If you're standing in a shop or staring at a dozen browser tabs, you're likely wondering what size of longboard should i get before dropping your hard-earned cash. It's a fair question because, unlike a standard popsicle-style skateboard that stays within a pretty narrow range, longboards are all over the map. You've got tiny cruisers that fit in a backpack and massive six-foot "dancing" boards that look like a surfboard with wheels.
Picking the right size isn't just about how tall you are; it's mostly about what you actually want to do once your feet are on the grip tape. Let's break down the different categories so you can figure out which one fits your vibe.
The Short and Sweet: Under 32 Inches
These are technically "longboards" because they usually have softer wheels and different trucks than a trick board, but they're on the shorter side of the family tree. If you're looking for something to zip around a college campus or quickly run to the corner store, this might be your sweet spot.
Why go short? Portability is the biggest win here. You can kick-turn these boards easily because they have a tight turning radius. They're also much lighter to carry when you're not riding. However, the trade-off is stability. If you're a total beginner, a board this short can feel a bit "twitchy." You'll feel every little movement, which can be a bit scary if you're still working on your balance.
The Middle Ground: 32 to 42 Inches
This is the "Goldilocks" zone for most people. If you aren't sure where to start, this range is almost always a safe bet. It's long enough to provide a stable platform where you don't feel like you're walking a tightrope, but it's still manageable enough to turn without needing a four-lane highway.
Most all-purpose "commuter" boards fall right around 38 to 40 inches. These are great for carving down mild hills and just cruising along the beach or through a park. You get plenty of foot room, which helps when you're learning how to shift your weight. If you're a taller person or have larger feet, aiming for the higher end of this range (40-42 inches) will give you a lot more comfort and control.
The Big Boys: 42 Inches and Up
Once you cross the 42-inch mark, you're looking at serious "long" boards. These are generally designed for two specific things: dancing or pure cruising stability.
Longboard dancing is a specific style where you literally walk, cross-step, and spin on the deck while it's moving. To do that, you need a literal floor under your feet. These boards are usually quite flexible and very long, sometimes reaching 50 inches or more.
If you aren't into dancing, the only other reason to go this big is if you just want the smoothest, most stable ride possible. A massive board absorbs road vibration like a Cadillac. The downside? They are heavy, awkward to carry, and have the turning radius of a school bus.
How Your Height and Weight Play In
I get asked a lot if a short person can ride a long board or if a tall person has to ride a big one. The short answer is: you can ride whatever you want. But your physical size does change the "feel" of the board.
If you're a smaller rider—say under 5'5"—a 42-inch board might feel like a lot of wood to move around. You might find it easier to control something in the 34-38 inch range. On the flip side, if you're 6'4" with a size 13 shoe, a tiny 28-inch cruiser is going to feel like you're standing on a toothpick. Your stance will naturally be wider, so you'll want a deck that actually lets you spread your feet out comfortably.
Weight matters more for the flex of the board than the actual length. If you're a heavier rider, a very long, thin board might sag too much and scrape the ground (we call that "bottoming out"). In that case, you'd want a board with more layers of maple or a shorter wheelbase to keep things stiff.
Why Wheelbase Is the Secret Stat
When you're looking at specs, don't just look at the total length of the wood. Look at the wheelbase. This is the distance between the inner mounting holes of the trucks.
A board could be 40 inches long but have a short wheelbase because it has big "kicktails" (the curvy bits at the ends). A shorter wheelbase makes the board turn sharper and feel more "surfy." A longer wheelbase makes the board feel more stable at higher speeds and less likely to wobble.
- Short Wheelbase (15-20 inches): Snappy turns, great for city riding.
- Medium Wheelbase (20-28 inches): The "all-rounder" for carving and cruising.
- Long Wheelbase (28+ inches): High-speed stability and plenty of room for footwork.
Choosing Based on Your Riding Style
Let's get practical. What are you actually going to do with this thing?
For Cruising and Commuting
If you're just trying to get from point A to point B, look for something between 32 and 38 inches. It's the best balance of "I can carry this into a coffee shop" and "I won't fall off if I hit a pebble." A "drop-through" style—where the trucks are mounted through the deck—is also a great choice here because it lowers the board, making it easier to push.
For Carving
If you want that feeling of "snowboarding on pavement," go for something in the 36 to 40-inch range with a bit of flex. You want enough length to lean into your turns without the board feeling stiff, but not so much length that you can't whip it back and forth.
For Downhill and Freeride
Speed is the name of the game here. You generally want something stiff and mid-sized, around 34 to 38 inches. You don't want a massive 45-inch board at 40 mph because it's harder to control in a slide. You also don't want a tiny board because, well, "speed wobbles" are a nightmare.
For Freestyle and Dancing
Go big or go home. You'll want at least 42 inches, but most dancers prefer 46 to 48 inches. You need that extra real estate to move your feet around without stepping off the edge.
Don't Forget the Width
While length gets all the attention, the width of the deck is just as important for comfort. Most longboards are between 8.5 and 10.5 inches wide.
You generally want a board that's roughly the same width as your feet. If the board is too narrow, your toes and heels will hang off too much, which can cause foot fatigue. If it's too wide, you might find it harder to get enough leverage to really lean into a turn. Most people find a 9-inch to 10-inch width to be the "sweet spot" for general riding.
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, there isn't one perfect answer to "what size of longboard should i get," but there is a perfect answer for you.
If you're still totally torn, go for a 38-inch drop-through deck. It's basically the universal starter pack. It's low to the ground, incredibly stable, and right in the middle of the size spectrum. It'll give you a taste of everything, and once you've been riding for a few months, you'll know if you want to go shorter for more agility or longer for more style.
The most important thing is to just get out there and start rolling. You'll learn more about what you like in ten minutes of riding than you will in ten hours of reading spec sheets. Have fun with it!