How to Choose the Ideal Cruising & Carving Longboard

Obviously, not every skateboarder feels like performing dangerous and impressive stunts. Some of them get the kick of riding around as fast as possible, for as long as possible without stopping or touching any surface. This style of skateboarding is called cruising and is to use your board as a transportation device to get to school, work or another point in town, or simply as a way to relax.

 More often than not, cruising involves the technique of carving. Not only does carving bring a dose of fun to cruising, but it's also an essential technique for controlling the speed. It's performed by shifting your body weight to the heel or toes of your feet in order to make an “S” shaped motion as you ride, instead of a linear one. This reduces the speed and gives you greater control over the board. Skateboarders whose primary interest is cruising around and carving need to choose a longboard as their ride.

Sure, you can cruise on a regular board, but carving longboards excel at this. The main reason for this is because carving longboards have a greater surface area which helps you keep better balance and reduces the amount of force you need to apply. As a result, cruising around for long period of times feels easier and more enjoyable for the rider.

Cruising and carving longboards are usually between 30'' and 40'' inches long. But some manufacturers produce even bigger models that are 40'' and up. Usually, the bigger decks are recommended for bigger individuals and the smaller decks for smaller individuals. Additionally, you also need to consider the deck's height. Higher decks are more prone to wobbling, on the other hand, lower decks are more stable and easier to push around.

Decks made of bamboo or maple plies are usually recommended for carving as they are flexier and bouncier. What's more, a deck with a bit of a flex is better at absorbing shocks which can make riding a lot more comfortable and reduce the stress on your knees and ankles. On the other hand, flexier decks are not so good when speed is concerned, so you need to pick your priorities wisely.

Then there are the wheels. A wheel diameter between 65 to 75mm is ideal for most cruising and carving boards. This allows the rider to roll at a consistent speed while not being significantly affected by obstacles on the road. Additionally, it's recommended to pick wheels with a stronger grip that will allow you to ride on rough terrain while having good traction during your carves. Before you attach the wheels, make sure there's enough clearance between them and the deck to avoid wheel rub and premature deterioration.