Skateboards are more than just a wooden plank with a set of wheels. It can get you to places and it allows you to pull-off a bag of tricks. That’s why there’s no doubt it drove everybody crazy and set the world on fire when it was first introduced.
But since it’s advent, the first skateboard has already evolved. This evolution gave birth to three distinct types of skateboards: cruiser boards, longboards, and the type that we already know and love, skateboards.
If your kids have been nagging you to buy them a skateboard, or if you’re just looking for something to give them for their birthday, one of these three types could be perfect for them.
In this piece, our friends at Public Mayhem explained to us the differences between all three. If you’ve decided that you’ll surprise them with a skateboard, learning these differences will help you make the right decision.
Read on and see which skateboard is the best for your kid.
Skateboards
The regular skateboards that we all know are for technical skating. They are usually shaped like a popsicle stick with slightly raised platforms on both ends. These curves at the nose and kicktail are essential features in performing almost all tricks that you can do with a skateboard.
The usual measurements are 7-9 inches wide and 30-32 inches long. Depending on your kids’ measurements, the size of the skateboards that will suit them will vary, too.
If your kid is a wannabe Tony Hawk, encourage them by giving them a classic skateboard. This type will allow them to pull off tricks on skate parks or anywhere on the streets.
Cruisers
Cruisers are used mainly for transportation. They allow you to just roll around the city without too much effort. Generally, cruisers have flat decks. But there are other variations that have elevated tails. This feature will allow the rider to hop on curbs or change the direction quickly.
Despite their elevated kicktails, cruisers are not meant for tricks and flairs unlike the classic skateboards. They’re also not suitable for downhill drives, although you can carve a little. The decks of the normal cruisers aren’t built for that.
So if your kids just want a skateboard that will get them to point A to point B, cruisers might be your best option.
Longboards
As the name suggests, longboards are longer than the first two types that we’ve discussed. They are used mostly for covering long distances and for racing downhill. In short, longboards are much more extreme.
Longboards are built for extreme speeds. The geometry of the longboard allows the riders to carve in curve downhills and execute perfect power slides. And if you’re an outsider to the community, it’s scary to watch riders racing downhill.
Although longboards are much heavier and not as responsive as cruisers and skateboards, longboards offer the smoothest and fastest ride. Once you’ve gained speed with the board, maintaining momentum is easy-peasy.
There are also types of longboards that are built specifically for different disciplines like carving, downhill race, and long-distance travelling. While these disciplines are mostly suited for teens and adults, you can still give these to your younger kids. You know, start them young! Just make sure that they won’t go too extreme, and we recommend proper supervision.
Just a heads up, longboards tend to be more expensive. So it might cut a little deep through your budget.
These are the three types of skateboards that you can give to your kids this 2021. These skateboards will certainly help them to be more active. If their goal this year is to pick up a new hobby, you won’t go wrong with skateboards.
Just make sure to pick the best type that will suit the discipline that they want to explore and you’re good to go!
