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Should I get a longboard?
DarwinsFavoriteTortoise
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
My classes this fall are on the opposite sides of campus...back and forth, back and forth. I've tried to use a bike around campus, but frankly its a bit of a hassle to have to find a place to lock it up, plus it is quite unwieldy in some sections of campus.
Would it be smart to get a longboard to travel around campus (and maybe just to ride for fun)? Specifically, heres the one I want:
Tell me this doesn't look AWESOME.
Is that good enough? Anything I should take into account?
Would it be smart to get a longboard to travel around campus (and maybe just to ride for fun)? Specifically, heres the one I want:
Tell me this doesn't look AWESOME.
Is that good enough? Anything I should take into account?
DarwinsFavoriteTortoise on
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On a topical note, there are longboards which aren't quite as long as that, and something a little shorter may be a bit more practical if you have to cart it into a lecture hall with you.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I always prop mine up against a wall in the back or something. Professors don't usually mind as long as you get there before lecture begins.
Home Inspection and Wind Mitigation
http://www.FairWindInspections.com/
http://www.originalskateboards.com/
Steam | Live
With that said, is it a good board?
I look at that freaking thing everyday...I'm so close to buying it.
She would be right.
As usual
OP - Just for reference, here's the board I've got. It's a nice midsize perfect for campus. I don't think they make this particular board anymore, but the size is right. http://www.skatesonhaight.com/Sector-9-longboards-Makosa-Complete-p/s99mc.htm
Edit: Oh and as far as uphill goes, I usually just pick up my board and walk hills. I took a particularly nasty spill last summer that required some fairly invasive surgery on my pushing leg, so I try to skate as conservatively as possible now.
Please Lewisham, ignore the missus this once. Reckless is right, learning to skateboard at 25 is no different than learning something else at that age. Using Reckless' example, what if you'd never ice skated before? Would your wife laugh at you for wanting to try to learn? Probably not. It's just that most people who've never skateboarded have this notion that skateboaring is only for kids and teens, and that once you're in your 20's it's "too late". Nonsense.
At least try. It's tons of fun.
I want to try because:
a) I've wanted to try for ages but haven't bought a board as I've moved country every couple of years for the past 6
b) It looks like great fun
Does caring on a longboard feel like snowboarding (my only point of reference, despite living in Santa Cruz... nuts I know)? Should a beginner get a bigger one or a smaller one?
As far as specific longboard advice goes, the other guys from this thread can probably answer those questions for you better. I've only ever owned/ridden skateboards on a regular basis, and have just ridden friends longboards on the odd occasion.
I think I've settled on this guy here as my first longboard investment though, and will be ordering it up tomorrow. I'll let you know what I think when it arrives.
That looks like exactly the board I'd want (from the Googling I've just done about it), so I'd love to hear how it goes. I think I will go to a shop tomorrow and have the guy there show me how to stand on one, to see what I might like in terms of length and flex.
EDIT: Missus reaction: "You're not a co-ordinated person and you'll kill yourself. Plus you'll never use it." We shall see
I recommend yes.
Loaded boards generally are the top of the line
Like, literally, the top of the line
Steam | Live
Does that really matter if I plan on just using it to cruise around campus? I'm not going to be speeding down hills or doing any tricks...
You'll have a better experience with better equipment, yeah. It's not completely necessary given you're just cruising around a bit, but I'd still want decent trucks/bearings on my board if I were in your shoes.
It's hilly in some places, flat in others. I intend to stay very flat for the majority of the time
You should learn the following before you bomb hills/go out in public:
How to stop: Several different ways to stop, most common when you're learning is the jump off and run method.
It isn't very safe, because if you're rolling faster than you can run, you're going to fall. That said, it is the most natural method. What you do is take your backfoot off first, that is super important. Kick your front foot on the board backwards so the board doesn't go flying away. Start running, but also slow yourself down, run towards the side of the road/grass.
Next most common method is the footbreak. It is one of the best for slowing yourself down under control and over a distance. You bend your front knee, take your backfoot off and bring it closer to the front. Lower it slowly onto the ground, heel first, until it is in contact. Then let your entire foot drag, slowing you down. It eats shoes pretty quick though. make sure your entire foot is down. This takes some practice, but it is worth it
The other method is the coleman slide. I've never done it, but look it up. It stops you in a very small space, but it is somewhat complicated. You'll also need harder wheels (These aren't necessary, but it is fucking hard without them) and slide gloves (these are necessary, unless you like your hand looking like a thriller reject)
I also recommend you learn how to fall. Because you will. Aim for grass, roll, and pray.