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Longboards are one of the most accessible ways to get into skating. They're stable, smooth, and suited to everything from riding to work to carving along a seafront. The tricky part is knowing which deck to go for. There are a lot of shapes and sizes out there, and most guides assume you already know what a drop-through is.
This guide keeps it practical. We'll explain what actually matters for most UK riders and help you find the right board from the longboard decks range at Skatewarehouse.
A standard skateboard deck is typically 7.5 to 8.5 inches wide and around 31 to 32 inches long. It has a nose and tail that kick upward, which is what makes tricks possible.
A longboard deck is different in almost every way. It's longer (usually 36 to 46 inches), wider, and far more stable underfoot. The shape is built for rolling and turning, not kickflips. Most longboard decks have little or no kick at the nose and tail, and many are designed to keep your centre of gravity lower to the ground.
The result is a board that's easier to balance on, more comfortable to push for distance, and much better suited to cruising, commuting, or carving. If you want to roll around rather than practise tricks at a skatepark, a longboard is usually the better tool.
This is where most guides overcomplicate things. There are a handful of shapes that matter for most riders.
The pintail is the classic longboard shape: wide in the middle, tapering to a point at each end. It's relaxed, stable, and great for cruising. If you're not sure what you want, a pintail is a solid place to start. Mindless and D-Street both offer pintail options in the Skatewarehouse range.
On a drop-through deck, the trucks mount through a cutout in the deck rather than underneath it. This lowers the board closer to the ground, which makes pushing easier and reduces fatigue on longer rides. It's a popular choice for commuting or distance riding. The lower ride height also adds stability at speed.
Similar in feel to a drop-through, but the deck itself is shaped to sit lower. The platform drops down between the trucks rather than mounting through them. This gives a very low, locked-in stance. It suits riders who plan to cover serious distances or want to get into freeriding.
Not every longboard needs to be 40 inches long. Some boards sit between a standard skateboard and a full longboard: compact enough to carry on the bus, but softer and more stable than a street deck. These are often listed as cruiser decks rather than longboards, and they're worth considering if you mainly want something to roll to the shops or get around town.
For most beginners and casual riders, a deck between 38 and 42 inches is a good starting point. It's long enough to feel stable without being hard to carry or manoeuvre.
If you're on the shorter side or want something more nimble, look toward the lower end of that range, around 36 to 38 inches. Taller riders or anyone who prioritises stability over agility will generally prefer 40 inches and above.
Width matters too. Most longboard decks run 8.5 to 10 inches wide. Wider decks feel more planted and comfortable for cruising; narrower decks feel livelier and respond more quickly to input.
If you're new to longboarding, a complete is the easiest option. Longboard complete skateboards arrive built and ready to ride: deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings already assembled. There's no compatibility to figure out. You just ride.
If you already have a longboard and want to replace the deck, or if you want to choose your components carefully, buying a deck separately makes more sense. Just make sure your trucks are matched to your deck width. longboard trucks are sized to deck width in the same way standard skateboard trucks are.
You can browse longboard trucks, wheels, and hardware separately at Skatewarehouse if you're building your own setup.
Longboard trucks are wider and usually more steeply angled than standard skateboard trucks. That higher angle makes turning more responsive: lean into it and the board follows. Most longboard trucks use a reverse kingpin design, which gives that fluid, carvy feel.
For truck sizing, match the axle width roughly to your deck width. A 10-inch deck generally works with a 180mm truck; a 9-inch deck suits a 150mm truck. If in doubt, check the product listing. Most brands specify which deck widths their trucks are designed for.
Longboard wheels are larger and softer than standard skate wheels, typically 60 to 75mm in diameter with a durometer of around 78a to 83a. Larger, softer wheels roll over cracks and rough tarmac more easily, which matters a lot on UK streets.
Longboards aren't just for teenagers. They're a genuinely practical option for anyone who wants to cover ground without a lot of technical learning involved.
They suit:
If you want to do tricks, grind kerbs, or skate ramps, a standard complete skateboard is still the better choice. But for rolling around, carving, and getting from A to B, a longboard earns its keep.
Skatewarehouse has been selling boards since 2002. The longboard decks range includes options from Mindless, D-Street, Osprey, and Arbor, brands we stock and can back up with proper advice.
If you'd rather get rolling straight away, browse the longboard complete skateboards collection. Everything you need, already built.
Need trucks, wheels, or hardware to finish a custom setup? The all longboarding collection has it in one place.
Not sure which direction to go? Call us on 01837 55778, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
For most beginners, a deck between 38 and 42 inches long and around 9 to 10 inches wide is a solid starting point. That range gives you enough stability to build confidence without feeling unwieldy. If you're shorter or lighter, lean toward the lower end. A complete longboard is often the easiest first buy, since it takes the guesswork out of component compatibility.
A cruiser is generally shorter, usually under 34 inches, and designed for getting around rather than longer rides or carving at speed. A longboard is longer, more stable, and better suited to covering more distance. Both work well for commuting and casual riding; the main difference is size and how they feel underfoot. A cruiser is easier to carry; a longboard is more comfortable to push for longer.
Technically yes, but it rarely works well. Longboard trucks are wider and taller than standard trucks, which can make the setup feel awkward and unbalanced. Most standard decks are also too short to work well with longboard-sized wheels. If you want a longboard setup, it's better to start with a deck built for it.
For downhill, a drop-through or drop-down deck is the standard choice. The lower centre of gravity improves stability at speed and makes speed wobbles easier to manage. A stiffer deck also helps: flex is great for carving but less ideal when you're going fast. If you're new to longboarding, get comfortable cruising first before thinking about downhill.
Both options are available at Skatewarehouse. A complete is the easiest way to start: everything is matched and ready to ride. Building your own makes sense if you have a specific riding style in mind or want to replace a worn-out deck while keeping trucks and wheels you already rate. If you're new to longboarding, a complete is hard to beat for convenience.
Yes, for the right kind of commute. If your route involves reasonably smooth pavement with gentle slopes and no serious hills, a longboard, particularly a drop-through style with large soft wheels, is a practical option. It's faster than walking, quieter than a scooter, and easier to carry than a full-size bike. On rough ground, soft wheels in the 78a to 83a range make a noticeable difference to how the board rolls.
