Whether you're an adult rediscovering the joy of skating or trying longboarding for the first time, choosing the right board can make all the difference between falling in love with the sport and giving up after a few wobbly rides. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best longboards for adults based on your specific riding style, experience level, and lifestyle needs.
Key Takeaways
- Commuting: Check out portable boards like the Bean, the Rebel, or the Short-Trip for easy carrying and responsive handling
- Leisure Cruising: The L-Train or the No-Name offers classic longboard stability perfect for relaxed rides and fun carving
- Urban Navigation: Compact boards like the Pretender or Short-Trip excel in tight spaces and quick maneuvering
- Safety Gear: Don’t forget a quality helmet!
Why Adults Choose Longboards Over Skateboards
As an adult, you need a board that matches your lifestyle and physical needs. Longboards offer several advantages:
- Superior Stability: Longer wheelbase and larger wheels provide a smoother, more confident ride
- Comfortable Cruising: Designed for distance and comfort rather than tricks
- Lower Impact: Larger, softer wheels absorb road vibrations and small cracks
- Practical Transportation: Many adults use longboards for commuting, exercise, or stress relief
Best Longboards by Riding Style
1. Commuting Longboards: Get to Work in Style
For adults who longboard to work or school, the right board needs to be portable, responsive, and reliable in urban environments.
Top Pick: The Bean
- Length: 32 inches
- Best for: Daily commuting, carrying on public transit
- Why it works: Compact size meets longboard stability
- Features: Easy to carry, responsive turning, smooth ride quality
Runner-up: The Short-Trip
- Length: 29 inches
- Best for: Urban exploration, mixed commuting
- Why it works: Mini cruiser agility with longboard comfort
- Features: Grab-and-go portability, surf-inspired carving
Commuting Considerations:
- Route Planning: Choose boards you can easily carry when needed (for example, mass transit, bridges, tunnels, etc.)
- Storage: Ensure your workplace has secure storage options
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and hardware checks keep your commuter board reliable
2. Leisure Cruising / Carving: Street Surfing
Perfect for weekend park sessions, beach boardwalks, or neighborhood exploration.
Top Pick: The L-Train
- Length: 47 inches
- Best for: Classic longboard experience, stable cruising
- Why it works: Traditional longboard design with wide nose and expertly tapered rails
- Features: Maximum stability, classic surf-style carving, spacious deck
3. Fitness and Exercise Boards
Longboarding offers excellent low-impact cardio and core strengthening. In reality, all the Deviate longboards are great for this purpose.
Exercise Tips:
- Start with 15-20 minute sessions and build up from there
- Focus on proper pushing technique
- Use longboarding as cross-training for other activities
- Track distance and time to monitor progress
- Make sure you’re having fun!
4. Travel-Friendly Longboards
For adults who want to bring boards on trips or store easily.
Top Pick: The Short-Trip
- Specifically designed as the ultimate travel companion
- Ultra-compact dimensions for maximum portability
- Airplane carry-on friendly (check specific airline policies)
- Hotel room and rental car compatible
- Maintains quality ride characteristics despite compact size
Great Alternative: The Pretender
- Another excellent travel option
- Slightly wider than Short-Trip but still highly portable
- Offers versatile performance for various riding situations
Travel Considerations:
- Check TSA regulations for air travel
- Consider board bags for protection
- Research local longboarding laws at destinations
- Pack basic maintenance tools
Maintenance Tips for Adult Riders
Regular maintenance keeps your board performing optimally and extends its lifespan
Weekly Maintenance:
- Wipe down deck and trucks
- Check for loose hardware
- Inspect wheels for wear
Periodic Deep Clean (based on frequency of use):
- Remove wheels for thorough cleaning
- Clean grip tape with warm soapy water
- Inspect deck for damage and repair as needed
Safety First: Essential Gear for Adults
Don't let ego prevent proper protection:
Must-Have Safety Gear:
- Helmet: Non-negotiable for any age
- Knee pads: Especially important for adult beginners
- Wrist guards: Protect against common fall injuries
- Reflective gear: For commuting visibility
Getting Started: Your First Rides
For Complete Beginners:
- Practice in safe, flat areas (empty parking lots)
- Learn proper pushing technique
- Master carving at slow speeds
- Practice stopping methods (probably most important for beginners)
- Build confidence gradually
For Experienced Skaters:
- Experiment with different riding styles and board types
- Adapt tricks to longboard style
- Focus on flow over technical moves
Choosing Your Deviate Board
Deviate offers both production models and custom options to match your specific needs
Quick Selection Guide:
- New to longboarding: Start with the Bean or Rebel
- Urban commuter: Consider the Bean, or Short-Trip
- Classic experience: Choose the L-Train or No-Name
- Travel enthusiast: The Short-Trip is purpose-built for portability
- Specific needs: Explore custom options tailored to your riding style
Why Choose Deviate:
- Handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY
- Surf culture-inspired designs
- Quality furniture-grade materials with a focus on craftsmanship
- Environmental commitment (one tree planted per board)
Common Questions from Adult Buyers
"Am I too old to start longboarding?"
Absolutely not! Many adults start longboarding in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The key is choosing the right board and taking appropriate safety precautions.
"What size board should I get?"
For most adults, personal preference plays a larger role than specific measurements. Consider:
- Compact boards (29-32"): Better for tight spaces and carrying
- Traditional length (40+)"): More stable for beginners
- Test if possible: Visit a local shop to experience different sizes
"How much should I spend?"
Quality adult longboards typically range from $200-400. Deviate's boards offer excellent value in this range, with handcrafted quality that often exceeds mass-produced alternatives.
Your Next Steps
Ready to join the adult longboarding community? Here's how to get started:
- Assess your needs: Determine primary use (commuting, leisure, exercise)
- Choose your board: Select from Deviate's carefully curated lineup
- Invest in safety gear: Quality helmet and protective equipment
- Start practicing: Find safe areas to build confidence
- Join the community: Connect with other adult longboarders
Yew! Ready to find your perfect longboard? Explore Deviate's collection and discover why adults across the country trust Deviate for their longboarding adventures.
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