Freestyle

Longboard freestyle is a style/discipline that involves performing tricks and maneuvers on a longboard, which is a type of skateboard that is typically longer and wider than a traditional skateboard.

Longboard freestyle often involves elements of dance and fluidity, and can include tricks such as manuals (wheeling), shuvits (pivoting), and various flip tricks. It is typically performed on flat ground or in a skatepark, rather than on ramps or half pipes.

Some longboarders also incorporate elements of downhill and slalom skateboarding into their freestyle routines, but they are not necessary for practicing Freestyle.

Freestyle longboarding is one of the most stable and spectacular style of longboarding, with constant board flips and tricks. It is more aggressive and stylish thanother disciplines, and it is closest to traditional street skateboarding.

Freestyle longboarding is a very technical style of riding. Unlike Donwhill or Freeride, which involves descents and slides to control speed, freestyle is practiced primarily on flat surfaces, sometimes taking advantage of surrounding obstacles such as street curbs and stairs.

@jeff_corsi 🏄‍♂️ You wanna learn longboard dance/freestyle with my buddy @desgnarlais ? Go check the link on my bio 🤗. Every moves on this video will be break down ✌️#tutorials #elearning #longboarddancing ♬ son original - Jeff Longboard

How to start Longboard Freestyle

If you are new to longboard freestyle and are interested in learning how to get started, here are a few tips to consider:

Find a good beginner longboard: It’s important to have a longboard that is well-suited for your skill level and the type of riding you want to do. Look for a longboard that is comfortable and easy to ride, and that is appropriate for the type of terrain you will be skating on.
Practice basic techniques: Start by practicing basic longboard techniques such as pushing, carving, and stopping. These skills will form the foundation for more advanced tricks.
Learn how to fall safely: Falling is an inevitable part of skateboarding, so it’s important to learn how to fall safely to minimize the risk of injury. Practice falling onto your side or back rather than onto your head or wrists, and try to land softly and roll out of the fall.
Learn basic tricks: Start by learning basic tricks such as manuals (wheeling), shuvits (pivoting), and kickturns. These tricks will help you develop your balance and control, and will form the foundation for more advanced tricks.
Find a good spot to practice: Look for a flat, smooth surface with good traction to practice your tricks. A local skatepark or a parking lot with smooth pavement can be good places to start.
Wear protective gear: It’s important to wear protective gear such as a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards to minimize the risk of injury while skating. Remember, no helmet no respect.
Have fun: Above all, have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Skateboarding is a rewarding and enjoyable activity, and the more you practice, the better you will become.

How to Build a Freestyle Longboard?

If you are interested in building your own freestyle longboard, here are a few steps to consider:

Gather materials: You will need a longboard deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware to build your longboard. You may also need grip tape, riser pads, and bushings depending on your preferences and the type of longboard you are building.
Griptape the deck: Apply grip tape to the top of the deck using a griptape tool or a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles. Trim the edges of the grip tape using a sharp blade or a griptape tool.
Install the trucks: Attach the trucks to the deck using the mounting holes and hardware provided. Make sure the trucks are tightened securely, but be careful not to overtighten as this can strip the mounting holes.
Install the bearings: Place the bearings into the wheels and then insert the wheels onto the trucks. Tighten the wheels onto the trucks using a skate tool or a wrench.
Adjust the trucks: Adjust the tightness of the trucks to your preference using a skate tool or a wrench. Looser trucks will provide a more responsive and agile feel, while tighter trucks will provide more stability and support.
Test ride: Once your longboard is assembled, test it out to make sure everything is working properly. Adjust the trucks and bushings as needed to fine-tune the feel and performance of your longboard.
Enjoy your new longboard: With your new freestyle longboard built and ready to ride, it’s time to hit the streets and have some fun!

Keep in mind that building a longboard can be challenging, especially if you are new to skateboarding. It may be helpful to seek guidance from a local skate shop or an experienced skateboarder to ensure that you are using the correct materials and techniques.

Best Gear for Longboard Freestyle

When building or upgrading a longboard for freestyle skating, it’s important to choose the right deck, trucks, wheels, bushings, and bearings.

Different decks, such as double kicktail longboards, shorter dancing boards, and one kicktail longboards, have unique characteristics and benefits. Factors like size, durometer, shape, and lubrication can also affect the performance of your trucks, wheels, bushings, and bearings.

Try out a few different setups to find the best combination for your personal preference and riding style.

Board/deck

Here is a list of the best longboards for doing tricks, not including the ones mentioned above:

Double kicktail longboards: These longboards have kicktails at both ends of the board, which allows for a greater range of tricks and maneuverability. Double kicktail longboards are well-suited for street skating and park riding, and are often more agile and responsive than other types of longboards.
Shorter dancing boards: These longboards are specifically designed for freestyle and dance skating, and are typically shorter and more maneuverable than other types of longboards. Shorter dancing boards are often wider and more stable than other types of longboards, and are well-suited for performing tricks and fluid movements.
One kicktail longboards: These longboards have a kicktail at one end of the board, which allows for a range of tricks and maneuverability. One kicktail longboards are well-suited for street skating and park riding, and are often more agile and responsive than other types of longboards.

Again, the best longboard for doing tricks will ultimately depend on your personal preference and the type of riding you want to do. It can be helpful to try out a few different longboards to see what works best for you.

Trucks

type of riding you are doing. Some factors to consider when choosing trucks for freestyle skateboarding include:

Height: Trucks that are lower to the ground can provide more stability and support, while higher trucks may be more agile and responsive.
Width: Wider trucks may be more stable and supportive, while narrower trucks may be more agile and responsive.
Hanger size: Larger hanger sizes may be more stable and supportive, while smaller hangers may be more agile and responsive.
Baseplate angle: A steeper baseplate angle may be more responsive and agile, while a shallower angle may provide more stability and support.

There are many brands and types of trucks available on the market, and the best choice for you will depend on your weight, riding style, and the type of longboard you have. It can be helpful to try out a few different brands and setups to see what works best for you. It’s also a good idea to check with your longboard manufacturer or a local skate shop for recommendations on the best trucks for your particular setup.

Wheels

Here are some key points to consider when choosing wheels for longboard freestyle:

Diameter: Smaller wheels around 65mm in diameter can provide a lighter and more agile feel, which may be beneficial for quick and responsive trick performance. Larger wheels may provide more stability and roll faster, but may also be less agile and responsive.
Durometer: Soft urethane wheels may provide more grip and a smoother ride, but may also be less durable and wear out more quickly. Harder wheels may be more durable and provide more stability, but may also be less grippy and provide a less smooth ride.
Shape: Wheels with a rounded edge may provide a smoother ride and be more forgiving when landing tricks, while wheels with a sharp edge may be more responsive and agile.
Contact patch: Wider wheels may provide more stability and support, while narrower wheels may be more agile and responsive. The width of the wheels may also affect the grip and stability of the longboard.

Again, it’s important to note that the best choice for longboard freestyle will ultimately depend on personal preference and the type of riding you want to do. Different riders may have different preferences when it comes to the size, durometer, shape, and contact patch of their wheels, and it may be helpful to try out a few different setups to see what works best for you.

Bushings

For longboard freestyle, bushings that are soft and responsive can be beneficial for quick and agile tricks, as they allow for more control and maneuverability.

However, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of skateboarding you are doing. Some longboarders prefer harder bushings for stability and support, while others prefer softer bushings for a more responsive and lively feel.

There are many brands and types of bushings available on the market, and the best choice for you will depend on your weight, riding style, and the type of longboard you have. It can be helpful to try out a few different brands and densities to see what works best for you. It’s also a good idea to check with your longboard manufacturer or a local skate shop for recommendations on the best bushings for your particular setup.

Bearings

The best bearings for longboard freestyle will depend on your personal preference and the type of riding you are doing. Some factors to consider when choosing bearings for freestyle skateboarding include:

Quality: Higher quality bearings may be more durable and provide a smoother ride, but may also be more expensive. It’s generally a good idea to invest in good quality bearings, as they will likely last longer and provide a better ride experience.
ABEC rating: Bearings are rated on a scale called the ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineering Council) rating, which ranges from 1 to 9. Higher ABEC ratings generally indicate a more precise and higher quality bearing, but may also be more expensive. It’s important to note that the ABEC rating is not necessarily a reliable indicator of bearing performance, and other factors such as quality and lubrication may be more important.
Lubrication: Properly lubricated bearings may provide a smoother ride and last longer, while dry or poorly lubricated bearings may be less efficient and wear out more quickly.
Size: Bearings come in different sizes to fit different skateboard wheels. It’s important to make sure you are using the correct size bearings for your wheels to ensure optimal performance.

There are many brands and types of bearings available on the market, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preference and the type of longboard you have. It can be helpful to try out a few different brands and setups to see what works best for you. It’s also a good idea to check with your longboard manufacturer or a local skate shop for recommendations on the best bearings for your particular setup.