Let’s settle this once and for all: the best longboard for beginners is… drumroll please… whichever one you can actually get your hands on and skate.

Yep, we said it. You don’t need to spend weeks lurking in forums or debating with the latest A.I. chatbot about wheel durometer, deck concave, or which wood species is more “flowy”. You just need a board that rolls smooth, feels stable under your feet, and gets you outside carving lines instead of doomscrolling about which setup is “perfect.”

But since you probably came here for at least a little bit of guidance (and not just a pep talk), here’s what you should know before picking your first longboard — plus a few reasons why taking your first step doesn’t have to mean buying the cheapest, disposable deck on Amazon. (Seriously, PLEASE DON'T do that.)

What to Look for in a Beginner Longboard (Without Getting Nerdy)

When you’re new (or returning to the sport), you really just need three things: stability, comfort, and confidence. Here’s what that means in board-speak:

• A Wider, Stable Deck: Around 9–10 inches is a sweet spot for beginners. More deck underfoot = less wobble.

• Smooth, Soft Wheels: these wheels grip the pavement and roll over cracks without tossing you like a rodeo bull.

• Reliable Trucks: No need for high-end precision gear — just something that turns smoothly and doesn’t rattle like your uncle’s old pickup truck.  A good quality reverse king pin (RKP) truck is what you need and a skate tool to tighten or loosen them..  

Everything else (wheelbase, deck length, tail shape, deck flex) you’ll figure out as you ride more. And honestly? That’s the fun part.

Want to get a bit deeper? Try our Board Finder tool — it’s our version of a match making quiz, but instead of telling you who your next x-boy/girlfriend will be, it tells you which Deviate board shape will get you stoked.

A Great Resource: Community & Test Drives

Here’s the thing: skating is one of the most welcoming communities around.

• Hit up your local skate or surf shop. Many shops will let you test ride the boards they sell — sometimes right out front on the sidewalk, parking lot or street.

• Find a local skate community. Facebook / Instagram groups, meetups, or even a quick Google search can connect you with people who love sharing tips (and sometimes even boards).  You'd be amazed how welcoming community longboard groups are - after all, longboarding creates the stoke and its contagious!

• Borrow, swap, and share. Most skaters are stoked to let beginners try their setup. Who knows? You might find your perfect ride before spending a dime.

Starting this way is better than buying the cheapest beginner board online that you’ll outgrow (or snap) in a month.

Why We Build Boards the Way We Do

At Deviate Board Co, we think the board you start with should be one you’re stoked to ride for years — not landfill fodder.

• Handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY by skaters who care about craftsmanship.

• Made to last, so you spend more time riding and less time shopping for your next board.

• One Board = One Tree Planted. Every deck we make helps restore forests and keep skateboarding sustainable for future generations.

We design our boards for skaters who want quality gear that feels good underfoot and does some good for the planet.

Coming Back to Skating as an Adult? Welcome Home!

If you skated as a teenager and are just now coming back — first of all, welcome back. Second, don’t stress about gear. You’re not starting from zero, you’re just shaking the rust off.

Longboarding is the perfect re-entry point: smooth carving, sidewalk cruising, and rediscovering the freedom you used to feel when you had nothing to do on a Saturday except skate.

Our Top Beginner-Friendly Picks

If you’re ready to pick a board that will grow with you, here are two Deviate favorites that make a great first (or comeback) longboard:

• The Bean – Compact, surf-inspired, and super nimble. Perfect for urban cruising, boardwalk carving, and anyone who wants a playful ride that fits under a café table.

• The L-Train – Our full-sized pintail longboard built for smooth carving and long rides. If you want the classic “longboard glide,” this is your ride-or-die.

You can explore both (and more) in our Board Finder tool — it’ll point you toward the right deck for your style, your space, and how you want to ride.

Final Word: Stop Reading, Go Skate

The “best” beginner longboard skateboard is the one that gets you rolling today — whether it’s borrowed, demoed, or bought from your local shop.

And when you’re ready to make a board yours? Check out the Deviate Line-up

Because nothing feels better than stepping on a board that feels right — except maybe knowing a tree got planted when you did.