Fourni par Blogger.

By Azalee Bouillon


Back in the 1950's, along the beaches of California, skateboarding was born as a way for surfers to keep entertained when the waves were uncooperative. They simply took planks, added the wheels from roller skates, and took to riding the landscape. So many different style emerged from the original and Landyachtz longboards are available for each one of them.

The company began producing in 1997 and have grown to be one of the most respected and diversified manufacturers in the field. Longboards share many of their basic parts with the more common skateboard, but the difference is made evident by the modifications made to each component in order to optimize the ride. Changing the board's weight, size and shape will directly affect the way it handles movement, vibration and speed.

The details are what makes all the difference in obtaining the best results for each type of ride. For those who choose to use their board as a mode of transportation, shorter cuts are more effective because they are easy to carry and navigate. Longer boards are preferred for casual distance rides that do not require a lot of quick turns or difficult maneuvering.

Just as each rider is different, so is each board and it is the individual modifications that bring the two into perfect harmony. Choosing the right size deck is how one gets finds their sweet spot for balance, turning power and spin. The positioning of the trucks and the hardness and diameter of the wheels will affect the smoothness of the ride.

Using a longboard as a main means of transportation is becoming ever more popular with those who enjoy exercising while taking an active interest in saving the environment. Being among the shortest boards at between 40-50", they usually feature decks with a lot of flexibility and looser trucks which are better for turning and control. The nose is cut narrow and a kick-tail is added to aid in quick changes in direction and tight corners.

Downhill riding, or bombing, is not only one of the most exciting forms of boarding but also one of the most difficult. This style uses a mid-size board of between 60-80" long with a rigid, short deck and widely positioned trucks that allow it to reach speeds up about 50 MPH. Although quite the adrenaline rush, this method can be very dangerous and should not be attempted by beginners.

The longest boards on the market are up to 110" long and look very much like surfboards. These are used in the styles of cruising and carving and are most reminiscent of how the sport got it's start all those years ago. Setting the trucks to a mid-range tightness allows the rider to enjoy a leisurely roll over landscapes with gently rolling hills and valleys that simulate the movement of the waves.

Slalom, distance and dancing are just a few of the many other types of boarding styles being enjoyed with new ones being introduced all the time. Making the changes in decks, trucks and wheels give inspiration to enthusiasts to keep challenging themselves and getting creative with their rides. Landyachtz longboards can be configured in any combination to accommodate the needs of most any avid skateboarder.




About the Author: