Best Longboard For Beginners (Tested and Compared) 2025

By Chris Miller

We purchase all the products we test — no freebies from companies. Buying through our links may earn us a commission, supporting our testing efforts.

So, you’re ready to cruise the streets on a longboard? Awesome! 

But with so many options out there, finding the perfect beginner board can feel overwhelming. 

Fear not, fellow cruiser! I’ve tested and compared some of the top contenders to help you find the best longboard for your first ride. 

Whether you’re looking for stability, smooth rides, or something to show off, this guide will have you rolling in style in no time.

Sector 9 Striker Canopy – Best Longboard For Beginners

Sector 9 Striker Canopy

Alright, let’s talk about this board. The Sector 9 Striker Canopy. First off, the looks. This thing is a head-turner. The bamboo top sheet is gorgeous, and the graphics are clean and stylish. It definitely has that classic cruiser vibe, but with a modern edge.

Now, the ride. This board is surprisingly versatile. It’s stable at speed, which was a big plus for me. I was able to comfortably cruise down hills and carve through corners. The flex is just right – it’s stiff enough for stability but still provides a smooth, comfortable ride. The Paris Trucks are smooth and responsive, making it easy to maneuver and turn on a dime. The 65mm Kegel wheels are a good all-around size, offering a good balance of speed and grip.

Where this board really shines is in the city. It’s nimble and easy to maneuver through traffic and tight spaces. I found myself using it to commute to work and run errands, and it made getting around a breeze. The kicktail is a nice touch for those occasional curb hops and manuals.

However, there are a few minor drawbacks. The bamboo top sheet is susceptible to scratches, so you’ll want to be careful with it. Also, while it’s good for cruising and carving, it might not be the best choice for aggressive downhill riding.

Pros:

  • Stylish Design: The bamboo top sheet and clean graphics give it a unique and attractive look.
  • Versatile Performance: It excels in both cruising and carving, making it suitable for a wide range of riding styles.
  • Stable at Speed: Offers a confident ride even when going downhill.
  • Smooth Ride: The flex provides a comfortable experience.
  • Agile Handling: The Paris Trucks and Kegel wheels allow for easy maneuvering and sharp turns.
  • Excellent for City Riding: Its nimble nature makes it perfect for navigating urban environments.
  • Kicktail for Added Functionality: Allows for occasional curb hops and manuals.

Cons:

  • Susceptible to Scratches: The bamboo top sheet can be prone to damage.
  • May Not Be Ideal for Aggressive Downhill Riding: While stable, it might not be the best choice for high-speed downhill runs.

Overall:

The Sector 9 Striker Canopy is a fantastic all-around cruiser. It’s stylish, comfortable, and incredibly fun to ride. If you’re looking for a versatile longboard that can handle both city streets and cruising around town, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Related Post – 5 Best Cruiser Skateboards (Tested & Compared) 2025

Retrospec   – Best beginner Longboard for cruising

Retrospec longboard

I recently purchased the Retrospec 41 inch Drop Down Freestyle Longboard, and I’m so glad I did! I’ve been wanting a longboard for a while, and after doing some research, I decided that this was the best option for me.

Assembly and First Impressions

The board arrived quickly and was easy to assemble. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the board is. The wood is a rich, dark color, and the grip tape is a beautiful design. The trucks are also high-quality and feel very sturdy.

I was immediately impressed with the size of the board. It’s much bigger than my old skateboard, and it feels very stable. I also love the drop-down design, which makes it easy to get on and off.

Riding Experience

I’ve been riding my Retrospec longboard for a few weeks now, and I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s so smooth and comfortable to ride, and it handles turns beautifully. The trucks are a bit loose, but I actually like that because it gives me more control.

The board is also very stable at high speeds. I’ve taken it on some long rides, and I’ve never felt like I was going to lose control. The grip tape is also very grippy, which gives me a lot of confidence when I’m carving or doing tricks.

Overall Impressions

I’m so glad I chose the Retrospec 41 inch Drop Down Freestyle Longboard. It’s a high-quality board that’s perfect for cruising, carving, and even some light downhill riding. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and functional longboard.

Pros

  • Beautiful design
  • High-quality materials
  • Smooth and comfortable ride
  • Stable at high speeds
  • Grippy grip tape
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Trucks are a bit loose

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

I would highly recommend the Retrospec 41 inch Drop Down Freestyle Longboard to anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable longboard. It’s a great all-around board that’s perfect for cruising, carving, and even some light downhill riding.

Arbor Pilsner

Arbor 29 inch Cruiser Skateboard

The Arbor Pilsner is a well-crafted cruiser skateboard that offers a smooth ride and a classic design. It’s a good choice for beginners and experienced riders alike, thanks to its stable platform and comfortable components. However, some riders may find the wheels a bit too sticky and the bearings not as smooth as they would like.

Features

  • Deck: 28.75 inches long, 8.25 inches wide, with a subtle concave and kicktail.
  • Trucks: Paris Street 129mm trucks with Arbor bushings.
  • Wheels: Arbor Bogart 61mm 78a wheels.
  • Bearings: Arbor ABEC 5 bearings.
  • Construction: 7-ply Canadian Hardrock Maple with a carbonized bamboo top layer.
  • Price: $197

Pros

  • Sustainable: Arbor is a company that is committed to sustainability, and the Pilsner is made from eco-friendly materials.
  • Smooth ride: The deck is smooth and comfortable to ride on, thanks to the mellow concave and soft bushings.
  • Good grip: The Arbor Bogart wheels provide good grip, even on wet surfaces.
  • Portable: The Pilsner is a compact and lightweight board, making it easy to transport.
  • Stylish: The Pilsner has a classic and stylish design that looks great.

Cons

  • Sticky wheels: Some riders may find the Arbor Bogart wheels to be a bit too sticky, making it difficult to slide or maneuver.
  • Noisy bearings: The Arbor ABEC 5 bearings can be a bit noisy, especially when compared to higher-quality bearings.
  • Not ideal for tricks: The Pilsner’s deck is not ideal for performing tricks, due to its short wheelbase and subtle kicktail.

Conclusion

Overall, the Arbor Pilsner is a good quality cruiser skateboard that offers a smooth ride and a stylish design. It’s a good choice for beginners and experienced riders who are looking for a reliable and affordable board. However, if you’re looking for a board that is specifically designed for performing tricks, you may want to consider another option.

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Retrospec  -Best drop-through longboard for beginners

Best drop through longboard for beginners

Okay, let’s dive into my experience with the Magneto 40″ Kicktail Cruiser Longboard. I’ve been cruising around on this board for a few months now, and I’m here to give you the lowdown.

First Impressions:

Unboxing this thing, I was immediately impressed by the quality. It feels incredibly sturdy and well-made. The 7-ply Canadian Maple construction gives it a solid foundation, and the components like the trucks and wheels seem top-notch. The kicktail is a good size, promising some decent maneuverability.

On the Road:

  • Cruising: This board is a dream for cruising. It glides smoothly and effortlessly, making it a joy to ride on smooth pavement. The 70mm wheels are perfect for a comfortable and stable ride.
  • Carving: The kicktail is surprisingly responsive, allowing for some fun carving turns. It’s not the most aggressive board for carving, but it handles corners well and makes navigating through traffic a breeze.
  • Pushing: Pushing off is easy thanks to the good wheelbase and the comfortable stance.
  • Stability: The board feels very stable, even at higher speeds. I haven’t experienced any wobble or instability, which is a big plus for me.

Components:

  • Trucks: The trucks are smooth and responsive, allowing for easy turning and maneuvering.
  • Wheels: The 70mm wheels provide a good balance of speed and stability. They roll smoothly over most surfaces and absorb bumps well.
  • Bearings: The bearings are decent quality and spin smoothly.

Pros:

  • Excellent build quality
  • Smooth and stable ride
  • Good for cruising and light carving
  • Stylish design

Cons:

  • Not the most aggressive board for carving
  • May not be ideal for downhill riding

Overall:

I’m extremely happy with my Magneto 40″ Kicktail Cruiser Longboard. It’s a fantastic all-around board that’s perfect for cruising around town, commuting, and having some fun on the weekends. If you’re looking for a reliable and enjoyable longboard, I highly recommend giving this one a serious look.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Wavestorm Classic Longboard Surfboard – Best Longboard Surfboards for Beginners

Wavestorm Classic Longboard Surfboard

Unboxing the board was a thrill. It’s massive! Even for a beginner, this thing is a beast. But that’s exactly what I was looking for. Stability was key for me, and this board delivers. It’s incredibly buoyant, making it super easy to paddle out and catch waves.

On the Water:

My first few attempts were, well, comical. I wiped out more times than I’d like to admit. But the Wavestorm was incredibly forgiving. It’s soft and flexible, so those hard falls weren’t as brutal as they might have been on a stiffer board.

Slowly but surely, I started to get the hang of it. Paddling out became easier, I was catching more waves, and I even managed to stand up a few times! The extra length and stability of the board made it incredibly easy to balance and find my feet.

What I Love:

  • Stability: This is the biggest selling point for beginners. The extra width and volume make it incredibly easy to paddle and balance.
  • Durability: This board is practically indestructible. I’ve bumped it into rocks, dragged it across the sand, and even had a few minor collisions, and it’s still going strong.
  • Affordability: Compared to other longboards, the Wavestorm is a fantastic value for the money.
  • Fun Factor: Let’s be honest, this board is a blast! It’s easy to learn on, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see your progress.

What Could Be Better:

  • Weight: It’s a heavy board. Carrying it to and from the beach can be a bit of a workout.
  • Performance in Larger Waves: While great for beginners, the Wavestorm might feel a bit sluggish in larger waves.

Overall:

If you’re a complete beginner looking to learn how to surf, I can’t recommend the Wavestorm Classic Longboard enough. It’s a fantastic introductory board that’s forgiving, durable, and incredibly fun. It might not be the most high-performance board on the market, but it’s perfect for learning the basics and falling in love with the sport.

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Riding Styles: A Quick Guide

Horseback riding offers a world of possibilities, and choosing a style really depends on your interests. Here are a few popular options:

  • Dressage: Think of it as figure skating on horseback. It emphasizes precision, grace, and harmony between horse and rider. Movements are intricate and require years of dedicated training.
  • Show Jumping: If you love the thrill of competition, show jumping is for you. Riders navigate a course of obstacles, aiming for speed and accuracy. It demands both athleticism and courage.
  • Eventing: This is a triathlon for horse and rider, combining dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding sport that tests both physical and mental endurance.
  • Western Riding: This style is all about functionality and working with horses. It’s often associated with the American West and includes disciplines like reining, cutting, and trail riding.
  • Trail Riding: Simply enjoying the scenery on horseback? Trail riding is perfect for you. It’s a relaxing way to connect with nature and explore new places.

Buying Your First Longboard: A Guide

This guide will help you navigate the longboard jungle and find the perfect board for you.

1. Determine Your Riding Style:

  • Cruising: This is the most common style. You’ll be leisurely rolling around, enjoying the scenery. Look for a longer board (around 40-44 inches) with soft, wide wheels for a smooth ride.
  • Downhill/Freeride: If you’re into speed and carving, you’ll need a shorter, stiffer board (around 36-40 inches) with harder wheels for better grip.
  • Dancing/Freestyle: This involves tricks and maneuvers. You’ll want a flexible board (around 36-40 inches) with smaller, grippy wheels.
  • Commuting: For daily commutes, consider a longer board (around 40-44 inches) with comfortable, wide wheels and trucks with good stability.

2. Choose Your Construction:

  • Topmount: The most common type, where the trucks are mounted on top of the deck.
  • Drop-Through: The trucks are mounted through the deck, lowering your center of gravity for better stability.
  • Double Drop: A combination of topmount and drop-through, offering a balance of stability and maneuverability.

3. Select Your Trucks:

  • Truck Base: The wider the base, the more stable the board.
  • Hanger Angle: A steeper angle provides more responsiveness, while a shallower angle offers more stability.

4. Pick Your Wheels:

  • Wheel Size: Larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily, while smaller wheels are better for maneuvering.
  • Wheel Durometer: Measured in durometer (duro), a higher duro means harder wheels (better for speed), while a lower duro means softer wheels (better for grip and comfort).

5. Consider Your Budget:

  • Longboards range from budget-friendly to high-end.
  • Don’t overspend on your first board. You can always upgrade later.

6. Test Ride (If Possible):

  • If you can, visit a local shop and test ride some boards to see what feels best.

7. Complete Your Setup:

  • Don’t forget essential accessories like bearings, risers, and grip tape.

8. Learn to Ride Safely:

  • Start with the basics and gradually increase your skill level.
  • Always wear a helmet and safety gear.

That’s it! With a little research and these tips, you’ll be cruising down the street in no time. Happy longboarding!

Over 20 years of skating have deeply impacted my mental health. I'm dedicated to sharing the therapeutic magic of cruising and carving with the world!

Why Trust longboardreviews.net?

At longboardreviews.net, we are dedicated to providing reliable and unbiased product reviews and helpful guides for car audio enthusiasts. Our team of experts thoroughly researches, tests, and evaluates longboard in various categories to provide you with the most up-to-date recommendations. We base our reviews on hands-on testing, extensive research, and analysis of customer feedback to ensure that you make informed purchasing decisions.

longboardreviews.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com