The start of a new year is always a great time to reflect and make predictions, and for the longboarding community, it’s no different. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and the latest trends, but we’ve decided to take a step back and analyze what’s truly impacting the longboarding world. We consulted both seasoned veterans and fresh perspectives to give you a diverse outlook on the year ahead. So whether you’re a seasoned longboarder or a newcomer to the scene, here are our longboarding predictions for 2024.
A collage of three longboarders performing different tricks on varied terrains
The Rise of “Gross” Tricks
Prepare for the comeback of the “gross” trick! Forget the polished, competition-ready moves. This year, we anticipate a surge in unconventional and often technically challenging maneuvers. Think about a late flip lipslide on a skatepark rail – a trick that might baffle a young skater who’s focused on contest wins. As skaters look for ways to stand out, they’ll push boundaries with complex flip combinations, manual variations, and other wild trick combinations. It’s all about pushing the envelope and creating skateboarding that’s memorable and innovative.
Financial Realities for Longboarders
The days of stimulus checks are over, and that means many skaters, including longboarders, may feel a pinch financially. We expect many will be returning to the hustle of flipping used gear and scraping by. The rise in costs, especially for film photography, will make it harder to share longboarding adventures. With fewer photo labs and increased prices for film, those Instagram photo dumps might become less frequent. Skaters will have to get more creative in how they document and share their passion.
Nostalgia Overload
The longboarding community has always appreciated its history. However, there is a risk of going overboard with nostalgia. While it’s cool to see old-school longboarders and forgotten tricks, a constant stream of retro content can be overwhelming. We need to be careful not to get stuck in the past. It’s important to appreciate the legacy of longboarding while also pushing forward with new ideas.
Meme Wars and Online Culture
The internet has changed how we interact with skateboarding, and this year, we’re predicting some drama within the meme community. A seemingly innocent meme could spark real conflict among skaters. The meme culture can be fun and engaging, but there’s a chance that things could get heated. It’s a reminder that online actions can have real-world consequences.
The Shift Away from Major Hubs
While certain cities have long been the centers of longboarding, this year we foresee a potential shift. The popularity of cities like New York may begin to wane due to rising costs of living. Skaters are increasingly looking at other locations that offer more affordable options, good spots, and a unique culture. We might see a rise in longboarding scenes in places like Philadelphia and Montreal, where the community is already vibrant and growing. This means new opportunities for growth and new hubs for skateboarding to develop.
The Great NFT/Crypto Scandal
The world of cryptocurrency and NFTs has entered many areas of life, including longboarding. We predict that some professional longboarder will likely be caught in a web 3.0 scandal this year. There are many new financial schemes that seem too good to be true, and it’s possible that some longboarders may be caught up in them. It’s a reminder to be cautious and do your research before investing in anything that seems risky.
A cropped image of an NFT
The Post-Olympics Adjustment
After the buzz of the Olympics, there’s bound to be some shakeups in the competitive side of longboarding. With the next Olympics still a ways off, those in positions of power within skate federations may seek to “save” longboarding, by creating new rules and regulations. It is critical that skaters stay focused on what makes longboarding great rather than being caught up in the politics of competition.
The Split Between Core and Competitive Longboarding
As competitive longboarding grows, we’ll likely see a division between the core, grassroots scene and the more mainstream, competitive side of the sport. The rise of longboarding camps and trainers for young skaters is already creating a new generation that is focused on competition. This may be in contrast with skaters who value the more free and creative expression of longboarding. These different styles are likely to grow apart, which could create some divisions within the longboarding community.
Looking Ahead
These predictions highlight the ever-evolving landscape of longboarding. While change is inevitable, it’s essential to embrace the diversity of thought and the various ways we engage with this sport. As we enter 2024, we look forward to witnessing the exciting developments and transformations in the longboarding world.
Words: Thomas Barker & Justin the Intern
Illustrations by: David Lizom
