Spoiler alert: You're definitely not too old for longboarding! Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, longboarding offers an accessible, low-impact way to experience the thrill of board sports while improving your physical and mental wellbeing.
Why Longboarding Is Perfect for Adults of Any Age
Unlike traditional skateboarding that focuses on technical tricks and high-impact maneuvers, longboarding embraces a more fluid, surf-inspired approach that's naturally accommodating to adult riders. The larger deck size, wider trucks, and softer wheels create a stable, smooth riding experience that's easier on the joints while still delivering that unmistakable feeling of freedom.
Studies have shown that balance-based activities like longboarding can help maintain cognitive function as we age, while providing cardiovascular benefits without the joint stress of high-impact activities like running. According to sports medicine research, activities that combine balance, coordination, and gentle cardio are ideal for maintaining fitness through middle age and beyond.
Physical Benefits of Longboarding for Older Riders
Longboarding offers numerous physical advantages specifically valuable to adult riders:
- Improved balance and proprioception - crucial skills that naturally decline with age
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercise - gets your heart rate up without stressing your joints
- Core and leg strength development - builds functional strength for everyday activities
- Enhanced coordination - keeps neural pathways active and engaged
- Flexibility improvement - the stance and carving motions promote hip and ankle mobility
Many of our adult customers report that regular longboarding sessions have helped them maintain or even improve physical capabilities they thought were lost to time.
Check out our other blog on the benefits of longboarding.
Tips to Get Started or Restart:
- Ease Into It: Start with mellow cruising on flat roads. Practice transitioning from pushing to your stance to regain / build muscle memory. Select a board that emphasizes comfort and stability, like the L-train or Bean.
- Invest in Safety Gear: Helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads are must-haves. Being safe means you’ll have the confidence to enjoy the ride without worrying about falls. We are fans of Triple Eight safety gear.
- Focus on Balance and Flexibility: Improving your balance with daily exercises will help you (re)gain your footing quickly. Yoga or simple stretches can also enhance your flexibility and reduce injury risk.
- Join a Community: Engaging with others who share your passion, whether it’s a local skate group or an online community, can help you stay motivated. Plus, you’ll pick up new tips and tricks along the way.
- Never get discouraged: Longboarding is a fun activity that should de-stress you and bring stoke. Don’t unnecessary pressure on yourself to achieve a certain level or progress. Focus on having fun and being active. Remember, the best longboarder is the one having the most fun.
Longboarding Recommendations
Although the "right" board for you is really a personal preference, we have seen most of our Deviate customers in the 50+ age group gravitate toward the L-Train and the Bean.
The L-Train 47" Classic Longboard offers maximum stability with its generous deck size and 37" wheelbase. The extra width provides plenty of foot space, making it easier to find your balance and stance. The L-Train's predictable, surf-like carving characteristics make it ideal for adults who want a forgiving learning platform.
The Bean 32" Cruiser Longboard hits the sweet spot between stability and maneuverability. If you have some previous experience with board sports (even from decades ago), the Bean offers that "just right" feeling – stable enough to build confidence but responsive enough to keep things interesting.
What’s Next? Getting into longboarding as an adult is all about having fun and staying active. With the right longboard, proper safety gear, and a little practice, you’ll be cruising in no time!
Check out Deviate’s line of handcrafted longboards here and go find that stoke! If you have any question on selecting the right longboard, check out this blog or feel free to reach out.
