification, not dual-certified

See on Amazon →

Upgrade pick

S1 Lifer Helmet

$$$

S1's EPS liner is multi-impact certified — it absorbs smaller hits without needing replacement after every fall, unlike standard single-impact liners. Riders who practice regularly, do any freeriding, or ride hills owe it to themselves to spend the extra money. Lighter than comparable dual-certified helmets.

What we like

Multi-impact EPS liner survives smaller falls without needing replacement
Lighter than comparable certified helmets — comfortable for long sessions
Preferred by freeride longboarders for protection-to-weight balance

What to know

Runs small — size up if you're between measurements
Premium price compared to entry-level certified options

See on Amazon →

Protective Pads

Wrist injuries are the most common longboarding injury, full stop. When you fall, your hands go out instinctively — it's involuntary. Wrist guards with a palm impact bar spread that force across your palm instead of concentrating it at the wrist joint. Add knee and elbow pads for your first month, especially if you're practicing foot-braking on any incline. This is cheap insurance that buys you a lot of peace of mind.

Best starter

Triple Eight

Triple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack

Wrist injuries are the #1 fall injury for new longboarders — you'll put your hands out instinctively. This 3-pack covers wrists, knees, and elbows — all three spots you actually land on. Triple Eight's hard-shell caps on knees and elbows stay in place during a fall, and the wrist guards have a palm impact bar that spreads the load. Buy this with your board.

What we like

Palm impact bar on wrists reduces fracture risk on instinctive falls
Hard-shell knee and elbow caps stay in position through the impact
3-pack is cheaper than buying three separate sets of pads

What to know

Hard shells feel bulky until your first fall — then you're grateful
Sizing runs small — measure and size up if between sizes

See on Amazon →

Upgrade pick

187 Killer

187 Killer Pro Knee Pads

$$$

187 Killer makes the preferred knee pads among freeride and downhill longboarders — stiff, they stay put, and the multi-layer foam absorbs serious impact. If you're learning slides or tackling any real downhill, these are the pads serious riders actually choose.

What we like

Hard cap and multi-layer foam absorb genuine impact from real falls
Straps stay put through extended freeride and downhill sessions
Preferred by serious freeride riders for durability and protection

What to know

Knee pads only — purchase wrist guards separately
Thicker than beginner pads — overkill for casual neighborhood cruising

See on Amazon →

Wheels

The wheels on most completes are fine for the first month. When you're ready to upgrade, two numbers matter: diameter in millimeters and durometer in A (hardness). Bigger wheels (70mm+) roll over cracks easier and hold speed on longer pushes. Softer wheels (78–83A) absorb road vibration and grip pavement for cruising. Harder wheels (85A+) break loose intentionally — that's for freeriding and slides, not beginner cruising. Most longboarders want the soft, large setup.

Best starter

Orangatang

Orangatang Stimulus 70mm 80A Longboard Wheels

Orangatang makes some of the most respected longboard wheels on the market. The Stimulus at 70mm and 80A is their all-around cruising and light-carving wheel — soft enough to roll smoothly over sidewalk cracks, large enough to hold momentum on imperfect asphalt. A genuine step up from stock complete wheels.

What we like

80A is soft enough to absorb road vibration on real pavement
70mm rolls over debris and cracks without jarring you to a stop
Orangatang urethane formula has an excellent road-feel reputation

What to know

Grip-focused wheels — not designed for learning slide techniques
You won't feel the difference from stock wheels for the first 4-6 weeks

See on Amazon →

Specialty pick

Orangatang

Orangatang Kegel 80mm 80A Longboard Wheels

The Kegel is Orangatang's commuter wheel — 80mm for maintaining speed over longer distances through intersections and crosswalks. If you're using your longboard to cover a mile or more at a time, the larger diameter keeps your pace up without extra pushes. Built on the same urethane formula as the Stimulus.

What we like

80mm diameter requires fewer pushes per block — great for commuting
Center-set core can be flipped to extend wheel life evenly
Same OTANG urethane formula as the Stimulus in a larger format

What to know

Causes wheelbite on some deck/truck combos — verify clearance first
Overkill for casual 15-minute neighborhood rides

See on Amazon →

Shoes

Any flat-soled shoe works for longboarding. The feedback you feel through a flat sole tells you where the board is under your feet — curved running-shoe soles insulate you from that and don't grip the grip tape the same way. Skate shoes from Vans, Nike SB, and Emerica are purpose-built for this. You don't need to buy them on day one if you already own flat sneakers, but it's the right upgrade for your second month.

Best starter

Vans

Vans Old Skool Skate Shoe

The Vans Old Skool is the default skate shoe because it works. Flat waffle sole, grippy on grip tape, and durable. You feel the board through the sole, which is exactly what you want for learning balance and position. The side support and padded collar give it a slight edge over Vans slip-ons for longboarding.

What we like

Flat waffle sole gives direct board feel for learning balance
Vulcanized construction grips deck grip tape reliably
Padded collar adds ankle support better than canvas slip-ons

What to know

Sole wears faster under the push foot if you foot-brake frequently
Not waterproof — wet weather means wet feet

See on Amazon →

Budget pick

Nike

Nike SB Chron 2 Canvas Skate Shoe

Nike's flat-soled entry from the SB skate line. The canvas version is affordable, the flat sole works well for longboarding, and Nike's sizing is consistent across the board. Not as purpose-built as the Vans but a legitimate skate shoe at a competitive price.

What we like

Consistent Nike sizing makes online ordering straightforward
Flat sole and reinforced toe cap — a genuine skate shoe, not a copy
Often discounted — check Nike SB directly for current pricing

What to know

Slightly cushier sole than Vans — less direct board feel
Less skate-specific construction than Vans' vulcanized sole

See on Amazon →

Upgrade pick

Emerica

Emerica Reynolds G6 Skate Shoe

$$$

Emerica makes technical skate shoes favored by serious skateboarders and carver longboarders. The Reynolds G6 has a vulcanized sole with extra insole cushioning — better for longer sessions where you're doing a lot of push-and-ride. The durability upgrade over canvas shoes is noticeable after 3-6 months of regular riding.

What we like

Vulcanized sole with added insole cushion for extended sessions
More durable under regular foot-braking than canvas alternatives
Board feel matched to technical skating standards

What to know

More expensive than Vans for modest benefits in casual cruising
Runs narrow — not comfortable for wider feet

See on Amazon →

Going deeper

Your first two weeks of longboarding

Most people are riding confidently within a few sessions. Here's what actually happens — session by session — between stepping on a board for the first time and feeling like you own the road.

Read the guide →

Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

A custom truck/deck/wheel build — Quality completes ship with dialed components. Custom builds cost more and introduce mismatched parts. Upgrade piece by piece after six months.
Slide gloves — You won't be doing hand-down slides on day one. Wait until you're actively learning freeriding — then they're essential.
An electric conversion kit — E-board conversions add weight, complexity, and $200+ to your setup. Learn to push and brake first. Electric longboards are a different hobby.
A second board — One board well-ridden beats two boards poorly understood. Ride your first board for at least a year before buying a second.
Downhill-specific gear — Slide gloves, speed suits, and full-face helmets are for gravity racing above 30mph. Not your first six months.

First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

Order your complete longboard — the Landyachtz Switchblade or Retrospec Zed depending on your budget. · Buy
- Jump to our pick: Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Complete Longboard
Buy a helmet before the board arrives. Don't wait. · Buy
- Jump to our pick: Triple Eight Dual Certified MIPS Helmet
Get the Triple Eight Saver 3-Pack — wrist guards are the single most important piece of protective gear for new riders. · Buy
- Jump to our pick: Triple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack
Find a flat, smooth, empty surface for your first session. A quiet parking lot or empty path beats any hill. Pavement quality matters enormously — rough, cracked asphalt makes everything harder. · Action
Learn to foot-brake before you ride anywhere with a slope. Stand on the board, drag your back foot lightly on the ground, and feel where the weight needs to go. This one skill prevents most beginner accidents. · Action
Practice pushing and coasting before you try carving. Get comfortable with the rolling sensation first — your balance will adapt faster than you expect. · Action

FAQ

Common questions

How long does it take to learn to ride a longboard?

Most people can push, coast, and foot-brake within a single 1-2 hour session on flat ground. Confident carving takes a few weeks of regular riding. Comfortable downhill riding takes a few months. The learning curve is gentle compared to skateboarding.

Drop-through or pintail for a beginner?

Drop-through. The lower center of gravity makes pushing easier, balance more forgiving, and speed less intimidating. Pintails are livelier and more fun to carve once you have the basics, but they're less forgiving on day one. Start drop-through and switch later if you want the different feel.

Is longboarding dangerous?

Moderately — riskier than walking, significantly less dangerous than cycling without a helmet. The big risks are head injuries (prevented by a certified helmet), wrist fractures (prevented by wrist guards), and getting hit by a car (prevented by not riding in traffic). Wear your gear and stay out of vehicle traffic and the risk is very manageable.

What size board should I get?

For a drop-through beginner board, 38-42 inches is ideal for most adults. Longer boards are more stable; shorter boards are easier to carry. Don't go shorter than 36 inches on your first board — the extra stability is worth it.

Can I use a longboard to commute?

Yes — and it's one of the best uses of a longboard. A drop-through with 78-80A soft wheels handles most sidewalks and bike paths easily. You'll want to practice foot-braking first, stay off roads with heavy traffic, and accept that hills add complexity. Many people commute 1-3 miles each way on a longboard comfortably.

What's the difference between longboarding and skateboarding?

Different boards, different goals, different culture. Longboards are longer (typically 36-48 inches), have softer wheels, and are built for cruising, carving, commuting, and dancing. Skateboards are shorter (typically 28-32 inches), have harder wheels, and are built for tricks and skate park riding. The skills and gear barely overlap — they're essentially separate hobbies.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

r/longboarding — Active community with 200k+ members. Best for beginner questions, setup advice, and finding local riders. Use the wiki and search before posting — most beginner questions are well answered.
r/LongboardingForBeginners — Smaller, friendlier subreddit specifically for people starting out. Less intimidating than the main sub and genuinely welcoming to basic questions.
Muir Skate (YouTube) — One of the most comprehensive longboard tutorial channels. Gear reviews, technique walkthroughs, and buyer guides. Well-produced and unbiased.
Landyachtz YouTube Channel — Landyachtz produces good instructional content for cruising and freeriding. Their 'how to longboard' series is a solid starting point.
Loaded Boards YouTube Channel — Loaded's channel covers dancing, freeriding, and freecarve. Best resource for anyone interested in longboard dancing specifically — their tutorial series is excellent.