The thing is, there are actually different types of longboard skateboards - the reasons that people love them so much differ because the boards offer different experiences. There are longboard skateboards built for skating downhill at top speed, there are cruiser decks made for going for a relaxing, fun ride, and there are carving boards made for people who like to carve the hills instead of bomb them.

People who like skating downhill typicallly search for longboard skateboards that are a bit wider with a bigger wheelbase. The deck may also be longer than other longboards because this helps the rider get up a good amount of speed. The downhill boards are typically wider because this helps the rider keep control at higher speeds, and also helps them maintain control when they do different power slides. These slides allow the rider to maintain a comfortable speed, and also look cool.

Another board people ride is the cruiser board. These longboard skateboards are much different from the other ones. First, they're shorter than a downhill board, but usually not as short as the carving board. The cruiser can look like your typical longboard deck, or can be shorter - that kind of cruiser is best for transportation. A lot of skaters will take a portable cruiser with them when they go to college because it makes a great deck for getting from class to class.

The last category of longboards is the carving board. These types of longboard skateboards are usually shorter and fatter than the other two, and are made for carving up the road like you would with a surfboard on a wave. The reason this type of deck allows you to carve is thanks to the special truck, designed by carver skateboards. This truck fits on the front of your deck and sways back and forth, allowing you to carve your way around town. These boards are great for flatlands or for hills. Whatever you're comfortable with, really.

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of longboard skateboards, you can head to your local longboard shop and check them out. Longboarding is a great sport with a lot of history, and it's a lot of fun to get into. Don't forget to be safe the first time you ride - always wear your helmet and pads!