earthwing

Skateboarders are curious;  What is the future of Longboard Skateboarding?

At the Longboard Loft in New York City we spend quality time explaining the differences between decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware with curious skaters and visitors to the shop.  Many visitors are new to longboarding and stumble upon us while exploring New York City.  Others visit because there is a generous selection of longboards.  Most appreciate the wide selection, others label us kooks on a  longboard.

Traditional skateboards and longboards share the same truck mount 4-hole pattern, same design of trucks (traditionally), and most all skateboards/longboards support the same wheel cores which support the same size bearing and axle.

Skaters have the freedom to choose which style of skateboarding fits their lifestyle then chose the type of skateboard for the job.  A skater’s first skateboard defines style….which will morph into steez.  I recommend the skateboard that fits the needs of the individual for each type of skate terrain.  Mountains, hills, pools, parks, streets, sidewalks, neighborhoods, cities – you name it, there is a board designed for it.  Talk to your local neighborhood longboarder, I will assume you will have a positive conversation and learn about the best local terrain.

How and when will all styles of longboarding and skateboarding be generalized as skateboarding?

The action sports industry is parent to the skateboard industry.  During American economic turmoil, the action sports industry grew because people showed interest in action sports.  Americans started spending less money on “wants” and invested more into themselves.  Skateboarding is an affordable lifestyle surrounded by an amazing community of grassroots like minded people.

Growth among manufacturers of the action sports industry has inspired new products and a better understanding of the tolerances of skateboard gear.  Every new product inspires a wave of stoke within the skateboard industry.  Soon the skateboarding will represent all generes of the double truck, 4 wheel design that everybody knows.

To change the general term “LONGBOARDING” to “SKATEBOARDING” will increase awareness of old and new styles of skateboarding.  Skateboarding will be a healthy mix of short/long decks, hard/soft wheels and decent/shitty bearings.  communities will change local “NO SKATEBOARDING” laws to help the friendly neighborhood skateboarder and improve the safety of green commuters as we pave the road to a new world of skateboarding.  I expect a noticable change by 2013.