I live in the midwest where we have zero waves, but a shit ton of concrete. So while I can’t surf anymore I can definitely grab a longboard and carve up the streets and hills around me. I wish longboarding existed when I was in college, as it’s a far better form of campus transportation than a normal skateboard, and you can only use a Razor Scooter if you’re planning on priesthood. Bikes are fine, but lack the style of a longboard for cruising around campus. So besides being a great inland alternative to surfing, why longboarding?
I grew up skateboarding and while I never reached Tony Hawk or Christian Hosoi levels of skill, I enjoyed it. But at 30+ it doesn’t make sense for me to go grinding on the local hand rails or dropping into a half-pipe somewhere. I approach my work aggressively, so when I come home I want to chill – and occasionally bomb a hill. Longboarding is perfect. The boards are more forgiving, typically built with a little (and sometimes a lot) of flex and paired with larger, softer wheels they definitely inspire a more relaxed session. Some boards, like those from Loaded, are built with bamboo instead of the traditional skateboard maple, and take “flex” to a whole new level. As I cruise on my Loaded Dervish, I can use the flex to pump into turns and carve into curbs like I’m turning off the edge of a wave.
Big ass 75mm Orangatang Wheels
I love it. I love the style of the boards, the more laid back culture, the fact that I grab it and go for a walk, and since I am 30+ I don’t have to worry about “street cred” with the neighborhood teenagers when I can’t do a kick-flip-360 ollie.
