Is there a rivalry between skateboarders and longboarders? Many in the skate community think so. The clash is often about cultural and style differences. Traditional skateboard vs longboard differences can create tension. Skateboarders sometimes see longboarders as outsiders breaking into their special counterculture.
Skateboards are shorter and narrower with designs meant for tricks. They have kicktails for doing complex maneuvers quickly. Longboards, however, are meant for stability. They have bigger, softer wheels for smooth rides and are great for cruising or racing.
While design explains some disagreements, there’s more between the two groups. Skateboarders often think longboarders lack skill and creativity. Longboarders might view skateboarders as snobby. But, a lot of this comes from not understanding each other’s styles and contributions.
Both communities actually have a deep love for their sports and cultures. Looking closer at their histories and styles can help. This might bridge the divide in the skateboard vs longboard debate. It’s about understanding and appreciating our differences.
The Cultural Divide: Skateboarding vs Longboarding
The gap between skateboarders and longboarders is huge, due to their goals and history. To understand the skateboard vs longboard discussion, we need to look at their origins and how people see these groups.
History and Evolution
Skateboarding started in the 1960s and 1970s. It went through a lot of changes, including new tricks and skatepark culture. By the 1990s, it became a major part of urban life. Skateboarders used their boards to transform city spaces into places for fun and expression.
Longboarding grew out of a need for smooth riding and speed. It appeals to those looking for an easy ride or downhill race fun. Longboards are bigger (33-60 inches long, 8.5-10 inches wide) than skateboards. They also have larger, softer wheels (60mm-85mm+, 75a-90a), making them better for longer rides.
Community Perception
Skateboarders are seen as part of a lively, trick-loving group. They turn urban areas into their own play zones. Through their actions, skateboarders change how we see and use city spaces.
Longboarders, in contrast, focus on the ride itself. They enjoy the stability and ease their boards bring. This view of longboarding makes them stand out from skateboarders.
Even with these differences, both groups are about creativity and skills. Their unique backgrounds lead to different outlooks. Still, the love for skating keeps bringing skateboarders and longboarders together. This mix of views and respect keeps the skater culture vibrant and diverse.
Understanding the Rivalry: Do Skateboarders Hate Longboarders?
The rivalry between skateboarders and longboarders is about more than the boards they ride. It’s about identity and respect. Skateboarders often see longboarding as easier and less technical. But longboarding has complex moves that also require skill and dedication.
Sometimes, issues come up when longboarders use skateparks. They might not follow the unwritten skatepark rules. This can cause friction between skateboarders and longboarders. Both new skateboarders and longboarders can accidentally break these unspoken rules, making tensions worse.
Skateboarders’ strong feelings for their sport add to this rivalry. It’s not about hating longboarding. For example, shops like Denton Skate Supply and longboarders like RTL-TV Film’s Kavon Zamanian show the passion in both communities.
To understand if skateboarders hate longboarders, look at how identity and respect play roles in each sport. Talking and learning about each sport can help bridge the gap. The real challenge is creating a welcoming space for everyone.
| Factor | Skateboarding | Longboarding |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150 (complete board) | Varies ($100 – $300) |
| Duration | 1-2 years | Multiple years |
| Common Community | Teens, Predominantly Male | Diverse Age Range |
| Popular Board Shapes | Standard deck for tricks | Cruising, Downhill, Carving boards |
| Board Stability | Dependent on deck and truck width | Higher stability, suited for beginners |
Skateboarders’ Perspective on Longboarding
Many skateboarders think longboarders are new and don’t know skatepark rules well. This can lead to frustration. For instance, knowing who goes next and keeping enough space are big issues. These differences can cause tension between skateboarders and longboarders.
Violations
Skatepark etiquette breaches are a big problem. Skateboarders see longboarders in areas meant for advanced moves. This can be risky and interruptive. While not just a longboarder issue, it’s a common skateboarder complaint. Understanding and respecting skatepark rules can reduce conflicts, making the park more fun for everyone.
Technical Skill and Style
Skateboarders value hard-to-master skills and style. Tricks like ollies and kickflips take a lot of work. They sometimes don’t see the value in longboarding skills. This can lead to a divide based on board style and skill demands.
Getting these two groups to respect each other can make skate culture better. Recognizing what both longboarders and skateboarders bring to the table can enhance everyone’s experience.
Longboarders’ View of Skateboarders
Longboarders face stereotypes from skateboarders. These make them seem less devoted to skating. Factors like culture differences and techniques add to this divide. Let’s look at these misunderstandings and the real respect longboarders have for skateboarders’ skills.
Misconceptions and Stereotypes
Some skateboarders think longboarding is easier and say longboarders aren’t “real skaters.” This view is wrong. Downhill longboarding and longboard dancing need a lot of skill. Every style demands practice and bravery. Longboarders often do activities just as challenging, showing their deep commitment to skating.
Respect for Skill and Creativity
Despite the misconceptions, longboarders admire skateboarders’ creativity and athletic abilities. Skateboarders work hard to master their tricks, earning the longboarding community’s respect. Although longboarding and skateboarding are different, the love for skating unites both. Longboarders see the value in all skating forms, enriching skater culture together.
The Different Riding Styles and Techniques
Skateboarding and longboarding offer many riding styles and techniques. Each one matches different interests and skills. Learning about these can help you pick the right one for you.
Skateboarding focuses on lively tricks like jumps, grinds, and flips. Skaters often use city spaces, like parks and streets, to do complex moves. Moves such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds show skateboarding’s clever and skillful nature.
Longboarding, on the other hand, offers varied experiences. It ranges from easy cruising in town to thrilling downhill races. Here are some popular longboarding styles:
- Cruising: Easy and comfy, cruising is great for beginners looking for a relaxed ride.
- Downhill Racing: This style tests your speed and control on steep and curvy paths.
- Freeride: Combines speedy riding with slides and tricks for a challenging experience.
- Dancing: Focuses on smooth movements and dance-like steps for artistic riders.
- Distance Skating: Known as long-distance pushing (LDP), it’s about covering long distances with less fatigue.
Choosing a riding style depends on your goals and how intense you want it to be. Read more about choosing wheels for rough roads and how it affects longboarding.
An Instagram poll showed that switching between regular and mongo pushing helps in long-distance skating. It helps riders avoid getting tired. Some say mongo pushing adds momentum in downhill races, but not everyone agrees. If you’re used to mongo pushing, switching styles might be easier.
For anyone starting out, pushing with the back foot is advised. The debate on pushing styles shows it’s about what feels best for you. This ensures you enjoy being part of the skate and longboard communities.
Let’s explore more on the unique aspects of riding styles in skateboarding and longboarding:
| Riding Style | Skateboarding Techniques | Longboarding Styles |
|---|---|---|
| General Approach | Dynamic tricks, urban maneuvers | Cruising, downhill, freeride, dancing |
| Difficulty Level | High skill, precision required | Varied, from easy cruising to intense racing |
| Main Goals | Technical mastery, innovation | Speed, artistry, distance |
Understanding these styles and techniques lets you fully enjoy what skateboarding and longboarding offer. Whether doing tricks or cruising, there’s a style perfect for everyone.
Common Grounds: Where Skateboarders and Longboarders Overlap
Skateboarders and longboarders might seem different, but they share a deep love for skating. This love brings them together, despite any rivalry. They all enjoy the thrill and freedom of skating, creating a bond between them.
Shared Passion for Skating
Skaters love riding, no matter if it’s in a park or on city streets. They use slopes and ramps to face uphill challenges. These challenges show their dedication to improving their skills.
Electric skateboards, for example, make uphill rides easier but keep the excitement alive. This shows how both groups enjoy the thrill of skating together.
Subcultures and Self-Expression
Skating is more than the board; it’s about showing who you are. Skaters express themselves through their styles, tricks, and board designs. They build their own identities and communities around skating.
Whether performing shuvits or showcasing skills in parks, they celebrate individuality. Projects like Skateburds in Glasgow help make the skating world more inclusive. They bring people together, celebrating everyone’s love for skating.
Popular Misunderstandings between Skaters
Skateboarding and longboarding share a lot, but they’re often misunderstood by each group. These misunderstandings come from how we talk about and see our boards. By talking about these problems, we can build a better skating world for everyone.
Terminology Confusion
Words are a big deal in skateboarding. Skateboarders get upset when longboarders mix up terms like “kickflip” or “ollie.” These mix-ups might look small but they show a big gap between us. If we learn and respect each other’s language, we can bring our worlds closer.
Board Aesthetics and Functionality
The way skateboards and longboards look and work is very different. This leads to misunderstandings. Skateboarders might see longboards as just a trend, not great for complicated moves. On the other hand, longboarders might think skateboards have a narrow view of what’s cool or useful. This divides us, but it’s important to appreciate what each type of board brings to skating.
Even with our differences, we all love to skate and express ourselves. To connect our worlds, we need to respect and value what each of us brings to the skating culture.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!