Longboarding vs Skateboarding: Which One is Right for You?

15 December 2025

If you've ever stood in front of a rack of wheels and boards thinking, "Do I want to longboard or skateboard?" — you're not alone. Choosing between longboarding and skateboarding is kind of like deciding between a mountain bike and a BMX. Both have wheels, both are fun as heck, but they serve different purposes and come with their own vibe.

Whether you're itching to cruise your local streets, bomb down a hill, or pull off tricks at a skatepark, this guide is going to break it all down for you. We're talking the differences, the similarities, the pros, the cons, and ultimately—helping you figure out which deck deserves your devotion.

What's the Real Difference Between Longboarding and Skateboarding?

Let’s start with the basics.

Both longboards and skateboards are types of boards with four wheels and trucks, and both are used for riding. But the key difference? It’s all in the build and function.

Shape and Size

Longboards are, well… longer (duh). They usually range from 33 inches to over 59 inches. Picture a surfboard with wheels. They tend to have a wider deck—the thing you stand on—which gives your feet more room to breathe and balance.

Skateboards are shorter and more compact (typically around 28 to 32 inches). That small size makes them more nimble and ideal for tricks, flips, and park riding.

Wheels and Trucks

Longboard wheels are softer and bigger. This makes for a smoother ride, especially over rough pavement. They absorb cracks in the sidewalk like a comfy pair of sneakers absorbs shock.

Skateboards have smaller, harder wheels. Great for smooth surfaces like skateparks or indoor ramps, but not so forgiving on crusty sidewalks.

The Ride Feel

A longboard feels mellow—a bit like floating or gliding. It’s stable and predictable, making it perfect for cruising and commuting.

A skateboard feels agile and reactive. You pop, flick, and stomp your way through trick lines like you're dancing with the board.

What Are You Using It For?

Before swiping that credit card, ask yourself: why do I want to ride?

Looking for a Chill Cruise?

If your ideal afternoon is coasting down a boardwalk by the beach or taking a scenic ride through the suburbs, longboarding’s your jam. It’s built for comfort and distance. Some folks even commute on these bad boys.

Wanna Learn Tricks and Hit the Skatepark?

Then it’s all about the skateboard. If you’ve ever drooled over skate videos on YouTube or dreamed of grinding a rail downtown, a classic skateboard is your weapon of choice.

Need Speed and Hills?

Downhill longboarding is a thing—and a fast one. Think adrenaline-pumping, wind-in-your-hair, corner-carving kind of thrill. With the right gear, longboards are made for this kind of action. On the flip side, skateboards top out pretty quickly when heading downhill, and they’re not the most stable at those speeds.

Pros and Cons: Longboarding vs Skateboarding

Let’s stack ‘em side by side, shall we?

Longboarding Pros

- ✅ Super smooth ride
- ✅ Great for long distances
- ✅ Easier to balance for beginners
- ✅ Ideal for carving like a snowboard
- ✅ Excellent for downhill riding

Longboarding Cons

- ❌ Less portable (they're bulky!)
- ❌ Not made for tricks
- ❌ Awkward to carry around
- ❌ Not ideal for skateparks

Skateboarding Pros

- ✅ Perfect for tricks and park riding
- ✅ Easy to carry around
- ✅ Tons of spots to skate (curbs, railings, stairs)
- ✅ More community events and competitions
- ✅ Builds agility and coordination

Skateboarding Cons

- ❌ Rough on cracked pavement
- ❌ Steeper learning curve for beginners
- ❌ Not ideal for long commutes
- ❌ Less stable at high speeds

What About Learning Curve?

If you've never stepped on a board before, longboarding might be the more forgiving start. It’s wider, more stable, and doesn’t throw you off as easily. Great for beginners who just want to ride around and gain some confidence.

Skateboarding, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve. Tricks aren’t just hard—they require coordination, timing, and a fair bit of crashing. But once you get the hang of it, there’s a huge world of creative possibilities waiting for you.

So think of it this way: longboarding is like learning to ride a bike with training wheels, while skateboarding is more like jumping straight onto a unicycle. Challenging, but super rewarding.

Safety First, Always

Doesn’t matter which board you go for—safety never goes out of style. Helmets, knee pads, wrist guards, and even gloves (especially for downhill longboarding) can save you a trip to the ER.

Also, get to know your limits. Don't go bombing steep hills on your first day or trying to ollie a 6-stair rail without practicing. Nobody becomes Tony Hawk overnight.

Terrain: Where Will You Ride?

This one’s easy. If you live in a city with smooth sidewalks, open bike paths, and lots of space, longboarding is dreamy. But if your city has a thriving skate scene, parks around the corner, and sweet street spots, you might want to lean toward skateboarding.

That said, lots of people own both—and use each depending on the day's vibe.

The Style Factor

Let’s be real: style counts. Longboarding gives off a chill, relaxed vibe, like you’re always five minutes away from a campfire jam session. Think Hawaiian shirts, sandals, and sunglasses.

Skateboarding, though? More urban, edgy, and raw. It’s baggy clothes, scuffed-up shoes, and skate videos made with fish-eye lenses.

Neither is better or worse—it’s just about what reflects your personality more.

Budget Breakdown

Worried about cost? Good news: both are pretty wallet-friendly hobbies. But here's the scoop:

- A solid beginner skateboard setup costs around $60–$150.
- Longboards typically run higher, from $100–$250+ depending on the setup and board type.

You’ll also want to budget for protective gear, extra wheels, and maybe some cool stickers to personalize your ride. 😎

Longboarding Styles: More Than Just Cruising

You might think longboarding is just coasting… but there’s real variety here.

Cruising

The most casual style. Just pushing and gliding around town.

Downhill

Fast, technical, and adrenaline-packed. Requires skill and safety gear.

Freeride

Combines sliding and downhill. You carve and slide at moderate speeds.

Dancing

Yup, it’s a thing. Riders do cross-steps and smooth dance moves on the board. Think of it like longboard ballet.

Skateboarding Styles: Tricks, Tricks, and More Tricks

Skateboarding is all about creativity and style. Here’s where it shines.

Street

Flipping, grinding, and popping your way through urban obstacles.

Park

Riding bowls, ramps, and rails at a skatepark.

Vert

Massive air on halfpipes. Not for the faint-hearted.

Flatground

Practicing tricks on a flat surface. Great for mastering the basics.

Can You Switch Between the Two?

Absolutely! In fact, many riders start with a longboard to get their balance right and then switch to skateboarding once they feel confident. Others might skateboard during the week and take out their longboard for weekend cruises.

Stick with whichever keeps your stoke alive. There's no rulebook saying you can't enjoy both.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

Let’s wrap it up with some real talk.

Choose longboarding if:
- You want a smoother, chill ride
- You're more into cruising than tricks
- You're commuting or riding longer distances
- You’re just starting out and want to get the feel of boarding

Go for skateboarding if:
- You're dying to learn tricks and hit skateparks
- You crave that street skating culture
- You want something more agile and portable
- You're cool with falling a bit (and getting back up)

Still unsure? Try out both. Borrow a friend's board. Visit a local shop and ask for a demo. At the end of the day, riding is about having fun—so pick the one that puts the biggest grin on your face.

Final Thoughts

Both longboarding and skateboarding offer unique, exciting experiences. One’s like a scenic road trip, the other like an action-packed race through a wild city. It’s not really about which is "better"—it’s about which one suits you better.

Whether you go long or short, just get out there, ride safe, and have fun. The pavement’s calling.