The question, “Do you skateboard?” often elicits the response, “Yes, I have a longboard!” While seemingly similar, this distinction can sometimes spark debate within the skateboarding community. This article explores the underlying reasons why some skateboarders don’t consider longboarding to be the same and the possible origins of this sometimes-contentious relationship.
It’s important to clarify that this isn’t meant to be a critique of longboarding itself. The goal is to explore the perspectives within the skateboarding community and understand the subtle nuances that can sometimes create a divide. While real-world animosity may be limited, discussions online often reveal a clear distinction in how skateboarders perceive longboarding.
The main reasons why some skateboarders harbor negative feelings toward longboarders often revolve around the perception that longboarding is easier, more commercially-driven, and less aesthetically appealing. This can sometimes lead to a form of “tribalism,” where differences are exaggerated and perceived as grounds for division.
Longboarding, often seen as a more relaxed activity focused on cruising and transportation rather than complex tricks, contrasts with the challenging nature of skateboarding. The appearance of carrying a longboard is also something that’s often commented on. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that both disciplines are distinct, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Even within the skateboarding community, downhill longboarding is often recognized as a discipline that requires skill and courage.
Let’s delve deeper into the specific reasons that sometimes fuel the divide, and challenge the notion of whether this dislike is truly warranted.
Exploring the Reasons Behind Skateboarder Dislike of Longboarders
skateboarders hating longboarders
It’s worth noting that not all skateboarders dislike longboarders; some even enjoy both. Yet, the reasons for this sometimes-strained relationship are often rooted in perceptions of skill, culture, and tradition. Many in the skateboarding community see their discipline as something fundamentally different from longboarding. Let’s examine these reasons in more detail.
1. The Perception of Longboarding Being Too Easy
Skateboarding demands considerable dedication and practice due to its smaller deck and harder wheels. Longboarding, with its larger, softer wheels and bigger deck, is often considered easier to learn and ride, especially for beginners. This difference in perceived difficulty can lead some skateboarders to view longboarding as less challenging, which can then be the reason for criticism. However, skilled longboarders can achieve impressive feats, and longboarding serves as an excellent starting point for those aiming to transition to skateboarding. The softer ride makes it easier to get the hang of balancing.
2. Skateboarding’s Culture of Tribalism
The skateboarding subculture is known for its strong sense of identity. This can sometimes manifest as a form of “tribalism,” where those within the community tend to stick together and express disdain for anything that deviates from their established norms. This can include anything from the clothes you wear to the type of tricks you do. Wearing the wrong brand or gear can make some skateboarders think you’re not truly part of their culture. This behavior, while not universally shared, is a definite factor in the sometimes-strained relationship between skateboarders and longboarders. The more exclusive the local group of skaters is, the more pronounced this behavior tends to be.
3. The “Dorky” Aesthetic of Longboarding
Style plays an important role in skateboarding. The way a trick is executed is considered just as important as the trick itself. Some skateboarders perceive the look of longboarding as less stylish and even somewhat awkward. The large size of the boards can appear cumbersome to some, especially when carried around. While this view is subjective, it’s a common sentiment within the skateboarding community. Older riders on electric longboards with all the gear can often amplify this negative perception within skateboarding.
4. Different Skate Park Etiquette
While longboarders are less common in skate parks, they sometimes get the blame when they don’t follow the established unwritten rules. These rules involve respecting the flow of the park, knowing when it’s your turn, and not interfering with other skaters. When a longboarder breaks these rules, they can often be criticized, especially since some skateboarders may already have a negative bias toward them. However, it’s worth noting that many beginner skateboarders commit these same mistakes, and that this should not be a reason for criticism.
5. Disparity in Popularity
While longboarding is seeing increased popularity, the community is still relatively small compared to skateboarding. Many skateboarders invest their entire lifestyle into skateboarding, whereas longboarders sometimes just view it as a recreational activity. This can contribute to the perception that longboarding is a temporary interest, unlike the long-term commitment often seen in skateboarding. Some might see longboarders as “quitters” who don’t want to push themselves.
6. The “Poser” Label
In skateboarding, being labelled a “poser” is a significant insult. It refers to someone who acts as if they’re part of the skateboarding culture, without the necessary skills or commitment. While it might seem contradictory to label a longboarder a poser, some skateboarders might do so, as longboarding is often viewed as an easier discipline. The perception is that some people might adopt the style of a skateboarder without actually investing time and effort into the challenging act of skateboarding itself.
7. Longboarding’s Commercial Appeal
Skateboarding is a subculture with an independent spirit that often shies away from corporate influence. Many skateboarders prefer to support smaller brands and local shops, and often dislike major corporations. Longboarding, on the other hand, is often seen as a more commercial activity, with larger companies dominating the industry. This difference in commercial association can contribute to the negative perception some skateboarders have about longboarding. These larger companies are often not seen as being supportive of the sport, but more interested in making a quick profit.
8. Limited Trick Capabilities
The range of tricks in skateboarding is vast, with new ones constantly evolving, whereas longboarding has a more limited arsenal of tricks. This limitation stems from the design of longboards, which often lack kicktails and concave, essential for performing many skateboarding tricks. While a skilled longboarder can perform impressive maneuvers, their trick repertoire will not be as diverse as what a skateboarder can accomplish.
9. Longboarding and Gender Perceptions
Longboarding tends to be more popular among women compared to skateboarding, which is unfortunately still sometimes marred by gender bias. Some skateboarders with more traditional ideas about gender roles might see longboarding as a more “feminine” activity. It’s crucial to acknowledge that gender has nothing to do with skill or enjoyment in any activity, and the perception of longboarding as a sport “for women” is completely unfounded.
10. Toxicity in Skateboarding
Some skateboarders can be very elitist and territorial, creating a toxic environment. These individuals often like to criticize anything or anyone they consider to be outside of their group. This negativity and gatekeeping can alienate both fellow skateboarders and people who enjoy other sports like longboarding. These individuals reinforce the stigma around the sport and contribute to the negative image of skateboarders in general.
Conclusion: Understanding the Differences and Bridging the Divide
While there are valid distinctions between skateboarding and longboarding, the disdain some skateboarders have for longboarders is largely unwarranted. Both sports offer unique challenges and rewards, and both attract passionate participants. The negative feelings, often fueled by perceptions of skill, commercialization, and cultural differences, should be seen as a product of groupthink and irrational “tribalism” within a part of the community.
Ultimately, both groups should recognize that their shared love of board sports transcends any perceived differences. A better approach would be to focus on celebrating the unique aspects of each discipline. To that end, maybe, just maybe, it is time to accept that scooter kids are the real enemy.
