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Can adults learn to longboard?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 22, 2026

Are you wondering if you're too old to longboard ? Well, you're not alone. Longboarding is growing in popularity, and not just among the younger crowd. “Grown-ups” are increasingly taking to the sport, you've probably seen a few riding the streets on week-ends or even commuting on their longboard during the week.

Is longboarding hard to learn?

Longboarding is easier to learn compared to other boarding sports. In fact, longboarding is the easiest board sport to learn because of its components and it was also designed to allow people to travel long distances without much difficulty.

Can you be too old to longboard?

The big sign read, “NO! You're NOT too old!” At 37 years old, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would attempt to ride a skateboard. (Well, technically longboarding is a whole different thing from skateboarding, but most people don't give that any thought.)

Should a beginner start with a longboard?

99% of beginners should start with a cruiser longboard. If you're looking for a beginner cruiser board, I'd recommend it being at least 30” long and 8.5” wide. A long, wide deck will be easier to balance on. The wheels should be large/soft (60mm-80mm / 77a-83a) so they roll over cracks/bumps with ease.

Is 40 too old to learn to skateboard?

You're never too old to learn skateboarding, at least when you're still healthy and in reasonable physical shape. There is no age limit, whether you're in your twenties, thirties, forties or even fifties. It might be a little embarrassing when you start skateboarding at your 30's or 40's but practice makes perfect.

31 related questions found

Can you lose weight from skateboarding?

Skateboarding for 60 minutes can help you lose anywhere between 300-500 calories, depending on your body weight, metabolism rate etc. Skateboarding also has a number of other benefits for the body which contribute to having a fitter and healthier lifestyle.

What skateboard is easiest to ride?

Longboards are a popular choice for beginners because they are the easiest to ride from day one. Drop through boards are even more friendly to beginners because they lower the ride height for extra stability and easier pushing. When choosing longboard size, it is important to keep your own size in mind.

Can you teach yourself to longboard?

Getting your longboard going is important, but so is stopping. If you're just learning how to longboard, the easiest method is footbreaking (dragging your foot). Take the foot you push with and drag it on the pavement until you come to a gentle stop. Keep the bottom of your foot flat on the ground as you drag it.

What is a good size longboard for beginners?

Mid-Sized Cruising Board – Longboards in the range of 32″ – 42″ are the most popular and recommended for newbies of all sizes. With a length between small and long, these boards are just right and can do almost anything!

Is a cruiser or longboard easier?

Longboards are for long distances and beginner friendly, skateboards are for technical tricks and harder to ride. Cruisers are easier to ride and used for short distances. Longboards, cruisers, and skateboards are designed for different purposes.

Is it easier to learn longboard or skateboard?

You absolutely CAN learn to skate using a shortboard or standard skateboard – some people prefer that! But from an ease-of-use and safety standpoint, longboarding can't be beaten. Longboarding is so much easier to learn because all of the skills used to skateboard (pumping, turning, balance, strength, etc.)

Is longboarding good exercise?

Longboarding burns some 4 to 7 calories per minute, making it quite a solid aerobic activity. But aside from being a great cardio and strength exercise, longboarding also helps you increase your entire body's flexibility.

How fast can a longboard go on flat ground?

How Fast Can a Longboard Go on a Flat Ground? The cruising speed usually clocks between 5 to 14 miles per hour, 6 mph on average.

Can you lose weight from longboarding?

Longboarding helps you lose weight and burns between 300 and 400 calories an hour, depending on the type of board you ride. The harder you push a longboard, the more calories you burn. Skateboarding will burn the most calories.

How do I stop on a longboard?

To make your longboard stop, your options are, from easiest to highly technical :

  1. Jumping off your board and running it out.
  2. Rolling onto a rough surface such as grass.
  3. Braking with the sole of your foot.
  4. Carving turns down the hill.
  5. Sliding your longboard.

How do you start a longboard for beginners?

13 Essential Longboarding Tips for Beginners

  1. Longboarding tip #1: get the right board.
  2. Longboarding tip #2: find your stance.
  3. Longboarding tip #3: find your balance in static mode.
  4. Longboarding tip #4: practice your turning stance.
  5. Longboarding tip #5: practice your push & brake stance.

Are longboards good for cruising?

Ans: High quality longboards with drop through decks are good for cruising and carving as they are much easier to push. If you need longboards for cruising long distances, choose a complete longboard with a flexible drop-through deck. This type of longboard will allow you to go harder and longer.

Are longboards safer than skateboards?

Longboarders were at much greater risk of head fracture, traumatic brain injury and bleeding inside the skull (intracranial hemorrhage) than skateboarders. Among longboarders, 8 percent had a head fracture, 31 percent had a traumatic brain injury and 14 percent had an intracranial hemorrhage.

Is longboarding harder than skateboarding?

Longboarding is easier than skateboarding. Longboards are wider, longer and have softer wheels which makes it much easier to keep your balance. Skateboards are harder to ride because of their smaller size and harder wheels. Skateboarding and longboarding are quite different sports and also have much in common.

What is the difference between a skateboard and a longboard?

The difference between a longboard, skateboard and cruiser comes down to deck shape, trucks, and wheels. Longboards usually are larger, have softer wheels, and can handle higher speeds. Skateboards have a traditional popsicle shape (best for tricks).

How easy is it to ride a longboard?

It's a fair question to ask as a beginner: are longboards easier to ride? The short answer is, yes! Longboards, especially long, wide boards and decks that are considered drop-through. The drop-through will lower your center of gravity.

Are longboards faster than skateboards?

Longboards are typically faster than skateboards due to their larger wheelbase (distance between trucks) and bigger wheels. Just how fast can you go on a longboard ? Longboarding speed typically ranges from 6 mph when cruising, to 50-65 mph when downhill riding.

What's the difference between a cruiser skateboard and a longboard?

A cruiser is a shorter and lightweight board responsive and nimble enough for riding in tight inner city areas. A full size longboard turns on a wider radius but is more stable at high speed. Longboards are great for distance travel, open road commutes, and riding down bigger hills.

How do you longboard?

On smooth flat ground, give your longboard a slight kick push as in the previous step. As you're rolling, press with your toes onto the front edge of your deck, making your wheels turn (toeside turn). If you're regular, that will steer your board to the right, if you're goofy, to the left.