similarities to skateboards

 

LONGBOARDS

A longboard is a type of skateboard that is similar to a surfboard with wheels. They are commonly used for cruising, downhill racing, slalom racing, or transportation, rather than stunts. Fluent motions or tricks can be strung together, referred to as "dancing". Longboards can be shaped in various ways, depending on the type of riding for which the board is intended. Their greater weight and bulk makes them less suitable for many skateboarding tricks, but contributes to a fluid motion by providing more momentum. Longboarding is often compared to surfing on concrete, and the design allows big turns or quick short carves similar to a surfboard or snowboard.

Longboard equipment is very similar to standard skateboard equipment. Many longboarders wear gloves and a helmet, in addition to wrist, elbow, and knee protection. In the sliding and downhill disciplines, riders wear "slide gloves" which are a specialized glove made out of a strong material such as leather, and have "pucks" attached, which are usually made of delrin, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (often shortened to UHMW), or corian. Polyethylene cutting boards are also sometimes cut into pucks and used, but they are less resistant to heat and will sometimes melt when used on rough pavement. A Slide is where the rider gets low enough to pull upwards on his board making the wheels lose tractions on the ground. there are many variations in which slides can be performed.^[1]
Most longboards measure between 90 and 150 cm (35.4-60 inches). Shorter boards may still be referred to as longboards when their main purpose is in line with that of longboarding. There are several different shapes of longboards, including pintails, flat nose riders, and boards shaped like a longer shortboard. Pintails permit looser trucks and larger diameter wheels better suited for carving or a "surfy" feel. Mid-length boards, 94-127 cm (37-50 inches) are the most versatile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uzlm-QwjxE