Beginner Longboard Guide: How to Choose the Right or Left Board and Start Riding with Confidence

Learning how to longboard is one of the most exciting ways to experience freedom, balance, and personal expression on wheels. Whether you’re 2 or 60, the longboarding community welcomes riders of all ages and skill levels. But before you hit the pavement, it’s important to understand what makes a good beginner longboard—and how to choose one that matches your balance, age, and riding goals.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get started, from picking your first board to building confidence as a new rider. We’ll also show you why Ghost Boards is one of the best choices for beginner longboarders in 2025.

My story: I am 53 and hadn’t been on a skateboard since I was 16. I started when I was 3 years old skating around the neighborhood, and got serious into the skate world when I was 12. Yes, I was that kid in the neighborhood with a mo-hawk, and a cool Zorlac skateboard. I got back into skating at the age of 47, and now love it. Bringing back the freedom to cruise outside, getting off the couch to have fun. Longboarding is an expression of the freedom. When starting the company Ghost Boards, I looked at and tried hundreds of different type of wheels, trucks, bearings, and decks. I wanted something custom, cool, and had great flex. This is the story of the Ghost Long Board. With acrylic, it is super strong, flexible, and fun to ride. At the same time we can engrave any name, logo, design in the board.

🛹 Why Longboarding Is Great for Beginners

Longboarding is easier to learn than traditional skateboarding thanks to its wider decks, softer wheels, and smooth ride. It’s perfect for:

Casual cruising : Just go outside and push around the block and neighborhood.
Campus commuting: Easy to get to classes in style
Family fun: Ride with the whole family.
Learning to carve or dance: Now we get some technical balance and fun
Low-impact outdoor exercise: Yes, the outside graphics are really cool

Best of all, it’s a relaxing and creative activity that gets you outside and moving at your own pace.

🔍 Choosing the Right Beginner Longboard

When you’re new to longboarding, picking the right board makes a huge difference. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Age and Size

Younger riders or those with a smaller frame may prefer shorter boards (around 33″–38″), which are easier to control and carry. Adults and taller riders often enjoy longer boards (40″+) for added stability and carving space.

Ghost Boards offers a range of sizes, including 24′ pennyboards, 30″ cruisers, 36″ carvers, 40″ platypus decks, to 48” dancer and pintail decks that are ideal for beginners who want both control and maneuverability.

2. Balance and Confidence

If you’re still building balance, choose a board with:

A wider deck for more foot space
A lower center of gravity for stability
Soft wheels for smoother rides over cracks and bumps

Ghost Boards’ clear acrylic longboards provide a stable platform with soft, grippy wheels—perfect for riders learning to push, cruise, and carve.

3. Style of Riding

Think about how you plan to use your board:

Cruising – Look for pintail or wheel cut shapes : 30″ or 40″ wheel cut
Carving – Choose boards with flexible decks and responsive trucks 36″ surfer
Dancing or freestyle – Go with longer decks like the 48” Dancer from Ghost Boards
All-around beginners – A 40” deck is a great middle ground: start with the platypus. no front or back, widest and easiest to ride.

Ghost Boards allows you to customize your longboard with deck shape, trucks, and even LED light-up wheels, making your board as unique as your ride.

👣 How to Start Riding

Once you have your board, it’s time to ride! Follow these beginner steps:

Find your stance – Regular (left foot forward) or Goofy (right foot forward)
Practice balancing – On grass or carpet to get comfortable
Start pushing – On flat ground with gentle, steady movements
Learn to carve – Shift your weight to turn side to side
Always wear safety gear – Helmet, pads, and proper shoes are a must

As you gain confidence, you’ll naturally build speed and start experimenting with different styles.

🌟 Why Ghost Boards Is Perfect for Beginners

Ghost Boards is changing the longboard game with their clear acrylic decks, custom designs, and smooth-rolling setups. Here’s why new riders love them:

Beginner-friendly designs with wide decks and easy control
Fully customizable setups so you can match your board to your personality
LED wheels and lighting options that add fun and visibility
Made in Utah, USA with quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
Built for all skill levels, from first-timers to advanced riders

Whether you’re 12 years old or 60+, Ghost Boards offers a board that fits your balance, your style, and your budget.

🛹 Ready to Start Longboarding?

Choosing your first longboard should be fun—not confusing. Focus on comfort, control, and what feels right for you. And if you’re looking for a board that’s both beginner-friendly and uniquely stylish, check out the full lineup at www.ghostboardsshop.com.

Live free. Ride a Ghost.™ #beginnerlongboard #longboarding #longboard #customlongboard