It’s a common misconception that skateboarding gear needs to be gender-specific. The truth is, anyone can hop on any board and have a blast. However, when we delve into the nuances, it becomes clear that different people have different needs, and that includes the type of longboard they ride. This article explores which longboards are best suited for women and individuals with smaller feet.
Do Women Need Different Longboards?
When it comes to the aesthetics of a longboard, like color or style, it’s all about personal preference. But, when we talk about the shape and size of a longboard, the answer leans towards a ‘yes.’ On average, women tend to have smaller body frames compared to men. This often means they are shorter, weigh less, and have smaller feet. Therefore, the standard 44-inch long, 10-inch wide cruisers may not be the best fit. They can be cumbersome, hard to control, and uncomfortable for many women riders.
The Impact of Size and Weight on Longboarding
So, how do small feet, shorter height, and lighter weight affect the longboarding experience? Let’s break it down:
How Foot Size Affects Board Control
Smaller feet often struggle to reach the edges of a wider board. When your heel and toe can comfortably reach the rails (edges), you gain better control over leaning and turning. If a board is too wide, it restricts your ability to control it effectively. This can make riding feel awkward and unstable. Even riders with larger feet sometimes struggle to maintain control on extra-wide boards.
Close-up of a foot on a longboard, showing the heel and toe reaching the edges
The Effect of Height on Stance
Height plays a role in your natural stance width. Taller individuals tend to have a wider stance, while shorter individuals naturally have a narrower one. When longboards are designed primarily with men’s heights in mind, women may find that they have to stand with an uncomfortable, unnaturally wide stance in order to feel in control. Shorter riders may find more comfort on a shorter board that accommodates their narrower stance.
How Weight Influences Board Responsiveness
Your weight directly influences how much force you can apply to a board to initiate turns. Lighter riders may find it hard to get the board to turn responsively, while heavier riders might find the board overly soft and squishy. Bushings, the urethane components in your trucks that control turning, play a key role in this.
Image of a scale, representing the concept of weight
Most stock bushings are designed for male riders, who tend to weigh more than female riders. Women may find standard 90a bushings too stiff, leading to a less confident and enjoyable riding experience.
Pro Model Longboards Designed by Women
The fact that many pro model longboards designed by female skaters are smaller than the average 10-inch wide board speaks volumes. These boards are often designed with the goal of allowing riders to move from edge to edge more easily, and to address the discomfort that some female riders have experienced with larger boards.
Amanda Powell’s Pro Models
Amanda Powell, a pioneer in female skateboarding, has had two pro models: the Riviera Ursa Minor and the Mystic Amanda Powell Pro Model. The Ursa Minor was 38.44 inches long with a 9-inch width, designed for downhill and all-around riding. The Mystic was 39.25 inches long, also with a 9-inch width, and featured a double kicktail design for versatility. Both were designed to accommodate a narrower stance, providing better control.
Image of the Riviera Ursa Minor longboard
Emily Pross’s Kebbek Pro Models
Emily Pross, a dominant force in downhill skateboarding, also has two pro models: the Mountain and the City models. The Mountain model, designed for downhill, is 34.5 inches long and 9.5 inches wide at its widest point, narrowing to less than 9 inches where the rider stands. The City model is a 33-inch long, 8.8-inch wide double-kick, ideal for cruising and vert skating. Both boards exemplify the need for different board shapes tailored to different riding styles and rider statures.
Image of the Emily Pross Mountain Pro Model
Image of the Emily Pross City Pro Model
Lilian Gutsch’s Root Longboards Nymphaea Pro Model
Lilian Gutsch’s pro model, the Root Longboards Nymphaea, is a testament to the need for smaller boards for riders with smaller feet and stances. This board is 32 inches long and only 8.66 inches wide, making it exceptionally narrow. It was designed to minimize the need to shift feet during rides, especially at higher speeds.
Image of the Root Longboards Nymphaea longboard deck
Finding the Right Longboard for Women
Now that we’ve established the need for more suitable longboards, let’s explore the key features to consider when purchasing a board.
Longboard Size: Width and Length
For women, the ideal longboard width typically ranges from 8.5 to 9.5 inches. Riders with smaller feet should lean towards the narrower end of this range. This will ensure that the rails are within easy reach of your toes and heels, providing enhanced balance and control.
When it comes to length, a range of 30 to 36 inches tends to be comfortable for most women. While length is a less critical factor than width, staying within this range will generally result in a more comfortable and controllable riding experience.
A close-up of a longboard and a helmet next to it
Matching the Board to Your Riding Style
Longboarding is a diverse sport, with various disciplines, each requiring boards tailored to specific riding styles. For example, a trick skateboard won’t be suitable for cruising, as their narrow design and small wheels perform poorly on roads and sidewalks.
The Importance of Wheel Size
Larger wheels generally provide a smoother ride, easily rolling over cracks and pebbles. For a comfortable cruise, opt for wheels between 68 and 75mm.
Image of Fireball Tinder longboard wheels
Choosing a High-Quality Complete Longboard
Selecting a high-quality complete longboard will significantly enhance your riding experience. A well-built board will feel great underfoot and have components that work together seamlessly. While it’s okay to start with a more affordable board in the $50-$100 range to test the waters, it’s important to understand that these boards won’t provide the same smooth and enjoyable ride as higher-quality options.
Image of a complete longboard with wheels, trucks, and deck
Enhancing Your Longboard for Optimal Performance
Upgrading Bushings
Bushings are essential for controlling how your board turns. Most trucks come with stock 90a bushings, which might be too stiff for lighter riders. Upgrading your bushings to a durometer that suits your weight can make a significant difference in the smoothness and responsiveness of your ride. Venom and Riptide are two reliable manufacturers of aftermarket bushings with a wide variety of options.
Venom Bushing Selector chart
To find the right bushings for you, consult manufacturer charts or seek advice from experienced riders.
Recommended Longboards for Women
Here are a few recommended longboards that are well-suited for women:
Loaded Boards Poke
This high-quality cruiser is an excellent option for smaller riders. It’s 34 inches long and 9.125 inches wide. The complete comes with high-quality Paris trucks, 70mm Orangatang wheels, and Loaded Jehu V2 bearings, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride.
Image of the Loaded Boards Poke longboard
Whome 31in Cruiser
This budget-friendly option is 31 inches long and 8.25 inches wide, making it great for younger riders with smaller feet.
Image of the Whome 31in cruiser longboard
Loaded Overland
The Loaded Overland is a versatile board suitable for cruising, freestyle tricks, and dancing. It’s 37 inches long and 9.5 inches wide and features high-quality components such as Paris trucks and 69mm Orangatang Kilmer wheels.
Image of the Loaded Overland longboard
Landyachtz Drop Cat 33in
The Drop Cat is an affordable, high-quality cruiser with a low riding platform for extra stability and easier pushing. It’s an ideal board for beginners and experienced riders alike, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Image of the Landyachtz Drop Cat 33in longboard
Sola Drop-Down Longboard
The Sola Longboard features a drop-down mounting system that enhances stability and control. It is 38.75 inches long and 9.75 inches wide, making it a good fit for larger riders who still want a “girl-friendly” board.
Image of the Sola drop-down longboard
Fireball Supply Co. Cruiser
This compact cruiser is 29.75 inches long and 8.75 inches wide, making it highly portable while still comfortable. It features high-quality components, such as Paris TKP trucks, Dragon bearings, and Fireball Tinder wheels.
Image of the Fireball Supply Co. Cruiser
Landyachtz Dinghy
The Landyachtz Dinghy is a popular mini-cruiser, ideal for younger riders. It is 28 inches long and 8 inches wide.
Image of the Landyachtz Dinghy longboard
Loaded Tesseract
The Loaded Tesseract is a top choice for downhill longboarding. It is 36 inches long and 9.5 inches wide, with a stiff and lightweight construction and features like a W-concave and rocker for enhanced performance.
Image of the Loaded Tesseract longboard
Landyachtz Tony Danza
The Landyachtz Tony Danza is an affordable and high-quality option for longboard dancing and freestyle. It comes in a 39-inch and 47-inch version, with the 39-inch being suitable for all-around riding.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a longboard that is tailored to your size and riding style can make all the difference in your experience. If you’re a woman or an individual with smaller feet, consider the recommendations above and make sure to change your bushings. If you are unsure, the Loaded Poke is a great option for those who can invest in a high-end board. The Whome is an option for budget-conscious skaters, while the Drop Cat or Fireball cruiser are great in-between alternatives.