Shopping List
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What You Actually Need for Longboarding
Getting started with longboarding doesn’t require a massive investment, but you do need the right foundational equipment to stay safe, comfortable, and progressing quickly. Whether you’re cruising flat ground, carving down hills, or learning tricks, this shopping list covers the essential gear every beginner should have before hitting the pavement.
1. Complete Longboard Deck
A quality longboard deck is the foundation of your entire setup. Modern decks come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for different riding styles like cruising, downhill, or freestyle. The deck should be made from multi-ply maple wood that provides the right balance of flex and durability for your skill level.
Why beginners need it: A proper deck makes learning easier and safer, with better control and stability than cheap alternatives. Investing in a decent deck from the start means you won’t need to replace it after a few weeks.
What to look for: Look for 7-9 ply maple construction and a length between 38-42 inches for beginners. Check reviews for durability and whether it’s designed for your intended riding style.
2. Skateboard Trucks
Trucks are the metal axles that connect your wheels to the deck and allow you to turn. They’re crucial for steering, carving, and overall maneuverability. Quality trucks should be responsive but stable enough for beginners to control confidently.
Why beginners need it: Poor quality trucks won’t turn smoothly and can cause accidents or make learning tricks nearly impossible. Good trucks significantly improve your riding experience and safety.
What to look for: Choose trucks that match your deck width and look for reputable brands known for smooth turning. Make sure they’re rated for your weight range and intended riding style.
3. Longboard Wheels
Wheels determine your speed, smoothness, and how well you handle different surfaces. Longboard wheels are typically larger and softer than skateboard wheels, providing a smoother ride over pavement and cracks. Size and durometer (hardness) matter significantly for your riding experience.
Why beginners need it: The right wheels make cruising enjoyable and help you maintain control. Cheap or hard wheels feel rough and slow, making it discouraging to practice.
What to look for: Look for wheels between 70-80mm in diameter with a durometer between 78a-84a. Softer wheels are better for cruising and rough surfaces, while harder wheels are faster but less comfortable.
4. Bearing Set
Bearings are small metal components that sit inside your wheels and enable smooth rolling. They’re rated by ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating better precision and speed. Quality bearings roll faster and require less maintenance than budget options.
Why beginners need it: Good bearings let you coast farther with less effort, making riding more fun and building your confidence faster. Bad bearings feel sluggish and make the board frustrating to ride.
What to look for: ABEC-7 bearings are sufficient for beginners and offer great value. Look for sealed bearings that resist dirt and moisture, and ensure they fit your wheel size.
5. Safety Helmet
A quality helmet is non-negotiable safety equipment that protects your head during falls. Skateboard and longboard helmets are specifically designed with the impact absorption needed for higher-speed riding. A good helmet should fit snugly and feel comfortable enough to wear every session.
Why beginners need it: Head injuries are serious and can happen to anyone, regardless of skill level. A helmet dramatically reduces the risk of severe injury and should be worn without exception.
What to look for: Choose a certified skateboard helmet (not a bicycle helmet) that fits your head size properly. Look for good ventilation and adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit every time.
6. Wrist Guards
Wrist guards protect your wrists and hands during falls, which are the most common injuries for new riders. They feature rigid splints that prevent your wrists from bending too far backward upon impact. Quality wrist guards should be protective but not restrict your movement too much.
Why beginners need it: Your instinct when falling is to catch yourself with your hands, and wrist guards prevent fractures and serious sprains. Broken wrists can sideline you for months and are painful to recover from.
What to look for: Look for guards with rigid splints on both palm and back of hand. They should fit snugly without cutting off circulation and allow enough flexibility for comfortable riding.
7. Knee Pads
Knee pads provide crucial protection for one of the most vulnerable joints when longboarding. They absorb impact and prevent scrapes, bruises, and more serious knee injuries. Look for pads with solid caps that can slide during falls while protecting the joint underneath.
Why beginners need it: Knee injuries are common in skateboarding and can be very painful, affecting your ability to ride, walk, and exercise. Good knee pads make you feel confident enough to progress faster.
What to look for: Choose pads with hard plastic caps and good cushioning underneath. They should fit snugly without slipping or restricting your leg movement while riding.
8. Grip Tape
Grip tape is sandpaper-like material applied to your deck’s top surface that keeps your feet from slipping. It wears out over time and needs to be replaced periodically as it becomes smooth and slippery. Quality grip tape provides excellent traction in all conditions, even when wet.
Why beginners need it: Good grip tape prevents your feet from sliding off the deck, which is essential for safety and confidence. Without proper grip, you’re much more likely to slip and fall, especially when turning.
What to look for: Choose grip tape that matches your deck size and look for brands known for durability and strong adhesive. You want texture that’s grippy but not so coarse that it destroys your shoes.
9. Tool Kit / Hardware Set
A complete skate tool kit helps you assemble your board and perform regular maintenance. Essential tools include a Phillips screwdriver, Allen wrench, socket set, and a specialized skate tool with built-in wrench for trucks and wheel removal. These tools save money compared to taking your board to a shop.
Why beginners need it: You’ll need to tighten bolts, adjust trucks, and replace wheels throughout your boarding journey. Having the right tools means you can make these adjustments quickly and safely whenever needed.
What to look for: Look for all-in-one skate tool kits that include truck tools and bearing removal sockets. Quality tools last longer and are easier to use than cheap alternatives.
10. Protective Elbow Pads
Elbow pads protect your elbows from impact during falls and are especially important when learning to ride or attempting to progress to faster speeds. They feature rigid caps with cushioning to absorb impact while allowing your arms to move freely. Quality elbow pads should be comfortable enough that you don’t mind wearing them.
Why beginners need it: Elbow injuries are painful and can prevent you from riding or even simple daily activities. Protective pads give you the confidence to push yourself and learn new skills without fear.
What to look for: Look for pads with hard plastic shells and good padding underneath. They should fit snugly without limiting your arm’s range of motion or causing discomfort during extended riding sessions.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with essential gear: Focus on a quality complete board, helmet, and basic protective gear first. You can add advanced protective equipment and accessories later as your skills develop and budget allows.
- Buy complete setups: Many manufacturers offer complete longboard packages that bundle the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings together at a better price than buying separately. These beginner packages are specifically designed to work well together.
- Shop end-of-season sales: Skateboard shops typically have clearance sales at the end of summer and winter seasons. Planning your purchase around these sales can save you significant money without sacrificing quality.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should prioritize quality basics: a reliable complete setup, full protective gear, and essential maintenance tools. As you progress, advanced riders invest in specialized gear like downhill setups with higher-end trucks, precision bearings, and specific wheels for their discipline—whether that’s downhill racing, freestyle tricks, or distance pushing. The fundamentals matter most when learning, so don’t skip on safety equipment or core board components, even if you’re tempted to save money. Once you’ve developed solid skills and know your exact riding style, you can upgrade to specialized equipment that matches your specific needs and goals.
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