If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a challenge that will test your skills to the limit, you might want to give downhill longboarding a try. As the name suggests, this is a type of skateboarding where riders go down steep hills at high speeds, relying on their balance, technique, and gear to stay safe and in control. It’s an exhilarating sport that requires focus, agility, and courage.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Board
One of the most critical aspects of downhill longboarding is choosing the right board for your needs and style. Unlike other types of skateboards that are designed for tricks or cruising around town, downhill longboards are specifically engineered to handle fast descents on rough terrain. The right board can make all the difference in your performance and safety.
When selecting a downhill longboard, there are several factors to take into account. First, consider the deck shape and size.
Downhill boards usually have a drop-through or drop-deck design that lowers your center of gravity for better stability at high speeds. They also tend to be longer than regular boards (around 38-42 inches) for added stability and foot space.
However, the size should match your height as well – too long or short can lead to instability. Next up is truck width and angle – essential components responsible for steering control during turns along with maintaining stability while cruising down hillsides.
For wheels, diameter plays an important role as they must be large enough (75 mm +) in order not to lose speed quickly but too large wheels could make it difficult to maintain balance. Moreover, durometer (hardness) also affects traction on different surfaces – softer wheels provide more grip but slow down faster while harder wheels provide less grip but can maintain speed better.
Choosing the Right Board
Downhill longboarding can be an exhilarating adventure, but it is crucial to choose the right board before embarking on this exciting sport. When selecting a downhill longboard, there are various factors to consider, including deck shape and size, truck width and angle, and wheel diameter and durometer.
Deck Shape and Size
The deck of a downhill longboard is where you stand while riding. The shape and size of the deck play a significant role in determining how comfortable you feel while riding at high speeds. Downhill boards typically have a longer wheelbase than other types of skateboards.
This feature provides greater stability, making it easier to maintain your balance when traveling at high speeds. Additionally, downhill decks come in different shapes depending on your preferred style of riding.
For instance, some boards have a symmetrical design that makes them ideal for freeriding or sliding techniques. Other boards have asymmetrical shapes designed for riders who prefer carving through tight turns as they descend hills.
Truck Width and Angle
Trucks are an essential component of any skateboard as they connect the wheels to the deck. The width of your trucks should be proportional to the width of your board for optimal performance.
Wide trucks provide more stability when riding at high speeds while narrow trucks make it easier to turn quickly. The angle of your trucks affects how tightly you can turn on your board.
Higher angles provide sharper turns but reduce stability at high speeds. Conversely, lower angles offer more stability but make it harder to turn sharply.
Wheel Diameter and Durometer
Wheels come in different sizes ranging from 60mm-80mm in diameter for downhill longboards with varying durometers (hardness). Smaller wheels provide faster acceleration compared to larger ones that have higher top speed capabilities due because they cover ground faster.
However, larger wheels are better suited for rough terrain due to their shock-absorbing properties. When it comes to durometer, harder wheels provide more control at high speeds while softer wheels offer a smoother ride on rough terrain.
However, they may not be as suitable for controlling speed compared to harder wheels. Choosing the right downhill longboard is a crucial first step towards enjoying this exciting sport safely and comfortably.
Factors such as deck shape and size, truck width and angle, wheel diameter and durometer must be considered before making any purchase. Make sure to take your time when selecting a board so that it meets your preferences ultimately.
Safety Gear: Protecting Yourself on a Downhill Longboard
Downhill longboarding can be an exhilarating and thrilling sport, but it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, wearing the right safety gear is essential to protect yourself from any potential injuries. Here are some of the essential safety gear items you’ll need before hitting the road:
Helmet: Protecting Your Head
When it comes to protecting your head while downhill longboarding, there’s nothing more important than a good quality helmet. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and prevent serious head injuries that could lead to brain damage or even death in the event of a crash.
Look for helmets that are specifically designed for skateboarding or longboarding and make sure they fit snugly without being too tight. A helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t provide adequate protection.
Gloves: Protecting Your Hands
Gloves are another essential piece of safety gear for downhill longboarding. When traveling at high speeds, your hands can easily get scraped up if you fall off your board.
Wearing gloves will protect your hands from abrasions and scratches as well as provide extra grip on your board while riding. Look for gloves with reinforced padding on the palms and fingers for added protection.
Knee and Elbow Pads: Protecting Your Joints
Knee and elbow pads may not be the most stylish accessory while riding, but they’re crucial when it comes to protecting yourself from potential injuries from falls or collisions. These pads provide extra cushioning around vulnerable joints like knees and elbows, reducing the risk of fractures or dislocations in case of impact accidents. Make sure your knee pads fit snugly without restricting movement so you can still move freely on your board without feeling weighed down by bulky equipment.
Techniques for Downhill Longboarding
Foot Placement and Weight Distribution
When it comes to downhill longboarding, your foot placement and weight distribution are crucial to maintaining stability and control. For starters, you want to keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing straight ahead.
This stance will allow you to have a solid base for balance while riding. As you begin riding down the hill, you should shift your weight toward the balls of your feet.
Doing so will help distribute your weight evenly across the board and give you more control over steering. It’s important to avoid putting too much pressure on either foot as this can cause an imbalance that may result in a fall.
Braking Methods
Learning how to brake properly is essential when it comes to downhill longboarding. There are several different braking methods but the most popular one is using slide braking.
Slide braking involves leaning back on your heels and sliding them out slightly, causing the wheels at the back of the board to lose traction with the road. Another effective braking method is using a foot brake.
This technique involves dragging one foot along the ground behind you while riding. However, be sure not to put too much pressure on one foot as this can cause an imbalance and potentially result in injury.
Turning Techniques
Turning while going downhill requires practice and finesse, but once mastered, it can greatly enhance your experience while navigating through twists and turns on steep hills. One technique used by many riders is carving or “S” turns which involve leaning into each turn by shifting their weight from side to side while keeping their knees slightly bent. Another technique used for sharper turns is known as drifting or slide turning which involves shifting all of their weight onto their front foot before initiating a slide with their back wheels which allows them to turn quickly around tight corners while still maintaining speed.
Learning these basic techniques for downhill longboarding can greatly enhance your experience and keep you safe while riding. Remember to practice regularly and above all else, have fun!
Best Downhill Longboards on the Market
If you’re looking to get into downhill longboarding, choosing the right board is crucial. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top-rated downhill longboards in the market today.
1. Landyachtz Evo 40
the FalconThe Landyachtz Evo 40 Falcon is one of the most popular downhill longboards on the market today. It has a symmetrical shape and is made from durable bamboo construction that provides stability and strength while riding at high speeds. The board has an adjustable wheelbase that allows riders to customize their ride according to their preferences. The wide deck provides ample space for foot placement and weight distribution while riding. One of the standout features of this board is its drop-through design, which lowers your center of gravity and makes it easier to maintain control while riding at high speeds. While this board does come with a higher price tag compared to other options on this list, it’s quality construction and well-rounded features make it well worth it.
2. Arbor Axis 40 Flagship
The Arbor Axis 40 Flagship is another excellent option for those looking for a reliable downhill longboard. Its bamboo deck provides both durability and flexibility, allowing riders to have full control over their ride even at high speeds. This board also has a drop-through design that helps lower your center of gravity and improve stability. One unique feature of this board is its Paris Reverse Kingpin Trucks that allow for smooth turning and carving while maintaining speed down hills or around corners. Additionally, its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces compared to larger boards. While some riders may find this board’s flex too much for their taste, others may appreciate the added flexibility and comfortable ride it provides. Overall, the Arbor Axis 40 Flagship is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable downhill longboard.
3. Loaded Tesseract
The Loaded Tesseract is an excellent option for riders who want a downhill board with a freeride feel. The board’s nose and tail kicks allow for added versatility when performing tricks or sliding while riding downhill. Its drop-through design also provides better stability and control while riding at high speeds. The Tesseract’s bamboo deck is both durable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around when not in use. Its trucks are adjustable, allowing riders to customize their ride according to their preferences and the terrain they will be riding on. One potential drawback of this board is that it may be too flexible for some riders’ liking, especially those who prefer a stiffer board. However, its unique features and freeride capabilities make it an excellent choice for those looking to mix things up and try new things on their downhill rides.
These three boards are just some of the top-rated options available on the market today. When choosing a downhill longboard, be sure to consider your skill level, preferred riding style, and budget before making a purchase decision. With the right board in hand, you can enjoy the thrill of downhill longboarding safely and confidently!
Maintenance Tips for Your Downhill Longboard
Your downhill longboard is an investment worth caring for.
With proper maintenance, you can ensure that your board lasts longer, giving you more hours of thrilling rides down winding hills and exhilarating slopes. Here are some tips to keep your board in tip-top shape.
Cleaning Your Bearings
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your downhill longboard is keeping your bearings clean.
Clean bearings are essential for smooth rides and better control of your board. Over time, dirt and debris can get into the bearings, causing them to slow down or even stop altogether.
To clean your bearings, first, remove them from the wheels using a bearing removal tool or a skate tool if there’s one available. Next, use a cleaning solution like rubbing alcohol or acetone to soak the bearings for about 15 minutes before scrubbing them with a small brush like an old toothbrush.
Make sure they’re completely dry before reinserting on the wheels.
Tightening Loose Hardware
As you ride downhill on rough terrain and ride at high speeds, it’s common for hardware like nuts and bolts on your longboard trucks to become loose over time due to vibrations caused by riding. Loose hardware can cause accidents or damage other parts of the board if not taken care of promptly. Checking all the nuts and bolts regularly, especially after each session will give you an opportunity to tighten any loose ones as necessary using a skate tool as needed.
Be careful not to overtighten though which can cause damage too! Remember – safety first!
Replacing Worn-out Parts
As much as you love that feeling of cruising on a well-worn deck that has seen many miles, all gear wears out with time so it’s crucial that you replace worn-out parts regularly just as soon as they show signs of wear.
For example – if you notice that any part of your deck is starting to peel apart, it’s time to fit a new deck. If your wheels feel too hard or too soft, make sure to replace them with the appropriate durometer.
Bearings should also be replaced whenever they start getting worn or slow. Always keep in mind that maintaining and replacing parts promptly will prevent further damage to your board and provide you with a more fun and safe downhill longboarding experience.
Conclusion
Downhill longboarding is an exciting and thrilling sport that requires skill, technique, and the right equipment. Choosing the right board is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
When selecting a board, consider factors such as deck shape and size, truck width and angle, and wheel diameter and durometer. Safety gear is essential for downhill longboarding.
Always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of falls or collisions. Gloves are also recommended to improve grip on the board and provide additional protection for your hands.
Knee and elbow pads are crucial to protect against injuries from impact as you pick up speed. Learning basic techniques like foot placement, weight distribution, braking methods, and turning techniques can improve your performance on the board while keeping you safe.
Maintaining your downhill longboard properly will ensure that it lasts longer. Cleaning the bearings regularly, tightening loose hardware, and replacing worn-out parts are some important tips to keep in mind.
Overall, downhill longboarding is an exhilarating sport that provides an adrenaline rush like no other activity out there. It’s not only physically demanding but also mentally stimulating since it requires focus and strategy to navigate through challenging terrains at high speeds.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out – there’s no doubt that this sport has something for everyone! So grab your board today – it’s time to hit those hills!
